Alice Vincent started to share her journey into gardening in 2014 with Noughticulture and has since written the books How to Grow Stuff: Easy, No-Stress Gardening for Beginners (2017) and Rootbound: Rewilding a Life (2020), and written and read the audio guide Seeds from Scratch (2020).Photographs by Camilla Jørvad, except the balcony and book cover images which are by Alice Vincent.

Describe the nature around you?

I'm looking out to the garden, over my desk. It's a bright afternoon of a beautiful day, and the sun's coming from the west and casting shadows from the tulips and peonies that are starting to grow taller. I've really noticed the birdsong and nesting activity increase over the past few days - I'm pretty sure we've a wren nesting in the clematis, and a sparrow in the ivy. I love watching them in the early morning as the kettle boils.

How would you describe your nature connection?

More of a compulsion than anything. I don't feel right if I don't engage with what's growing and cycling around the world humans have built.

Where do you feel most at ease?

Depends on the time of day; but possibly first thing in the morning - shortly after dawn - when I'm out in the gardening, taking in the day.

An increasing number of young people are finding an interest in gardening and learning more about growing their own. What’s your top tip for young gardeners?

Don't be scared of what you don't know, you will learn so much from simply doing. Ask questions, trust your gut, and take good notice of where the sun falls - it will help you understand what kinds of plant to put where.

Is there anything you’re curious about right now?

So many things! Currently, where the unseasonal influx of slugs has come from. But, more deeply, about words and fiction and conjuring stories.

What kind of ancestor do you want to be?

One that was careful with the land.

What are you reading, watching or listening to?

I'm reading a proof of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, at the moment, which is brilliant - a transportive and witty love story set among gamers in 1995. It's out later this summer.

What sound in nature do you love the most?

The dawn chorus.

What inspires you every day?

Growth.

Could you suggest someone else or other organisations you admire that we could approach for #TheNatureKind?

Susanna @hellotherelinda

You can find out more on Alice's Instagram page: @noughticulture