Shade-Loving Vegetables: How to Grow a Thriving Vegetable Garden in the Shade
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Shade-Loving Vegetables: How to Grow a Thriving Vegetable Garden in the Shade

ByNiki

A shade garden is a garden that is designed to accommodate plants that grow well in low-light conditions. This type of garden is often found in areas that receive little direct sunlight, such as under the canopy of trees or on the north side of a building.  Several reasons someone might choose to grow shade-loving…

Maximizing Your Off Grid Solar: What to Do with Excess Energy
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Maximizing Your Off Grid Solar: What to Do with Excess Energy

ByNiki

If you want to go fully off grid in the UK, there are several things you will need to consider. One of the first things you need to assess is your energy needs and determine how much power you will need to generate to meet them. This will involve looking at how many appliances you…

Mastering the Art of Self-Sufficiency in the UK
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Mastering the Art of Self-Sufficiency in the UK

ByNiki

For anyone who grew up watching the BBC’s The Good Life, the very idea of “being self-sufficient” seems like a romantic dream that is perfectly possible in a back garden or backyard. “Self-sufficiency in suburbia!” as Tom Good called it, but is it really possible? Can we actually become fully “self-sufficient” in the UK? This…

The Power of Self-Reliance on a Homestead
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The Power of Self-Reliance on a Homestead

ByNiki

Living self-sufficiently on a homestead is an incredibly rewarding endeavor, but it does come with its challenges. Many people may be intimidated by homesteading and think it is too difficult or complicated. With the right mindset and knowledge, anyone can learn to be self-reliant. Self-reliance is essential to homesteading; it helps us become more aware…

Do I Need Permission To Build A Pond?
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Do I Need Permission To Build A Pond?

ByNiki

If you’ve ever sat beside a gurgling river or stream and watched the wildlife coming and going, you will know how much life depends on water. Without water, there is no life. In the UK, we faced massive droughts through the summer this year, and we were getting quite concerned about the wildlife in our…

Natural Deodorants That Actually Work: 5 Options To Try
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Natural Deodorants That Actually Work: 5 Options To Try

ByNiki

When you think of natural deodorants, you might envision a weak, watered-down version of the strong and aluminium-based antiperspirants you’re used to. Still, there are several natural deodorants that actually work on the market that are effective and free of harmful chemicals. If you’re looking for a natural deodorant that actually works, you’re in luck….

Is Raising Chickens Cheaper Than Buying Eggs?
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Is Raising Chickens Cheaper Than Buying Eggs?

ByNiki

Inexpensive backyard chickens have been gaining popularity in recent years as people look for ways to save money on groceries, but is raising your own chickens really cheaper than buying eggs from the store? The cost of raising chickens and the cost of buying eggs can vary depending on a number of factors. However, in…

Is Rain Barrel Water Safe To Use On My Vegetable Garden?
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Is Rain Barrel Water Safe To Use On My Vegetable Garden?

ByNiki

Collecting rainwater in barrels or water butts is something that most gardeners do without thinking about it, but is this rainwater collected actually safe to use on your vegetable plot, and should you be giving any consideration to how you’re collecting water? I took a deep dive into this topic when it came up as…