Nettles and Petals

A compelling call to change the way we think about gardening and growing food, Nettles and Petals, by ecological horticulturist and social media sensation Jamie Walton is the only guide you need to make your garden more sustainable.Full of essential information and inviting imagery, this accessible guide provides a holistic and ecological approach to gardening and vegetable growing. With a focus on biodiversity, soil health, and the creation of balanced ecosystems, Nettles and Petals is a must-read for any budding gardener.Join Social Media Influencer of the Year 2024 Jamie Walton and the @NettlesAndPetals community on their mission to save the wild plants in our gardens and learn how to begin growing them in your spaces in a practical way.Dig into must-know topics including: Companion planting The wonders of nettles and other weeds The importance of flowers in the vegetable garden Circular and ecological garden planning Growing guides for Jamie's 'top 30' vegetables Seed saving and sowing Urban and small-scale sustainable gardening Harvesting, preserving, and sharing produce An ideal self-purchase or a gift for the green enthusiast in your life, Nettles and Petals is perfect for anyone curious about gardening sustainably.

Auteur

Jamie Walton is an ecological horticulturist and conservationist, growing food, flowers, and microbes in North Yorkshire, UK. His mission is to support others on their gardening journey, regardless of their circumstances.

Since founding @nettlesandpetals, Jamie has gained a global audience who share inspiring posts on gardening, conservation, and growing plants and vegetables using ecological methods. By focusing on sustainability, Jamie not only teaches people how to grow their own food but also encourages a deeper connection with nature.

Join the community @nettlesandpetals.

Sam is a UK based fashion and portrait photographer focussed on sustainable fashion, slow living and traditional crafts. 

Texte du rabat

Nettles and Petals is a practical and accessible ‘how-to’ guide for growing your own food, and gardening sustainably. Learn from an expert, with the professional horticulturalist, popular Instagram personality and Social Media Influencer of the Year 2024 Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals).

Contenu

INTRODUCTION 

CHAPTER ONE: NATURE'S GREENPRINT 

• Introduction to Growing Vegetables 
• The Key Principles I Follow 
• Rediscovering Indigenous Growing Practices 
• Embracing and Increasing Biodiversity

• Why Grow Our Own Food?  CHAPTER TWO: CIRCULAR GARDEN DESIGN  

• A Guide to Planning an Ecological Garden 
• The Wisdom of Woodlands Mimicked within the Garden 
• Edible Perennial Plants for a Resilient Vegetable Garden 
• Incorporating Companion Planting into Our Planting Plan 
• The Benefits of Polyculture Growing 

• Embrace Edi-mental Gardening  CHAPTER THREE: SOIL HEALTH   

• The Living Ecosystem Beneath Our Feet
• Functions of Healthy Soil 
• The Severity of Soil Degradation  
• Quick and Easy Methods to Assess Your Garden Soil  
• Minimal Disturbance Gardening 
• Methods used to Minimise Disturbance 
• Implementing No-Dig / Minimal Disturbance Gardening
• Guide to Creating Compost 
• My Guide to Creating a 3-Bay Compost System
• Creating Natural Plant Fertilisers

• Potential Problems with Liquid Fertilisers  
  CHAPTER FOUR: THE WONDER OF WEEDS   

• The Role of Pioneering Weeds
• Reading the Signs 
• Welcome Weeds 
• Unwelcome Weeds 

• 'When in Doubt, Use Nettles'   CHAPTER FIVE: SEED TO ROOT, SHOOT AND FRUIT  

• Key Principles 
• Start Here: 5 
• Veg Growing Guide

NIGHTSHADE FAMILY
Tomatoes
Chillis
Aubergines  ALLIUM FAMILY
Onion
Garlics
Leeks 

SALAD LEAVES
Lettuce
Spinach
Rocket
Mustard
Swiss Chard 

BRASSICAS 
Cabbage
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Brussels sprouts
Kale 
Kohlrabi 

LEGUMES
Peas
Beans
Green Beans
Broad Beans 

CUCURBITS
Cucumbers
Courgette
Pumpkin
Melon and Cantaloupe
Squash 

ROOT VEGETABLES
Carrot
Beetroot
Radishes
Parsnips
Potatoes 

MISCELLANEOUS VEGETABLES
Sweetcorn
Asparagus
Celery

THE POWER OF HERBS
Hardy Herbs: Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Oregano
Tender Herbs: Basil, Coriander, Parsley, Dill CHAPTER SIX: FLOWER POWER

• Pollinator Magnetism
• Let them Bolt 
• Pest Management Allies
• Soil Health Booster
• Culinary Companions 

• Therapeutic Benefits CHAPTER SEVEN: PESTS AND DISEASES 

• Prevention is Better than a Chemical “cure”  
• Proactive Pest Management 
• IPM (Aphids) 
• Slugs and Snails 
• Power of Herbs for Natural Pest Control 
• Create a Mini Wildlife Pond in a Barrel 
• Create a Wildlife Mansion 

• Creating Beneficial Beetle Banks and Log Piles  CHAPTER EIGHT: URBAN AND SMALL SCALE SUSTAINABLE GARDENING 

• Challenges 
• Opportunities 
• Practical Tips 
• Creating a DIY Home Worm Farm 

• Create Compost in a Small Space Using Bokashi  CHAPTER NINE: HARVESTING PRESERVING SHARING

• Timing is Everything 
• Canning, Freezing, Drying, Fermenting 
• Why Grow Heirloom? 
• Simple Seed Saving
• Sharing Surplus Produce  CONCLUSION 
  ENDMATTER