Nettles and Petals

A compelling call to change the way we think about gardening and growing food, Nettles & Petals by ecological horticulturist and social media sensation Jamie Walton is the only guide you need to make your garden more sustainable. Full of inviting imagery and essential information, this accessible guide provides a holistic and ecological approach to gardening and vegetable growing. With a focus on biodiversity, soil health, and the creation of balanced ecosystems, Nettles & Petals is a must-read for any budding gardener. Join Jamie and the @NettlesAndPetals community on their mission to save the wild plants we often attempt to eradicate from our gardens and learn how to begin growing them in your spaces in a practical way. Dig into must-know topics including:- Companion planting- The wonders of nettles and other weeds- The importance of flowers in the vegetable garden- Circular and ecological garden planning- Growing guides for Jamie’s ‘top 30’ vegetables- Seed saving and sowing- Urban and small-scale sustainable gardening- Harvesting, preserving, and sharing produce An ideal self-purchase or a gift for the green enthusiast in your life, Nettles & Petals is perfect for anyone curious about gardening sustainably.

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. 

INTRODUCTION  CHAPTER ONE: NATURE'S GREENPRINT - Introduction to Growing Vegetables - The Key Principles I Follow - Rediscovering Indigenous Growing Practices - Embracing and Increasing Biodiversity- Why 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 Feet- Functions 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 Gardening- Guide to Creating Compost - My Guide to Creating a 3-Bay Compost System- Creating Natural Plant Fertilisers- Potential Problems with Liquid Fertilisers   CHAPTER FOUR: THE WONDER OF WEEDS    - The Role of Pioneering Weeds- Reading 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 Guide NIGHTSHADE FAMILY Tomatoes Chillis Aubergines  ALLIUM FAMILY Onion Garlics Leeks  SALAD LEAVES Lettuce Spinach Rocket Mustard Swiss Chard  BRASSICAS  Cabbage Broccoli Cauliflower Brussels sprouts Kale  Kohlrabi  LEGUMES Peas Beans Green Beans Broad Beans  CUCURBITS Cucumbers Courgette Pumpkin Melon and Cantaloupe Squash  ROOT VEGETABLES Carrot Beetroot Radishes Parsnips Potatoes  MISCELLANEOUS VEGETABLES Sweetcorn Asparagus Celery THE POWER OF HERBS Hardy Herbs: Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Oregano Tender Herbs: Basil, Coriander, Parsley, Dill CHAPTER SIX: FLOWER POWER - Pollinator Magnetism- Let them Bolt - Pest Management Allies- Soil Health Booster- Culinary Companions - Therapeutic Benefits CHAPTER 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 Piles  CHAPTER 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 SHARING- Timing is Everything - Canning, Freezing, Drying, Fermenting - Why Grow Heirloom? - Simple Seed Saving- Sharing Surplus Produce  CONCLUSION  ENDMATTER