Steve Ott

  • Help to log the homegrown harvest

    Help to log the homegrown harvest

    Anyone who grows their own crops can log information on the MYHarvest website about what they are growing and how much they have produced. Whether your plot is a window-box or an allotment, scientists from the University of Sheffield need…

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  • Go wild in June!

    Go wild in June!

    The Wildlife Trusts is challenging people to do something wild every day throughout June: that’s 30 Random Acts of Wildness. Sign up now to get your free 30 Days Wild pack, which contains stickers, a wallchart and wildflower seeds, plus…

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  • Faster action needed on peat phase-out

    Faster action needed on peat phase-out

    Only 19% of almost 1,300 products on sale were clearly labelled as peat-free Despite the Government’s commitment to phase out peat for garden use by 2020, a new survey confirms the lack of real choice for consumers looking for peat-free…

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  • London’s oldest plotsresist developers

    London’s oldest plotsresist developers

    Northfields Allotments comprises 141 plots, which are fully rented, with over 70 people on the waiting list. London’s oldest allotments, which have existed since 1832 but now face the threat of a housing development on part of the site, have…

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  • New Fothergill’s workers get buzzy

    New Fothergill’s workers get buzzy

    Mr Fothergill’s is encouraging gardeners to help bees by growing a wide range of flowers that bloom at different times through the season. A colony of honey bees is settling into its new home on the Mr Fothergill’s trial ground,…

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  • SPIRALISED COURGETTE PUTTANESCA

    SPIRALISED COURGETTE PUTTANESCA

    A little modern take on the classic Italian pasta puttanesca, omitting the pasta and replacing it with spiralised courgettes. If you don’t have a spiraliser, you can cut ribbons instead using a peeler. SERVES 2 Preparation time: 25 minutes |…

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  • COURGETTE FALAFEL

    COURGETTE FALAFEL

    Tasty and vibrant falafel with added courgette for those extra vitamins! Great served hot or cold with pitta and salad. SERVES 4 Preparation time: 35 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes • 1 small/medium courgette (roughly 150g/5oz) • 2 x…

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  • 27th April 2017

    27th April 2017

    Marvin develops a love for philosophy The question is why a marrow? Why am I a marrow here in this pot, on this greenhouse bench? Well it was Socrates who said “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

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  • STRAWBERRY & MELON FRUIT NEST

    STRAWBERRY & MELON FRUIT NEST

    Crispy nests topped with luscious crème fraîche and this season’s best fruits.  Add a few mint leaves for added flavour, or some grated dark chocolate. MAKES 6 Preparation time: 15 minutes • 400g/14oz strawberries, quartered • 400g/14oz melon, peeled and…

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  • Coconut Milk Strawberry Ice Cream

    Coconut Milk Strawberry Ice Cream

    A lovely cooling and not too sweet dairy-free ice cream, perfect for serving on a summer’s day.  SERVES 6 Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooling time: One hour • 2 tins full fat coconut milk • 450g/16oz strawberries, hulled •…

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  • A HAPPY GREENHOUSE MEANS HAPPY PLANTS

    A HAPPY GREENHOUSE MEANS HAPPY PLANTS

    Award-winning blogger Ade Sellars has some timely advice for those of us starting off our seedlings under cover Over the next few months, our polytunnels and greenhouses will be home to our seedlings, and young plants; they will aid the…

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  • RUSSIAN SALAD WITH PEAS

    RUSSIAN SALAD WITH PEAS

    Let your newly harvested peas shine in this Russian inspired salad with potato and carrots. It tastes delicious. SERVES 6 | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes • 3 medium/large potatoes, peeled • 3 large carrots, peeled.…

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