With a hot water crust pastry that's quick and easy to work with. This recipe is vegan but can be made with dairy alternatives. Toasted cashew nuts can be used instead of chestnuts if they are not available- or just double the mushrooms.

On 22nd Feb we hosted our 5th annual seed swap. Every year it has been a little bit different and we learn each year we go.

Here’s how and why we do it, and why a seed swap is a radical act.

This easy recipe works with any pumpkin or winter squash. I used Queensland Blue, which has a mild, sweet flavour. This bake is good served with a roast dinner, a salad or even with a fry up.

Farmers are protesting again (and why I hate Countryfile) by Dan Thompson.

The story of MUD Kitchen - the heart of Platt Fields Market Garden.

Pumpkin puree adds a rich sweetness to ordinary porridge- and counts as one of your 5-a-Day. This recipe uses Queensland Blue Squash but any pumpkin/squash will work.

We decided to design & built a herb planter in partnership with Patagonia who have been promoting regenerative agriculture practices around the world using their companies influence.

The planter design has been inspired by aquaponic systems. It demonstrates the benefits of good drainage in your containers and after a few weeks of growth looking beautiful as the roots will grow and dangle through the mesh searching for more water in the tray below.

Today is Earth day! An international celebration of our planet and environment and a call to everyone to work towards protecting the Earth. At Manchester Urban Diggers we believe that local, sustainable food systems are a pivotal part of this fight, Earth Day is every day at MUD.

Being involved in the environmental movement means we get the opportunity to work with some amazing people. To celebrate today, we'd like to introduce you to one of our amazing volunteers, Klaudia!

This years wassail was as exuberant as ever. The orchard is well and truly blessed.

Roasted cauliflower, kale and pasta with hazelnut pesto. This version is vegan but a hard cheese (e.g. parmesan) can used instead of Nutritional Yeast.

Quick Beetrot Soup recipe by Clare Mcelhatton. Ready in 20 minutes- but always tastes better the next day!

Follow theparchedpea on instagram for more recipes.

On our holiday to Georgia, I have been on the look out for inspiring projects, farming methods and buildings that we may be able to incorporate into our community gardens & future projects.

If you haven't been, I would thoroughly recommend a trip to Georgia in the Caucasus. The country is sandwiched between and takes influence from Russia (to the North) and Turkey & Iran (to the South) whilst sitting next to Azerbaijan & Armenia.

2019 was the first time we had a stall at the Wigan Diggers Festival!

We were received with open arms and a very warm welcome from everyone there. The festival was a great day out. We met many other growers and diggers groups, all trying to encourage people to get their hands dirty. The atmosphere was buzzing.

Although we are not a political group, we are inspired by Winstanley's idea that "The earth was made a common treasury for all." We want to follow Winstanley's example by working the land and providing food (or the means the grow it yourself) for those who may not have access to fresh, organic vegetables in the city.

Apple Butter Recipe by Lorcan Kan.

Follow Things Palace on instagram for more by Lorcan.

On Friday 16th August 2019, as part of Sow the City's Growing Manchester programme, Platt Fields Market Garden (PFMG) hosted our first Hügelkultur Workshop. The day was hosted by Mike, with the glamorous assistance of Kieron from Sow the City and Dan from Gaskell Garden Project, who's expert knowledge was invaluable throughout the day.

Red Cabbage Patra Recipe by Clare Mcelhatton.

Repost from July 2021. The early stages of our garden at The East Manchester Academy.

In June 2023 we designed, built and displayed our garden at the RHS Tatton show. We named the garden “Dome Grown - What is the future for our food?”.

An insightful case study that delves into the need for more community-centered food outlets, challenging the dominance of the urban restaurant scene and highlighting the value of local food accessibility.

Sam took a trip to the Salford Working Class History Library to find out more about the history of Gerard Winstanley & the Diggers.