One of the hardest parts of maintaining a lawn is encouraging even growth. Most lawns will end up developing bald spots if you don’t look after them. These patches can have all kinds of causes from lack of water to pests. Below are just a few tips on how to prevent your lawn from getting patchy.
Choose the right turf
Some types of grass are hardier than others and will continue growing in harsh conditions. An example is winter green grass, which continues to grow in winter, while also boasting a high drought resistance. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way of keeping your lawn lush, switching to one of these tougher turfs could be the secret solution.
Aerate your lawn
Patchiness may be prevented by regularly aerating your lawn. This involves putting lots of tiny holes in the soil. These holes can help water and air to get deeper into the soil, resulting in healthier grass roots and a lusher lawn. There are many different aerating tools that you can buy to do this including spiked rollers and spiked sandals.
Water at the right time
The most common cause of patchiness is lack of water. During summer periods of low rainfall, it is important to keep your lawn hydrated. However, it’s also important to water your lawn at the right time. If you water your lawn at midday during a heatwave, you could find that most of the water evaporates before it has a chance to seep into the soil. It is better to water your lawn early in the morning when it is still cool. You can do this using a hose or you can set up automated sprinklers that come on early in the morning.
Clear leaves in winter
In autumn, leaves will fall from trees and land on your lawn. It is important to clear these leaves as they can block out sunlight to areas of grass -causing bare patches to form over winter. You can use a rake to collect all of these fallen leaves. Many people throw away these leaves, but they can actually be worth keeping and using as mulch for plant beds and outdoor plant pots, reducing the chance of soil getting waterlogged or frozen.
Tackle pests, weeds and fungi
Invasive species can also attack areas of your lawn and cause patches to form. Look out for infestations of ants, grubs and beetles – these critters can quickly feast away at your lawn if left to thrive. There are chemical and organic pesticides that you can use to get rid of these pests. Unwanted weeds should also be dealt with as they will hog moisture from the soil and cause grass to stop growing around them. It’s also worth looking out for fungi, as this too can steal moisture from your turf. Such fungi will usually turn patches of your lawn brown or red. Various fungicides exist that are specifically designed for lawns – use these to protect your lawn once you notice signs of fungus.
A blog post about the importance of Gardening and how it can help support your mental health and wellbeing. In this blog post we’re going to talk about the topics covered in the podcast episode 47 with Alex from Alex Penelope Art.
Trigger Warning: This episode and post mentions the topic of baby loss.
Did you know that there is a profound connection between nature and mental health? In this post, and the accompanying podcast episode I want to share with you the benefits of gardening and how it can help you mentally and physically. In the podcast episode – Ep. 47: Roots of Wellbeing: Unearthing the Mental Health Benefits of Gardening I was joined by Alex, an allotment gardener just like me and a passionate advocate for the mental health benefits of gardening. Be sure to check out the episode by searching for The Slow Living Collective wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Get ready to unearth the transformative power of cultivating a green thumb and discover how gardening can nurture not just plants, but also our own wellbeing. Now, let’s explore some of the mental health benefits of gardening in more detail.
Stress Relief and Relaxation
One of the most significant benefits of gardening is its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Engaging in gardening activities, such as planting, weeding, and pruning, allows us to disconnect from the pressures of daily life and immerse ourselves in the present moment. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of these tasks creates a sense of mindfulness, helping to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and restore inner balance.
Nurturing a Sense of Purpose and Accomplishment
Gardening provides us with a tangible sense of purpose and accomplishment. As we plant seeds or care for young plants, we become custodians of life, fostering growth and vitality. Witnessing the transformation of a tiny seedling into a thriving plant can be immensely fulfilling, boosting self-esteem and instilling a sense of pride and achievement.
Connection with Nature
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, many of us have become disconnected from the natural world. Living seasonally is something that is embedded into our very make up, but modern society has almost encouraged us to push this aside. But those natural instincts are still there, all we need to do is remember how to tap back into them.
Gardening offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature in a meaningful way. Spending time outdoors, feeling the soil in our hands, and observing the cycle of growth and renewal awakens our senses and grounds us in the present. This connection with nature has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety while fostering a greater appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the natural world.
Mindfulness and Mental Clarity
Engaging in gardening requires focus and attention to detail, which naturally leads to a state of mindfulness. The act of nurturing plants demands our full presence, allowing us to temporarily set aside worries and distractions. We are, when we are in our gardens undertaking tasks, present in the moment. This state of heightened awareness in the garden can bring mental clarity, improve concentration, and promote a sense of calm and inner peace.
Physical Exercise and Wellbeing
Gardening is not just beneficial for our mental health; it also contributes to our physical well-being. The various tasks involved in gardening, such as digging, lifting, and bending, provide a low-impact form of exercise that can improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity in the garden has been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases, increased energy levels, and improved overall fitness.
Community and Social Connection
Gardening has a remarkable ability to bring people together. Whether it’s participating in a community garden or simply sharing gardening tips and experiences with friends and neighbour’s, cultivating plants can foster social connections and a sense of belonging. Engaging in gardening as a group activity provides opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, and a support network that promotes overall wellbeing.
Gardening is a powerful tool for nurturing both plants and our own mental health. As we have discovered through our conversation with Alex on the podcast, cultivating a green thumb can lead to reduced stress, enhanced wellbeing, and a profound sense of connection with nature. These things can help you move through some of the difficult times as Alex discussed in our episode.
Whether you have acres of land or just a few pots on a windowsill, gardening offers a fulfilling and accessible way to improve your mental health. So, grab a trowel, get your hands dirty, and embark on your own gardening journey. Whether you’re growing flowers, herbs, or vegetables, remember that the process itself is just as important as the end result. Take time to appreciate the beauty of nature, be present in the moment, and savor the joys of nurturing life.
Embrace the therapeutic power of gardening and let nature’s gentle embrace guide you towards a healthier, happier, and more grounded state of mind. Remember, our roots are not just in the soil but also in the connections we forge with the natural world. So, let’s continue to cultivate our well-being through the transformative practice of gardening.
A blog post about the importance of growing, harvesting and eating your own homegrown produce. Shownotes for episode 43 of The Slow Living Collective Podcast – From Plot to Plate: The Pleasures of Harvesting and Eating Homegrown Produce.
There is a special kind of joy that comes from growing your own food, tending to plants with care, and eventually harvesting the fruits (or vegetables) of your labour. From plot to plate, the journey of homegrown produce is not only rewarding but also brings a deep connection to nature, a sense of self-sufficiency, and the ultimate satisfaction of enjoying the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. In this blog post, we will explore the many pleasures of harvesting and eating homegrown produce, from the physical and mental benefits to the delectable dishes that can be created from your very own garden.
I want to share with you further, through this post but also in this podcast episode, way’s in which growing your own produce goes far beyond the actual growing and how it might be something you want to try.
Or search for The Slow Living Collective wherever you listen to your podcasts.
The Joy of Growing
There’s something undeniably enchanting and awe-inspiring about the journey of a tiny seed transforming into a thriving plant, bearing the fruits of our labour and nourishing our bodies when it reaches our table. It is like witnessing this miracle unfold before our eyes which allows us to connect with the natural world on a deeper and more profound level. It evokes a sense of wonder and deep appreciation for the intricate cycles of life and the remarkable wonders of nature, and it also allows us to really view our place in the ecosystem more acutely. As we carefully nurture and tend to these plants, we become active participants in their growth and development, experiencing firsthand the sheer power and resilience of the botanical world. It’s a humbling reminder that life, in all its forms, is intricate. Through this process, we not only cultivate a deeper understanding of the natural world but also foster a profound respect for the life-giving forces that sustain us. Whether it’s the first tender shoots emerging from the soil or the luscious fruits ripening on the vine, each stage of growth brings a sense of anticipation, joy, and fulfillment, as we witness the magic of nature unfolding right before our eyes.
Health and Nutrition of Homegrown Produce
If there is something you should know about me it’s this: I am passionate about wellbeing and I approach it as holistically as possible. Homegrown produce is a true treasure trove of nutritional goodness, offering an unparalleled level of nourishment for your body. By growing your own food, you gain full control over the cultivation process, including the choice not to use fertilisers and pesticides (in our case – we’re passionate about what’s in our food). This means instead we opt for organic and natural methods, steering clear of harmful chemicals and synthetic substances that unfortunately is often present in store-bought produce (unless you purchase organic). The result is fresh, vibrant, and nutrient-rich ingredients that contribute to your overall well-being.
One of the significant advantages of homegrown produce is its freshness. By harvesting fruits and vegetables straight from your garden, you can enjoy them at their peak ripeness, ensuring optimal nutrient content. And who doesn’t love that feeling of getting those veggies from your veggie patch and into your plate in a minimal amount of time? Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants start to decline in produce soon after harvest, so consuming homegrown varieties allows you to maximise your nutrient intake far more than you could from their shop-bought counterparts. This influx of essential nutrients can have a profound impact on your health.
Homegrown produce is teeming with vitamins and minerals essential for your body’s proper functioning. Fruits and vegetables such as kale, spinach, and berries are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage. They also contain high levels of vitamins A, C, and E, which support immune function, promote healthy skin, and aid in cellular repair.
Furthermore, homegrown produce can be a fantastic source of dietary fibre. Fibre plays a crucial role in digestion, helping to regulate bowel movements and maintain a healthy gut. It can also assist in managing weight by promoting feelings of fullness and preventing overeating. With homegrown fruits and vegetables, you can easily increase your daily fiber intake and promote digestive health.
In addition to vitamins, minerals, and fibre, homegrown produce often has a higher nutrient density compared to store-bought varieties. Factors such as soil quality, proper irrigation, and harvesting at the right time contribute to the concentration of nutrients in homegrown plants. This means that the same-sized portion of homegrown produce can provide more nutrients than its commercially grown counterparts, maximizing the health benefits you receive from each bite.
Not only does homegrown produce offer an abundance of essential nutrients, but it also encourages a healthier overall lifestyle. The process of tending to your garden promotes physical activity, relaxation, and stress reduction, all of which contribute to better overall well-being. Additionally, the act of growing your own food fosters a deeper connection to nature, bringing you closer to the source of your sustenance and encouraging a greater appreciation for the natural world.
Homegrown produce is a powerhouse of health benefits, offering unparalleled nutritional value. By growing your own food, you have control over the fertilizers and pesticides used, allowing you to ensure that your harvest is fresh, organic, and free from harmful substances. The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber found in homegrown fruits and vegetables provide a multitude of benefits, from boosting your immune system to supporting proper digestion and promoting overall wellness. So, embrace the joy of cultivating your own garden and reap the incredible health rewards that homegrown produce has to offer.
Connection to the Seasons
If there is something I am passionate about it’s living seasonally and connecting with the seasons. I truly believe we haven’t lost the ability to live to the seasons like our ancestors did, we just need to tap into it a little more. It’s there, and in modern society we naturally still feel those ebbs and flows of the seasons, even if we don’t realise quite what that is. When you embark on the journey of growing your own food, a beautiful and profound connection with the changing seasons is forged. You become acutely attuned to the rhythm of nature and how it influences the growth and development of different crops. Each season brings its own distinctive palette of colors and flavors, offering a diverse and exciting array of produce to savour.
In the spring, as nature awakens from its winter slumber, vibrant greens emerge in abundance. Tender lettuce leaves, crisp asparagus, and delicate herbs grace our gardens and plates, signaling the renewal of life. These fresh and lively ingredients invigorate our meals, providing a burst of vitality after the cold winter months.
As summer arrives, the sun’s warmth intensifies, bringing forth a bountiful harvest of succulent tomatoes, juicy berries, and an assortment of vibrant vegetables. The flavours are robust, the colours are vibrant, and the aromas are intoxicating. It is a time of abundance and culinary exploration, as we embrace the fullness of summer’s offerings and celebrate the natural sweetness and tanginess that the season bestows upon our homegrown produce.
With the arrival of autumn, the focus shifts to the earthy and comforting flavors of root vegetables, squashes, and hearty greens. As the days grow shorter and cooler, we turn to warm soups, roasted vegetables, and comforting casseroles made with the harvest of our own gardens. The autumn harvest represents a time of grounding and nourishment, as we gather the last of nature’s gifts before winter’s arrival.
Eating with the seasons not only satisfies our taste buds but also has ecological and environmental benefits. When we consume foods that are in season, we support local ecosystems by reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Eating locally grown, seasonal produce also allows us to reconnect with our local farmers and support sustainable agricultural practices.
Moreover, aligning our diets with the seasons allows us to appreciate the natural rhythms and cycles of life. It reconnects us to the earth’s cycles and reminds us of our interconnectedness with the environment. As we savor the flavors of each season, we become more mindful of the abundance and beauty that nature provides.
Growing your own food brings a heightened awareness of the changing seasons and their impact on different crops. The vibrant colours of spring, the luscious abundance of summer, and the grounding flavors of autumn each offer a unique and delicious harvest. By eating with the seasons, we not only support local ecosystems and reduce our carbon footprint, but we also re-establish a deeper connection with the natural world and savour the diverse flavors and nourishment that each season brings.
Tasting the Difference in homegrown produce
Nothing can quite match the sheer delight of biting into a piece of freshly picked, sun-ripened produce. Homegrown fruits and vegetables have a distinct advantage over their store-bought counterparts: they are harvested at their peak, resulting in an explosion of flavor that tantalises the taste buds and offers a truly remarkable sensory experience. Have your ever bitten into a homegrown tomato and the flavour just floors you? Last year we grew an abundance of tomatoes on the plot and the results were incredible. The flavour, the taste, everything was just incredible. I had tasted nothing like it before. It is a taste that cannot be replicated by the produce found on supermarket shelves, which often pale in comparison to the lusciousness of homegrown varieties.
The beauty of homegrown produce lies not only in its superior taste but also in its ability to offer a diverse range of flavours. Commercially grown fruits and vegetables are often bred for their ability to withstand long-distance transportation and prolonged shelf life, sacrificing flavor along the way. In contrast, homegrown varieties can be selected for taste, allowing for a wider range of heirloom, heritage, and unique cultivars that pack a punch of flavour.
Beyond the taste itself, the act of growing your own food adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the eating experience. The anticipation of waiting for a fruit or vegetable to ripen, the fulfillment of plucking it from the plant, and the satisfaction of knowing you played a role in its growth all contribute to the overall pleasure. There is a deep sense of pride and connection that accompanies consuming something you nurtured from seed to table.
The taste of homegrown produce is simply unmatched. The sweetness, the juiciness, and the distinct flavors of freshly picked, sun-ripened fruits and vegetables are a testament to nature’s bounty. From the explosion of flavor in each bite to the vibrant sensory experience, homegrown produce offers a culinary adventure that store-bought varieties cannot replicate.
Creativity in the Kitchen
Homegrown produce not only nourishes the body but also ignites a creative spark in the kitchen, opening up a world of culinary possibilities. The abundance of your garden serves as a wellspring of inspiration, enticing you to explore new recipes, experiment with flavors, and embark on gastronomic adventures.
With a bounty of homegrown ingredients at your fingertips, you can create dishes that truly showcase the unique taste and freshness of your harvest. A simple salad becomes a symphony of flavours when adorned with vibrant, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs—all straight from your garden. The freshness and quality of homegrown produce elevate even the simplest of dishes, allowing the ingredients to shine and tantalise your taste buds.
As you delve deeper into the culinary realm, you’ll find that your garden offers a treasure trove of possibilities. Freshly picked vegetables can be transformed into delectable stir-fries, hearty soups, or savoury roasted dishes.
Moreover, the satisfaction of preparing and savoring a dish made entirely from your garden is unmatched. The connection you forge with your food—from seed to plate—creates a profound sense of fulfillment and joy. Each ingredient tells a story, reflecting the care, effort, and love you invested in nurturing your garden. There is a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for the flavours and nourishment that nature provides.
Additionally, homegrown produce allows you to explore heirloom and unique varieties that may not be readily available in grocery stores. This opens up a world of flavors and culinary experiences that you might not have encountered otherwise. Discovering the intricate sweetness of a purple heirloom tomato, the earthy notes of a heritage carrot, or the delicate spice of a specialty pepper can be a revelation for your taste buds, sparking creativity and curiosity in the kitchen.
By embracing the culinary possibilities of your garden, you not only expand your culinary repertoire but also develop a deeper appreciation for the connection between food, nature, and the art of cooking. The process of harvesting, preparing, and savoring a meal made entirely from your own garden is a transformative experience. It connects you to the land, nourishes your body and soul, and fills your kitchen with the aromas of pure delight.
Homegrown produce opens up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing you to explore new flavours, experiment with recipes, and create meals that showcase the unique taste and freshness of your garden’s harvest. From simple salads to complex dishes, the abundance of your garden invites you to embark on a culinary adventure like no other. The satisfaction derived from preparing and savouring a meal made entirely from your homegrown ingredients is unparalleled. So, let your garden be your inspiration and relish the joy of creating culinary masterpieces that celebrate the flavors of your harvest.
From the thrill of nurturing plants to the joy of savouring the flavours of your own harvest, the journey from plot to plate is a gratifying and enriching experience. Growing your own food not only provides a deeper connection to nature but also offers numerous health benefits and the chance to explore your culinary creativity. Whether you have a sprawling garden or just a few pots on a balcony, the pleasures of homegrown produce are accessible to everyone willing to embrace the magic of cultivating their own food. So, roll up your sleeves, dig into the soil, and embark on a fulfilling journey from plot to plate.
It’s that time, actually, it’s almost past that time, when you can start growing luffas. Luffa’s need a long growing season so if you’re wanting to grow some this year I recommend getting started with your seeds as quickly as humanly possible.
Luffa’s (or Loofahs) are grown from seed and are akin to courgettes. To grow the loofah sponges we all know and love, they need a lot of warmth and a long, long growing season, whereby they will eventually dry out and can be harvested for use around the home, whether that be in personal care, cleaning, washing up, etc.
This year I have been able to germinate many Luffa seeds. They are currently residing in my bathroom, and have had around a 90% germination rate. Luffas can feel like a big deal, being harder to germinate, need a warm temperature inside, not being able to be planted out until June realistically (and I am in the south, so things might even be different where you are).
I want to come on and share a few simple tips as to how I am doing my Luffa’s this year, how I germinated them and how I am growing them on, with the hope of having a great crop this year.
Germinating my Luffa seeds
This year I bought my Luffa seeds but I am hoping, all being well with this year’s plants, that for next year I will be able to harvest the seeds when I harvest this years sponges, perpetually giving me seeds which I can use.
This year I tried a method which I had heard about (I cannot remember where though) whereby you trim the bottom (smooth end) of the seeds, place them in a wet paper towel and keep them warm (I put them on the shelf above my radiator) and leave them a few days/around a week, and they will start to germinate. You can then pot them into some compost, keep them watered, warm and definitely inside and all being well your newly germinated Luffa should start to emerge.
It’s really simple to get started with Luffa’s, and although they are quite temperamental (they need to be kept warm, they don’t go outside until at least the beginning of summer and they take the entire growing season to grow and harvest) with a few easy tips you can’t start them off.
Because they need a long growing season, if you haven’t started them yet (early April) they you are going to want to get them done asap. Like I mentioned, they need a really long season to grow and dry out, but also need the warmth, so you need to be able to give them maximum growing time. If you don’t get them started by mid April then I would probably just wait until next year.
Easy tips for easily germinating your Luffa’s
Take your seeds and on the smooth, rounded end you will want to clip them with some nail clippers, this will help them germinate and helps them grow out of their hard seed casing.
Take some paper towels/kitchen roll and wet.
Place the seeds wrapped in the wet paper towel and place inside a plastic bag (LFT bags work well if you have any leftover, as do sandwich bags. Anything to create a greenhouse kind of effect.
Place in a warm spot (they love heat, so around/above radiators works great.
Leave them a few days/a week to germinate.
When germinated, place them into some peat free compost in a pot. Keep watered and warm, with plenty of light.
Don’t move outside until summer. Harden before leaving outside full time.
If you’re growing Luffa’s this year, how are yours going?
When we took over the plot in October 2021 there was so much to do, the plot itself looked fairly easy as it had been used for growing the previous season and wasn’t completely overgrown, but I soon realised to get it into shape for the current growing season there was a lot I would need to do. We’ve had a solid, productive winter as we cleared the ground, moved our double compost heap, laid out some beds and started to landscape it. These are jobs that (hopefully) only need doing once, so we made sure we made the most of the winter in order to get everything we needed ready for spring.
Beautiful blossoms on the plotCoffee overlooking the plotThe plot at golden hour
Finishing off the plot
Like I said, we achieved so much through the winter in regards to transforming our plot into the workable plot we have now. It’s by no means done but it is slowly getting there. When the hope of spring rolled around as March hit we decided it was time to prepare ourselves for the coming season.
Some of the jobs we did on the plot in March include:
Moving our bean poles and re-erecting them reading for growing our first runner beans.
Laid our shed base – we went for an eco base with pea gravel.
Scored a free 6×4 shed + paid £50 for a smaller storage shed.
Laid weed membrane and play grade wood chip for an area for the kids to play.
A good friend of mine, in clearing her garden, had loads of new and older strawberry plants that she wanted to clear and asked if I wanted some. Of course, always open to more produce I emphatically said yes and rehomed around sixteen plants. Our plot neighbours also gave us 6 plants as a welcome to the allotment kind of gift that I have planted in an old bucket there.
Up on the balcony, I have 7 plants that I have had for the past 5 years, they stopped fruiting last year but gave me 5 runners, which have been overwintering in my mum’s greenhouse. I have decided, with those older plants to see if they will do another season and possibly give me some more runners this coming season. I have repotted them and so far seeing some early signs of life, so stay tuned to see what they do this year. The 5 runner plants are doing amazing and I have recently bought them home to my own greenhouse before planting them out. With the current cold snap, although I am sure they will be fine, I have left them to be planted out until it is slightly warmer. Instead, I have left them in my greenhouse on the balcony.
Last years runners are thriving
Of course, because this isn’t enough strawberry plants for anyone, I couldn’t resist purchasing some strawberry plants from the garden centre when I visited the other week. I purchased 2 early, 2 mid and 2 late-season varieties. I have potted these in hanging pots on the balcony and they are so far doing great.
First up at the plot: Parsnips
As soon as March hit a switch flipped in my brain which made me want to sow all the seeds. I have somehow managed some restraint because I don’t want to go too early when I don’t have a lot of indoor space with adequate light (ie, I’ll end up with leggy plants) or a heated greenhouse, a zip-up greenhouse on the balcony is the extent of it so far. I decided to start a few things off in March, firstly my Luffa’s, which (at the time of writing) aren’t doing too bad. I went for pre-germinating them in wet paper towel, in a plastic bag (LFT bags work a treat if you have leftovers) and putting them on a shelf that sits above a radiator. I also clipped the base of the seedlings before germination too, to help it along. Almost all the seeds I did this germinated and have so far gone on to produce strong-looking seedlings.
You can watch a fun reel I did on my Instagram page about my Luffa’s, which gives you an idea of how it works.
What I did focus on this month, however, was parsnips and some early tomatoes. Parsnips are quite hardy and have been something that is pretty much impossible to grow on a balcony. There isn’t much you can’t do in containers, but parsnips and carrots certainly aren’t easy. As with most things that I am growing this year I have some experience of trialling things on the balcony, so it is just adapting that to the allotment and a much bigger space. That being said I am trying something new this year: sowing in three ways.
I decided to test how well things do, given the space, I have at home for starting off seedlings, a small zip-up greenhouse and no greenhouse at the allotment yet. So I have decided to try and plant/sow three ways.
Direct sow where possible.
Plant in pots or trays either indoors/in the zip-up greenhouse.
Pre-germinate in a wet paper towel before planting.
Using these ways I plan to see what works best and what produces the best plans with the best crops. I am planning out my growing season in my trusty allotment log book & planner*, which I can’t rave about enough.
Parsnips ready to sowBuilt a little fleece protection through the cold
The first rhubarb
We inherited three glorious rhubarb crowns on the plot and they have been ready to harvest for the past couple of weeks, cue lots of rhubarb all around. I am not the greatest fan of rhubarb crumble but I have heard that it will make a wonderful rhubarb and custard cake, so I am off to harvest some as soon as I have finished this blog post.
Rhubarb is flourishing
Propagating a raspberry plant
Something I want for the allotment is some raspberry canes, my mum grows raspberries in her garden and she says they are wonderful. Our plot is very exposed and I am creating almost a wall of growing things to shelter the plot a little, and raspberries are in the plans. After some quick googling I saw that you can have somewhat of success by propagating a cutting from a raspberry plant, so I chopped off the top of one of my mums, popped it into some soil and I am waiting. The ideal way is to split the plant at the bottom and this way is only about 50% successful. However, it’s been 2 weeks and it hasn’t died and I think there might be a new shoot, so it is looking promising. I have been keeping it in the zip-up greenhouse for now until I see how it goes.
March & fools spring on the plot
Fools spring got us good and proper this year didn’t it? 20 degree days, making us feel like it was finally here and it was time to sow and plant everything. Then one week later it’s -2 and snowing. Hello fools spring, you got us again.
The beautiful weather did serve us well and we got our shed up and re-felted. We were lucky enough to score a free 6×4 shed that someone was getting rid of and it’s honestly in such great condition. My original plan was actually going to be for an 8×6 shed so I also picked up a second-hand plastic tool storage shed for £50, and the two together work a treat. I plan to paint the shed when the weather warms up for real.
View from the shedOur free 6×4 shedBeginnings of the kids areaKids area + their bed
Other than that we used fools spring to finish up the plot, dig over some beds (we plan to do no dig after this year but didn’t have enough time to really see it come to life this year), create a play space for the kids (that is still a work in progress) and start laying a makeshift path. We have gone for stepping stones and also grabbed these for free from Facebook Marketplace.
Sowing wise, we have started off some seeds indoors (Luffa’s, Tomatoes, Peppers and sunflowers, started off some parsnips in pots in the zip-up greenhouse but also directly sowed some into our first bed a week ago. Not much can be outside at the moment but it’s a start.
On the balcony
It has also been busy up on the balcony, with lots of seed sowing, planting out some of the early seeds (parsnips, tomatoes and Luffa’s), potting on some of my garden centre purchases (strawberries and some herbs), as well as getting the balcony ready for spring.
My zip-up greenhouse has served me well but had a couple of rips from the storm, so I sorted it out with some weatherproof tape. I have also just ordered myself a second, smaller zip-up greenhouse for the balcony to deal with some of the overflows. I do eventually plan to have something at the allotment but at the moment I don’t know what.
Despite having the allotment I still plan to have a very productive growing season on the balcony. Firstly it will be where I start off most seeds, but also I am still going to be growing an abundance of produce up here too. Our balcony is south facing, beautifully warm and sunny, as well as a wonderful, peaceful oasis. This year I get to decide what I grow and where, so the balcony is going to be full of herbs, salads and strawberries. I am also going to do those things at the allotment too alongside everything else.
The beginnings of the balcony herb garden
I’ve been making a start on my herb garden up on the balcony, and so far have mint, chives, oregano and thyme. I am also waiting on some rosemary to germinate indoors too. I created this fun gutter herb garden on the balcony and I cannot wait to see it thriving.
So that’s been my month on the plot & balcony, it’s been so productive and the season has barely started. I am rolling into April so excited for more sowing, more potting on and even more hours outside.
See you next month & don’t forget to follow along our daily growing adventures, along with living a slow and simple life, on our Instagram page.
