Vivi's Kitchen Garden

We’re right on the cusp of the beginning of the big changes……this moment each year sees the garden not sure whether it’s last year still….or the new year. The changes are subtle….but they’re coming…..

Continuing in my series of looking back to this month last year…we’ve reached March….the month that was the beginning of everything changing and becoming a bit more challenging for all of us. My Taunton Deane perennial kale had become a bit of a monster…this was the perfect time to hack it down and donate all those gorgeous leaves to a local free veggie box scheme….little did I know it at the time but this was just the beginning of sharing food, time and love whenever possible.

Hurrah for March and much more choice and possibilities for seeds sowing….especially if you have a greenhouse or polytunnel (unheated even). It’s still early for me to sow much as I tend to sow a lot of things direct because of lack of greenhouse (and window sill space!)…..but here are a bunch of ideas for those of you who do. Plus a few jobs to get on with in March.

I’m not a fan of winter so I am glad we are finally coming out of this one. Last autumn I made a promise to myself that I would try manage it better this year….today I’m reflecting on how well I did or didn’t do with it.

Oops….it’s the end of February and I’m only just starting in on the February jobs. Better late than never…….but my body is objecting after a winter of indoors jobs! At least there’s a lovely harvest as a reward.

After a few weeks of bad weather it’s time to get back to the garden. So many lovely friends to see and catch up with…..and between times I deal with my delivery of seed potatoes ( to chit or not to chit!) and some lovely cuttings from my friend Paul….including two of his Portuguese Cabbage (also known as Portuguese kale or Couve Tronchuda). I’m particularly excited about these as I’ve never eaten them before and they will form the ‘backbone’ of a dish called Caldo Verde……a favourite soup of Portugal. You may also know this plant if you’re a fan of the TV series ‘A Victorian Kitchen Garden’. I can’t wait. Oh! And I nearly forgot…….news on the extra water tank…….

Grab yourself a cuppa and a comfy spot and let’s have a natter. Today’s random subjects include a chocolate review, a tip for help with getting to sleep….and mice!

Hurrah for some more seed sowing……it’s still really early in the growing year but at least I can start my peppers (and chillies and aubergines if you are growing them). They need a bit of warmth at the moment so I’ll show you my propagators. I also take delivery of my seed potatoes and describe, briefly, what to do with them now, before planting time. The peppers I have sown are all sweet types from my own saved seed and are all suitable for growing outdoors with no extra protection: Orange Bell, Feher Ozon and Doux Longe des Landes.

Something I have been asked to share/show/explain for ages! This is it….warts and all…..how I manage to live without a wage. All my outgoings and all my incomings and how I manage them on a month to month basis. I hope this answers many questions…and dispels many myths/assumptions…….but, please do ask if there’s something I haven’t covered. I want to be open about all of this so other folk can think about whether they can do it!

It’s still rather chilly outside so come and have a snuggle up on the sofa with me and a jolly good natter while we’re at it. There are a few books I’d love to tell you about too. Grab a pot of tea…it’s a long one.