Volume 6 - Introduction

Lately it seems to me that we are all just living on one big back yard farm ... fresh home-grown produce is everywhere! From farmers’ markets, to roadside stalls and inner city window boxes – delicious, organic fruits and vegies are being bought, sold and swapped like never before. From toddlers, to urbanites, to elders and even first ladies – there has never been a better time to toil in the earth and enjoy the fruits of a little backyard farming.

Over the past few months I have been given a cornucopia of beautiful, organic produce from friends, neighbours, family and workmates including freerange eggs, homemade cream and butter, zucchinis galore, threads of precious saffron, enough apples to open my own cidery and the tastiest tomato relish ever. Plus, I myself have managed to give away a tonne of cherry tomatoes, bunches of basil and even a few shiny eggplants.

We all know how satisfying it is to grow and share our own food. As an editor, it is also extremely satisfying to tend and grow the pages of Back Yard Farmer. So many amazing stories come my way and it is always a real labour of love hand-picking the very best to present to the world. This volume is an absolute beauty! There is true inspiration to be found in these pages, along with loads of practical tips and tricks to get the very best from any back yard So wash the dirt from your hands, settle back and dig into this delicious edition of Back Yard Farmer – enjoy!

PS. Back Yard Farmer is here to stay and we need you!  If you'd like the opportunity to contribute to a future volume, please email editorial@earthgarden.com.au with your idea – we'd love to hear from you.