News

We have now sourced a suitable wrapper from the magazine made from 100% potato starch which claims to break down in a domestic compost heap. We are keen to find out if this really is the case, and if there is any additional advice we can offer to help members compost it quicker. We are composting several of the wrappers here and would love to hear how you get on composting yours. Please let us know by email to [email protected]. We will keep you updated on how we get on.

Claims are often made that pesticide use is reducing in the UK. Usually by those in the pro-pesticide camp to support their argument that there is no need for stricter regulation. But does this really hold up under close scrutiny?

In principle, organic growing uses non-renewable resources, such as plastic, as little as possible. However, any gardener will encounter plastic at some stage, from pots to wheelbarrows and waterbutts. We discuss different types of plastic, and how to be mindful of the amount you use.

The English Organic Forum, of which Garden Organic is a member, has written to Environment Secretary of State Michael Gove highlighting that the UK is lagging behind its major European competitors in the development of organic food and farming.

Garden Organic, the country’s leading organic growing charity, and PAN UK (Pesticides Action Network UK), the only UK charity focused on tackling the problems caused by pesticides, are pleased to announce their close working relationship.

As the ‘Beast of the East’ blows in, the British winter reminds us that it’s not done yet and ooh what a stinker this bit of cold is! Although looking out of my window, the freshly laid snow is strikingly beautiful. What’s amazing is that it seems to take everybody by surprise.

We are delighted to announce that our award-winning Master Composter project has just been granted a year’s extension to branch out into new regions of Cumbria.

Tea leaves are a good addition to the compost heap. However, tea bags are not. We have updated our advice on composting tea bags, with the knowledge that most bags include very small amounts of plastic.

Additional measures to control the disease Xylella fastidiosa came into effect on March 1st throughout the EU. These include annual inspections of plant nurseries and production sites, sampling and testing of plants before movement, and record keeping for three years. There will also be additional inspections of host plants if they are imported from outside the EU.

France has announced that by 2022 at least half of all food bought by the public sector must be organic or locally produced. This includes food bought for use in schools, hospitals and prisons. The French Agricultural Minister Stéphane Travert announced the new rules as part of measures to boost the French farming sector, and to improve diets.