Vivi's Kitchen Garden

It has been a bit of a roller-coaster month but I’m glad to say it is ending well. I take a little time out of my day to mull over the lessons learned….

Hurrah! Now that some of my beds are prepped (at last!) it’s time to get sowing some seeds……..a little later than usual but not too late. Today it’s all about the beans and legumes, my lovely plant based protein.

A week and a couple of days ago I received my compost….at last! I made the decision to put everything else on hold and try my hardest to turn things around in the garden……and make the garden happen this year. Here’s a quick update on how things are progressing…..I hope you will be as excited as me.

A quick little catch up from the garden since my delivery of compost! There is still a lot to do but the sight of this compost each day is motivating me to get stuck in. A huge thank you to you all for your encouragement this year….I have really needed it!!

Some days are tougher than others….some seasons in the garden do not go as planned…..I am learning to say that it’s OK. There’s no doubt that most of us are facing challenges at this time……and being human means an occasional meltdown…….that’s also OK. But after the meltdown we need to put our big girl pants on and find a way through it all. This is a long one (please DO NOT watch if you are a thumbs downer!!)……..I’m chatting my way out of a difficult situation.

For anyone needing extra help with their emotions today, or any other day, please call The Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/

A little late…..but here is the garden at the beginning(ish) of May. It is definitely not up to my previous standards and my previous schedule….but it will have to do……I’m very disappointed BUT…..there are some lovely things to enjoy and celebrate when I look beyond the mess and all the outstanding jobs.

Yes, I am still playing catch-up! Yes, I am still getting seeds in the ground. Yes, there is still time…….just! Plus, spot the cheeky little wave from our Gary as I sow Parsnips and Calendula before moving on to plant my Pelargonium cuttings.

Between rain showers I manage to get some more seeds sown….better late than never! Today I sow my various brassicas plus the Flint corn and Achocha and have lovely little chats with my neighbours along the way. I also talk about using my own urine as a fertiliser.

I’m still playing catch up in the garden with my prep and my sowings……fortunately it isn’t too late to be doing these jobs. Today I’m sowing carrots, leeks and spring onions as companion plants….and having a bit of fun in the process……my own little tribute to all the fabulous work that our NHS does day in day out. I also have a chat about netting and wildlife.

It has sort of crept up on me……and I’m flabbergasted to think about it…….today marks the three year anniversary of me going without a wage and striving for a more self-reliant life. Wow, where did that time go? Time for a mini celebration!