Articles by Penny Woodward

Heeling in bare-rooted trees

May 2022

If you have a bunch of bare-rooted trees and can’t plant them quickly, you can do what’s called ‘heeling in’: Penny Woodward explains the process here. Plus, basic tips from Karen Sutherland.

Robin checking 'Beauregard' snow pea crop.

Saving seeds for our future

April 2022

Penny Woodward talks with Peter Carlyon and Robin Koster-Carlyon about how they changed their organic farm into a thriving seed-growing enterprise.

worm farm

How to make a worm farm

April 2022

You can use a bath, trough, sink or even a large tin to make a worm farm, says Penny Woodward

Citrus leafminer

Pest and disease threats

February 2022

Penny Woodward suggests two threats to your harvest to look out for in your garden now: citrus leafminer and powdery mildew.

Healthy soil is good for our gardens and the planet.

Start with your soil

January 2022

Early autumn is a good time to take a close look at your soil and do some prep work for your new crops, writes Penny Woodward.

Elder flowers

Elder trees

January 2022

These trees have been associated with magic and witchcraft for a long time, explains Penny Woodward.

Coloured lettuces

Lettuces all year round

December 2021

Penny Woodward says that with the variety of lettuces available, you should never be without leaves to add to your salads all year round.

'Majorca Pink' rosemary.

Growing rosemary

October 2021

Rosemary is an incredibly versatile and beautiful plant, writes Penny Woodward. It attracts birds and insects, flowers in winter and lifts the spirit if drunk as a tea.

Know your stuff

October 2021

Penny Woodward's glossary of organic gardening terms for novice gardeners – plus, a useful reference for the more experienced among you, too.

Coloured tomatoes

Why is a red tomato red?

September 2021

Tomatoes come in a variety of colours, explains Penny Woodward, with quirky names to match.

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