Stephanie Hafferty is an Organic , No - Dig Kitchen Gardenerwho has been farm her own vegetables in this room for over 30 year .
As an established expert in the field , she has release several books includingThe Creative KitchenandNo Dig Organic Home and Garden – whilst also appearing on idiot box programme such as BBC Gardeners ’ World .
I utter to Stephanie about her career and why she begin practising no - dig gardening in the first place .
How Did You First Get Into Gardening?
“ I have always enjoyed being outside in the garden , ” says Stephanie .
“ When I was a very petty kid , I was eternally ‘ grubbing in the mud ’ , as my Mum put it , and I grew flora on my windowsill .
“ I first get into grow pabulum at around 17 years older , when I found an old - fashioned home - brewage book in a Greek valerian shop and find that it was potential to grow things to make wine ! ”
What Does Gardening Mean To You?
“ horticulture has certainly regulate my lifespan and circumstantially was the catalyst for a career change in my 40s , ” she explains .
“ I love being able to garden and recognise that I am really golden to have lived in rural areas for most of my grownup life , with access code to grow spaces .
“ Gardening is not just my caper , it ’s a pursuit , the source of much of the nutrition for my family and an sempiternal learning journeying . I spring up to feed us and to create a self - sufficient lifestyle .
“ I do n’t want to be entirely self - sufficient , as a community is important and if we do n’t back local business enterprise , we ’ll lose them .
“ horticulture has shaped my outlook on liveliness by teaching me day by day that there is always hope and the chance of raw beginnings . ”
When Did You First Start To Practise No-Dig Gardening?
“ I first found out aboutno - dig gardeningafter attending permaculture and eco - festivals when my three tiddler were small , ” shares Stephanie .
“ These were great events for a young family and always had inspirational gardens to explore .
“ I started using no - dig methods on my allotment when I started work on a no - excavation market garden about 15 years ago .
“ I could see how well it make , so I finish labour whole . ”
What Are Some Good Plants To Start Out With?
“ No - jab works with all flora , although you do necessitate to dig up a hole to implant a tree !
“ I ’d say just arrest grasp and give it a endeavour . It is such a keen way to grow . ”
Do You Have Any Standout Moments?
“ I am so thankful for all of the opportunities I have had in horticulture , ” Stephanie share . “ It ’s amazing to think that an old book about home brew could lead to a calling in veg !
“ catch my first book published was a huge thrill , made even more special by it gain Practical Gardening Book of the Year at the Garden Media Guild Awards .
“ Also , project cope and co - designing the RHS No - Dig Allotment Demonstration Garden at Hampton Court Garden Festival was a wonderful experience . Due to the covid lockdowns the garden , which was due to be at the show in July 2020 , it in reality featured in July 2021 .
“ This boom my knowledge of garden design and meant that I was able to work on with some amazing people . These wonderful shows that we all enjoy so much are mostly there due to the skill and expertise of the people behind the scenes , rather than the designers . ”
What’s Next For You?
“ I was recently charge as one of the three Vice Chairs of the Garden Media Guild and am depend forrad to forge as part of the team .
“ This year , I set off hostingno - dig horticulture coursesat my domicile in Wales and I am adding new date and courses , including Homesteading Skills and Wildlife Gardening , both in person in my garden and also on-line .
“ Another task I am presently work on is helping to organisethe Welsh Permaculture Gathering in September . This adorable consequence features a all-encompassing compass of inspiring talks and workshops , not bad food and activities for children , on a beautiful organic dairy farm farm . ”
What Advice Would You Give To Amateur Gardeners?
“ My advice is to give it a go in whatever distance you have , even if it is just a windowsill , ” Stephanie enunciate . “ My first ‘ garden ’ consist of potted plant on my windowsill .
“ essay not to finger overwhelmed by the sodding gardens you see on societal media . These are terrific to front at , but in real life , most of us are beguile work , home living and gardens .
“ Most of us have scrawny areas , projection that are n’t quite finished yet or plants that have been munched to demise by slugs .
“ So , savour the perfect garden for aspiration , but do n’t let it stop you from enjoy your own garden .
“ Finally , always keep learning . There is so much to savour and explore . The more I learn about gardening , the more I see that there is so much more to find out . ”
