Nettles & Petals

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.

"Readers will learn much from Walton’s original and more holistic approach to gardening."

• INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE: NATURE'S GREENPRINT Introduction to Growing Vegetables The Key Principles I Follow Rediscovering Indigenous Growing Practices Embracing and Increasing BiodiversityWhy 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 FeetFunctions 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 GardeningGuide to Creating Compost My Guide to Creating a 3-Bay Compost SystemCreating Natural Plant FertilisersPotential Problems with Liquid Fertilisers  CHAPTER FOUR: THE WONDER OF WEEDS    The Role of Pioneering WeedsReading 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 GuideNIGHTSHADE FAMILYTomatoesChillisAubergines  ALLIUM FAMILYOnionGarlicsLeeks SALAD LEAVESLettuceSpinachRocketMustardSwiss Chard BRASSICAS CabbageBroccoliCauliflowerBrussels sproutsKale Kohlrabi LEGUMESPeasBeansGreen BeansBroad Beans CUCURBITSCucumbersCourgettePumpkinMelon and CantaloupeSquash ROOT VEGETABLESCarrotBeetrootRadishesParsnipsPotatoes MISCELLANEOUS VEGETABLESSweetcornAsparagusCeleryTHE POWER OF HERBSHardy Herbs: Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, OreganoTender Herbs: Basil, Coriander, Parsley, DillCHAPTER SIX: FLOWER POWER Pollinator MagnetismLet them Bolt Pest Management AlliesSoil Health BoosterCulinary Companions Therapeutic BenefitsCHAPTER 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 PilesCHAPTER 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, AND SHARINGTiming is Everything Canning, Freezing, Drying, Fermenting Why Grow Heirloom? Simple Seed SavingSharing Surplus Produce CONCLUSION ENDMATTER