Really, really enjoyed this book, it’s a no nonsense fun approach to growing things, written by people who hate wasting things !

(Of course Old Grumps, aka as Joe, did say he thought some planting ideas were a bit “twee”.
But this is from a man who has bought exactly the same sort of shoes for 20 years !)

It shows you how you can grow all sorts of stuff in the smallest - and unlikeliest - of places.

Potatoes, carrots and beetroot on the patio for example.

Our Larger Biodegradable Coir Pots are really ace for these - in fact for all sorts of other deep root veg

“Growing Stuff” is written by a whole collection of people who are passionate about making things grow, like Richard Reynolds the infamous “Guerrilla Gardener”.

He has dedicated his life to brightening up urban ( and rural ) wastelands and here he writes a fascinating introduction.

As well as an article about Lavender Cushions !

So don’t expect learned articles from Horticultural Professors, but articles written by people who simply have a real passion for plants.
They do not just show how the most unpromising areas - and things - can be productive,but how to make poly tunnels, bird food, which weeds you can get your own back on by eating and so many other things.

What things you say - well O.K. you’ve asked for it, now for the hard sell !

There is some very basic stuff ideal for kids, but also ideal for those mucky little ‘angels’ is how to make a worm farm, resulting in delightfully pongy ‘worm juice’.

Although if the thought of your own ‘Worm Management’ a bit daunting,or you’re really pushed for space,why not try our
Wormcast and Coir Compost

Or how about making organic plant feed ?
You will be getting your own back on nettles and dock leaves at the same time as making a lovely pungent, strong fertilizer. “Growing Stuff” shows you how.

Could be you like the idea of container grown peas ?
It shows you how to do this too.
And it just so happens we have the perfect containers.
Large Biodegradable Coir Pots
( Told you it was a hard sell ! )

Then there is them not only telling you how to propagate Rosemary, but how to make a simple Rosemary ‘Hair Rinse’.

It does give your hair a lovely shine, but unfortunately for Joe, who did become very excited for a while, the promised stimulation of hair growth has eluded him.

Then he sulked - just because I suggested that at least some hair was needed before it could be stimulated !

In fact there are loads of recipes in “Growing Stuff”, including Chilli Jam
( our Chilli Power Kitchen Gardens could offer a bit of a shortcut here. )

A particularly favourite recipe is Courgette Fudge Cake,
Yep, Courgettes - well, we’ve all had Carrot Cake !

Elizabeth McCorquodale then spreads her Courgette cake with Chocolate Butter Cream Icing.

Just the sort of filler little tummies need after a hard day at the worm farm.

( And just the sort of thing to make us run around the garden a few times in penance for eating such a big slice. )

Well I could go on and on - so I shall !

They tell you about plants to attract all sorts of wildlife.

And when you have attracted loads of beautiful birds,how about creating a ‘Belgravia’ of the bird world.
How ?

Well it just so happens that our friends at Widemarsh have made us some lovely Nesting Boxes all fully carpeted !

It’s not just birds that “Growing Stuff” will help you attract.

There’s Bees too.
( NO stop, stop - its not that sort of wild life book !)

Seriously, it gives some good, common sense ideas of how to attract the good beasties, and how to put off the bad.

If you would like some more grisly detail see our Weed and Pest Controls .