In our ‘From the Plot’ series, we chat to inspiring growers who share their passion and knowledge with others. This month, Dan from @geordiegrower reveals how he’s spent four years turning an overgrown plot into a thriving, self-seeding, zero-waste garden. Find out which clever addition has changed what he’s able to grow…Â
Nature has always been a big part of my life
Images courtesy of Dan Clark
I’ve been into nature since a young age; if I wasn’t outdoors, I was watching Attenborough and Irwin to appreciate ecosystems and the beauty of it all. I’m a creative designer by trade, but lockdown gave me the opportunities to pursue the outdoors a little more. Without any land to grow on, I began foraging, learning what grows in my locality whilst I waited for an allotment spot to open up. Fast forward to today, and growing tasty or unusual flora is a real pillar of my life.
No-dig gardening works best for me
Image courtesy of Dan Clark
My gardening style is ever-changing. A lot of the produce that grew on my plot this year had sown itself naturally, and I just transplanted it into rows for easy maintenance. I find that natural ways always produce good results and perhaps have the added help of mycelial networks during growth. I also practise no-dig because I’ve found that it works well for me, and as a result I’ve removed most of the perennial weeds from the plot that I took on 4 years ago.
My zero-waste philosophy has shaped everything I do
Image courtesy of Dan Clark
The garden has perhaps inspired itself. If I had a plot a few miles away it would have different needs and battles. Because of the bindweed and nettles outside of the plot I’ve made a barrier around the whole perimeter, buried about a foot down, to stop intrusive rhizomes crawling in. Because of the hefty wood pigeons I have a large walk-in net for brassicas and berries. Because of the climate and the fluctuation in weather I’ve grown outdoor aubergines, tomatoes and chillies.
Apart from that, my approach is inspired by a balanced ecosystem and a zero-waste philosophy, which has shaped everything from my shed to my sunken greenhouse and cold frames.
Figs have stolen the show this year
Image courtesy of Dan Clark
I’m in love with figs this year. I bought the fig tree along with a handful of other bare-root fruit trees when I first got the plot; now they’re twice my height.
Planning ahead always helps
Images courtesy of Dan Clark
My top tip for beginners would be – don’t do it! Run! Run away fast! Just joking. Once you’re in the flow of things it’s delightful to tend to a piece of land both physically and mentally.
Most people start with a plot that has been neglected, so the battle always begins in difficult mode. Don’t be afraid to cover half your plot for a season to help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Aim for both short- and long-term gains. Enjoy the process now, but planning ahead makes life easier and gives you a boost each year. Small things, like buying bare-root fruit trees or ordering manure early so it has time to rot down, make a real difference over time.
Plants grow bigger than you’d expect, and they still surprise me every year, so make room for yourself as well as them. If you’re thinking of using an upturned bottle as a mini greenhouse, think bigger. Try an upturned plastic keg instead, for example.
I’m proud of my sunken solar greenhouse
Image courtesy of Dan Clark
The sunken greenhouse with solar power that I built two years ago is my top achievement. Temperatures in early spring can be 10 degrees warmer at night than in a regular greenhouse. As a result I’m able to grow melons, sweet potatoes and ginger and keep my seedlings down there.
I’m excited for some new growing challenges
Images courtesy of Dan Clark
I’m planning on saving more seeds to create my own varieties adapted to the north-east, growing grape vines, and building an outdoor kitchen to cook and preserve produce directly on the plot.
Grow like Dan
Image: Fig ‘Little Miss Figgy’ from Suttons.
If you want to grow like Dan, here are just a few of his favourites:
Follow Dan at @geordiegrower for ideas and tips on growing colourful, edible crops. To discover more inspirational growers, explore our ‘From the Plot’ series.
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