Dave Allan
Contributing Writer
Dave Allan - Jane Allan
I live in a 3 acre smallholding in the Scottish Borders, a lovely place with a burn [stream] running through it. We've got a potager garden, leading down to the burn, a kitchen garden, orchard, polytunnel and a few wild and secret spots. My wife and I run an organic gardening consultancy from here.
I've been gardening organically for over 30 years and have run courses and workshops on organic gardening and home composting. I ran a demonstration organic garden fo 5 years in Scotland, and have been the gardening columnist for 'The Herald newspaper', Scotland's leding 'heavy'. You'll see my latest 'Herald' articles by clicking on http://www.heraldscotland.com/life-style
Latest Articles
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Possible Cure for Honey Bees Infested with Varroa Mite
Researchers have found how to protect honey bees by killing varroa mites which cause 25% decline in bee numbers. Our food supply relies on bee pollination.
Dec 23, 2010
- Dave Allan
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The Cost of Non-native Invasive Species to Governments in the UK.
Non-native invasive plant and animal species are a global problem. As well as causing environmental damage, damaging biodiversity, they are very costly.
Dec 15, 2010
- Dave Allan
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Does Climate Change affect Winter Flowering Shrubs?
Climate change may make winter flowering shrubs, like Winter Jasmine / Perennial Vine, Vibernum and Witch hazel flower early, but more evidence is needed.
Dec 14, 2010
- Dave Allan
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Choose and Grow Your Favourite Veg
When you grow your own, choose your favourites and the fruit and veg that taste best when freshly picked. Salads, sprouts and sweetcorn must be eaten fresh.
Dec 13, 2010
- Dave Allan
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Grow Heritage or Heirloom Peas This Year
We've grown peas, tall, small, sweet, mushy or mange tout, for thousands of years. Grow unusual heritage peas with bi-coloured flowers in the veg garden.
Dec 8, 2010
- Dave Allan
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Beneficial Insects and Biological Controls Will Get Rid of Aphids
Sap-sucking aphids damage and destroy plants but see how biological controls and beneficial insects, like lacewing and hoverflies (syrphids) will stop them.
Dec 4, 2010
- Dave Allan
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Winter Pruning for a New-look Garden
Prune in winter when the bare branches of established trees and shrubs best show their shape and outline. Prune to get the best design for your garden.
Dec 2, 2010
- Dave Allan
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Pruning Trees and Shrubs After a Harsh Winter
After a heavy fall of snow, we need to prune trees and shrubs, but wait till it gets warmer. Be patient, plants often recover even when they look dead.
Dec 2, 2010
- Dave Allan
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The History of Brussels Sprouts
We like Brussels sprouts for Christmas dinner, unless, like Neanderthals, you hate their bitterness. Home grown sprouts, freshly picked, are much sweeter.
Dec 2, 2010
- Dave Allan
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Grow Your Own Brussels Sprouts for Christmas Day
Grow your own vegetables and enjoy freshly picked Brussels sprouts on Christmas Day. They're nearly as important as that succulent roast turkey.
Dec 2, 2010
- Dave Allan
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