Year: 2020

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!

It has been a super busy few weeks so it’s time to take a breather and chill on the sofa for a while. Grab your knitting/crochet/sewing/flour…..or pot your seedlings on so we can hang out together and mull over this odd time we’re in with each other.

I have managed to get a little bit more compost so……woohooo…..it’s full steam ahead with sowings. Today I’m sowing a kazzilion varieties of squash (and I talk about the rational for my choices) and my lovely cucumbers. Also an update on all the other seedlings and my plans for returning to work.

Another bed has been prepared and is ready to receive a crop…….this time I am planting the white onion sets v. ‘Jet Set’. Once the planting is done I make the most of the autumn leaves to make a mulch for this bed.

Now that the ground is prepared it’s time to plant the potatoes. I have a couple left over so I’m experimenting, this year, with planting them in a grow bag container which means I’m on the hunt for more compost….then I have a brain wave!

Having waited for rain for a few weeks to help make the job easier (but not getting any) I give up and get stuck in! It’s time to get beds ready for planting and sowing…..I start today with the potato beds. I also chat about why I don’t do the ‘no-dig’ way that so many are talking about.