Our lovely weather this week has my seeds growing before my very eyes.
Rocket and beef tomatoes
My greenhouse is now overflowing and many seedlings have already been potted on.
Food will be a priority this year with flowers very much taking second place.
We don’t know how long this pandemic will last so having fresh, organic veggies throughout the summer will be a real bonus.
Even the pumpkins and courgettes are through. So far I’m growing potatoes, garlic, onions and shallots and have sown carrots, parsnips, spring onions, pumpkins, courgettes, bell peppers, aubergines, tomatoes, chilies, peppers, broad beans, spinach, kale, rocket, lettuce beetroot and chard.
I’ve sown some carrots and parsnips in tubs this year, something I’ve never tried before. It’ll be interesting seeing how they perform.
I’ve also removed some grass plants and a pampas grass from a border and created a new veggie patch in the back garden. I’ve planted out the white onions and shallots, along with the broad beans, and sown carrots there. With three rampaging dogs, to avoid trampling I’ve covered the onions and broad beans with my old hedgehog run and added a little fence to protect the carrots, which is failing dramatically. I’ll have to re-think that when the carrots germinate.
Given people aren’t always trustworthy, hubs has emptied and removed my raised beds from the front garden. These will now be set up in the courtyard, hopefully this weekend. Four tons of topsoil will arrive on Monday to fill them. Hubs will be heartily sick of back and forthing with wheelbarrows overflowing with the stuff!
I’ve also weeded a third of the veggie patch in the front garden. I’m hoping to finish the rest this weekend.
Given I’ve always been something of a prepper, I always leave half the potatoes in the ground each winter, my Armageddon food, as I like to think of it. These potatoes always come up mid-march. Some of them are already three inches high. I’ll earth them up when my lovely topsoil arrives and top that with grass compost.
And finally…
This outbreak finds me with even less time. Food needs to be grown, the house needs to be constantly scrubbed, brushed, mopped and wiped down and bedding, throws, and clothes need frequent washing, and, my dishwasher decides that this is a good time to break down. Dishes seem to be everywhere now as I’m doing so much more home-cooking. Eating out is a thing of the past.
While working in the garden in bright sunshine, all seems calm and idyllic, it’s sure difficult to grasp and absorb what’s going on in the world.
Walking the dogs is such a pleasure now, the sound of cars has gone and all that can be heard is birdsong. We rarely encounter people anymore, just ducks, rabbits, sheep and horses.
I have to say I prefer that.
Until next time, stay safe guys.
I love your brave little seeds.
Amalia
xo
Me too!xxx
Both to those!!! Lol.xxx
Did you have to weed around the furry ornament (cat) or were you maybe being seriously scrutinised and supervised.
I am looking out of my window at gale force snow showers as I read this post.
We are using up the last of last year’s late potato crop. Our climate doesn’t allow us to cultivate much of what you can grow. It is a pleasure to think that we will be seeing the results of all that you sow.
xxxx
Oh my goodness, gale force snow showers do not sound fun….at all!!! My, sounds like you had a great potato crop, fancy it lasting this long. I do hope my veggies grow, time will tell. Thanks Menhir.xxx
I’m intending to do just like you, that is to grow more food from now on though I don’t have that much space. Glad to hear you’ve been busy in the garden and house and is enjoying the calmness around your place!
Let’s pray that this pandemic will end soon and everyone be safe! Take care!
Good to know you’ll be growing more food, it’s always good to be self sufficient. Oh yes, let this thing blow over as quickly as possible….amen to that. Thanks Jade.xxx
Good heavens woman ! You make me feel guilty as hell for leaning out my bedroom window and gawking at the rising sun this morning ? LOL .. you will have to go over and read my most recent post due to your poking the bear ? 😉
Seriously though, you are a wonder with all this going on, and all of what the world is going through but we can’t help just loving nature to bits (especially that last photo !)
We are lucky here in Kingston .. only 46 cases (in self isolation) so far .. the sun has been teasing us along with temps .. so my sleepy garden is waking up a bit.
But nothing like your activity … I needed a nap just reading about your workload and projects to come .. and all those “baby” plants needing your attention.
It is bloody marvelous ! LOL … full steam ahead girl … but remember, you need some “you” time too .. so make sure you get THAT !
Take care .. and thanks for the poke … more to come from my end … eventually ? LOL
This had me laughing out loud!!!You make me sound like super woman when it’s only a little gardening. I have been powering on, it’s wonderful seeing all my new veggie spaces. I always relax and chill each evening, And I’m really enjoying the lighter nights and warmer weather. I shall be along presently, thanks for the laugh Joy. Stay safe now.xxx
You are doing well. I think we will all be growing more veg this year. I shan’t be growing cut flowers in my raised beds this year, they are all for veg. There is nothing like growing your own anyway. I love being in the garden so it is no hardship The fields and lanes round here are full of walkers; people I have never seen before, it seems many are taking up walking for the first time. We are cycling a lot but it is not quite the same when you can’t stop off at a pub for a drink or a bite to eat. The things we used to take for granted. Keep safe dear Dina. x
Thanks Chloris. This is the first year that veg wins over flowers!! I do agree though,homegrown is far superior and I do always enjoy harvesting what I’ve grown each year. I’m with you re enjoying the garden, I have plenty to do so won’t miss other activities too much. I’ve noticed the same, people I’ve never seen suddenly trotting past the house!!!
Hubs and I always took a cider or two when cycling, and would always end up watching the river and enjoying them, maybe take your own with you! Yes…the things we took for granted! You too dear Chloris!xxx
Ooh look at all those seedlings. You are lucky to have a greenhouse Dina. Mine are all in one of the bedrooms until it is warm enough to put them outside. I heartily agree with you that it is much calmer nowadays without all the hustle and bustle and traffic noise. I wish it could stay that way.
How are you all managing to run the rescue with all the social distancing rules in place ? I do worry about zoos (which I don’t agree with anyway) that have lost a major part of their income with visitors staying away. I hope they won’t take the decision to put animals to sleep if they can’t afford to keep them fed and looked after.
Glad to hear that you are a bit of a prepper. You might like to look at the you tube channel called Prepper Princess. She has some good tips.
I have been talking to my 92-year old neighbour on the phone and she been through this kind of thing before in wartime. So she is quite comfortable being in the ‘make do and mend’ situation. I did worry for her when she offered to go out and do some food shopping for me, after I had asked her if there was anything she needed. She is amazing for her age but she just will not heed any advice to stay at home and there is nothing anybody can do about it.
I hope you all manage to stay well and I will look forward to seeing the progress on your crops in future posts.
Good to know you’re growing veggies too, indoors serves as well as a greenhouse. The rescue has been affected, our charity shops have closed and visitors are now excluded. Donations are down and adoptions no longer possible as home checks can’t take place. All the animals are still being cared for, bless the staff, they are so devoted. Yes, I’m concerned re zoo animals too…sighs…so much to worry about. I’ll check out prepper princes, thanks for that! Oh…you neighbour is a worry, I do hope she stays well! Lovely to hear from you, please take care! Hugs.xxxx
P.s. I don’t know why my comment came up as Caroline. I must have written that without thinking. It is keggy here ! 😁
Of course I knew that was you. xxxxx
Potatoes would be my Armageddon food–I love them in all forms. We can’t overwinter them here, though. Still, I’ll be planting loads this year. Those of us with prepper (I disguise it in the guise of “self-sufficiency”) tendencies have a leg up in this whole fiasco, don’t we? Your seedlings look to be thriving. I agree with Jason–seeing them puts me in a good mood. I only started the first of mine a few days ago. In fact, it’s snowing here today. Patience, patience. Here’s to garden abundance, morning birdsong, and quiet walks amidst the surrounding chaos. Hope you rescuers can still reach your rescues.
Oh, I love potatoes too, such a versatile little veggie. Oh yes….us self-sufficient’s have avoided the panic buying! I have to say I saw this coming in December when China locked down mainland China. Snow….sighs…here’s to better weather and patience! The rescue is still open, I do hope it survives this! Thanks Brenda. xxx
Wow! Just looking at all those seedlings puts me in a good mood!
You and me both Jason!xxx
Great, dear Dina! I think that many of us have considered putting vegi instead of flowers, as “food”.
We ordered several seeds, usually, we bought the small plants already 10-15 cm high, but since everything is closed, online shopping is the best solution.
We will make a better synergistic vegetable garden… using straw/hay (if the farmer where we asked, will provide it).
But you are an expert !!! We’re beginners… but basically sacrificing my cutting flowers for vegetables, with the times that are running, is an intelligent idea. We buy our legumes every week directly from the organic farmer at zero km… but by increasing the “green” diet with fewer carbohydrates to be clear as spaghetti-tagliatelle a.s.o. :-), we can use the seasonal ones we grow.
Well, a big job awaits us…
Hoping to find you all in good health, we send you a big hug (especially from Emanuele Giosuè). 🙂 kisses
Yes, most people with gardens are growing more food now. How I wish I was an expert, very much an amateur I’m afraid, but I get by. I shall just have to care for the plants better this year as food is going to be a priority especially as I’m hearing that we are short of pickers on our farms. Good luck with your veg, plants want to grow so hopefully you’ll have a great harvest. All well here, big hugs right back! Especially for that dear boy of yours.xxxx
Her’s to your Victory Garden:). I will put some pots on my balcony and am glad to say that thus far the little Waitrose which is almost next door has come through with lots of fresh fruits and veg…and now that they have a one in one out policy it’s so bloody civilised.
I do can hear the dawn chorus…all trains, planes, cars etc. gone…and I love it.
I do hope that we can all learn from this….surely we don’t want to go back to the way it was before!
Imagine the money many people are saving….I know quite a few that go too lunch or dinner several times a week…..well now it’s down to what you can make at home…and again I love it.
Enjoy your garden, the animals and everything else and of course your little granddaughter by video:).
Sending much love
Janet XXX
Victory garden, now I do like the sound of that! Good to know you’ll be growing in pots, it’s surprising how much you can grow in pots. Your local Waitrose does sound civilized, not all of our supermarkets have been. I for one don’t want things to go back to the way they were, sadly though I heard wet markets are open in Wuhan again, people, it seems simply refuse to learn. It is sad seeing Littl’urchin virtually, I already miss her terribly, all those hugs I’m losing out on. Thanks Janet.xxx
Hi Dina…you have an incredible amount of seedlings growing, this will be a wonderful crop for summer.
I agree with you, when I’m in the garden everything is so peaceful, I can’t imagine that there is an alternative world going on out there. …however, sometimes it can’t be avoided. I hope your wildlife rescue work can still continue, even if in a small way..
Keep well and happy!
Thanks Gerrie, it’s always rewarding seeing veggies grow, I’ll have to take good care of them all. It’s so easy to think all is well when in the garden isn’t it, especially now there is no traffic, just birdsong. Yes, I hope the rescue survives this. Fingers crossed.xxx
Wow, you have been busy and will reap the rewards later in the year, you will certainly be eating well! I am enjoying the peace and quiet and I think our poor planet will be too, no pollution from planes and cars, it would be lovely if it was like this all the time., this is how it was when I was a child nearly 80 yrs ago.
Thanks Pauline, I’m really hoping for a good harvest this year. Yes, pollution levels are down, hopefully they’ll stay down and we’ll all find new ways of doing things. xxx
I never thought of leaving some potatoes when harvesting in the fall so they can come up the following year. Great idea.
Thanks Sheryl, the potatoes last well in the ground so edible throughout winter and early spring. xxx
I’d give a good bit to be able to grow some food, but it just isn’t possible. I am going to try some greens in pots, but for the most part I’ll have to depend on the stores to keep me provided. I do have good, dependable local sources for eggs and meat, and it won’t be long until local farms begin to produce, so we’ll see how things go.
It’s a shame that you’re having to account for less than honest people, and move your raised beds. Still, it’s a fact that some will take advantage of what isn’t theirs, and doing what’s necessary to ward off those sorts is wise. How is the rescue doing? You mentioned the pets and the problems with those — what about the birds and hedgehogs and such? Are people able to keep caring for them?
I hope your greens grow well, it’s surprising what you can grow in pots. Re moving the raised beds, I’m erring on the side of caution as they are visible from the street, I’ve never had anything taken but I have heard that the local allotments are often raided, pre coronavirus.
The rescue has closed it’s charity shops and visitors no are longer allowed in. Adoptions can’t take place due to social restrictions stopping home checks so it’s difficult to take more cats and dogs in. Donations are down too. All the animals are still being cared for, the staff are loyal and dedicated. At the moment it’s a case of taking things one day at a time….. xxx
That really is a fantastic selection of vegetables you are growing,..
This sunny weather has been amazing and most welcome, love your last picture.
Enjoy your weekend … we are shortly sitting down for dinner and a nice glass of wine 🙂
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan, I wish I was growing some brassicas but they take up too much room. It’s turned cold here now, I am missing all that lovely sunshine. Take care.xxx
Boy, do I agree with you! There’s more time spent washing/wiping down, in lines at shops, planning and organizing. I read articles about what to do now you’ve got all this down time and I can tell you it isn’t me!
One thing I do like working from home — if there’s something easy to throw together, I can cook or tend to food at lunch time. Breakfast is much more leisurely, too.
Glad you are gearing up for a terrific growing season with all those wonderful beds of herbs and veggies and root veggies ….and cats? Why do cats want to curl up on mounds of dirt? Mine like the bark mulch which, years ago in my naïveté, I thought would keep cats away.
Best wishes to you, yours, and your garden, my friend.
There are suddenly endless extra tasks for sure. Hubs is enjoying working from home too, far better than powering down busy motorways twice a day. What is it with cats???? Curly just loves lying in soil or a pile of leaves/twigs. Baffling it is, utterly baffling. Thanks Anne, best wishes to you two too, my friend.xxx
Thank you for the joyful noise of planting, digging, replanting and readying all…so exciting and beautiful to see what my amazing artist friend is doing in her greenhouse and gardens!
All the suffering in the world abates, even for a few moments when I visit your post and rest in your gardens, Dina.
Thank you so much. Here’s to life, green and growing. 🌻
Ahhhh, thanks for your kind words Kitty. Yes, here’s to green and growing. Love and hugs to you all.xxx
Wow, you’re working so hard, Dina. Don’t wear yourself out. I’m with you on preferring the peace and quiet. I do hope we don’t all just go back to the old, destructive ways when Covid 19 has run its course. Hugs xx
I too hope we don’t go back to how it was, so many can work and be educated from home. It’s astonishing seeing how quickly the pollution levels are dropping worldwide. Thanks Gill.xxx
Goodness you have been busy, I’ve only just started planting on the plot, and yet to start sowing at home.
Thanks, and you too. xx
It’s good to see the veg plants coming up, being able to grow your own during this crisis is reassuring. I hope we all get some good weather.xxx
You’re certainly ahead of the game, well done for being so organised, something you’ll be very pleased about when it comes to harvest time. It’s very strange not coming across people when we’re out dog walking, and the tranquility in places where it’s usually quite noisy.
I’m never usually this organised, but I am enjoying sowing and potting on. I have quickly got used to the peace and quiet, it will be a shock to the system when or if things go back to normal. Thanks Jo.xxx
A lovely lot of vegetable seeds sown that have germinated. You’ll be enjoying the produce in the Summer whatever happens and watching plants grow is satisfying in itself. Before the measures got stricter and last time she was home our granddaughter went to visit her friend at the family farm and they brought us a small bag of horse manure to dig into the veggie patch. Mr P is managing to do a bit of spade digging. We have the raised beds, but not much space in the garden otherwise. Grateful for what we have and an interest in gardening 🙂
Good to know Mr P is managing a little digging, he will get stronger day by day. Gardening is a great hobby, it certainly takes your mind of the current situation. I do hope we get some decent weather this year. Thanks Linda.xxx
What a fantastic selection of veggies your are growing, I do hope that we have a good spring and summer and they provide you with lots of produce. I am not sowing any seeds yet, I will wait until the middle of next month, I have learnt from experience that if I try to sow any earlier my plants die or stop growing!
Thanks Sustainablemum. I too hope we have good weather for this years growing season. The weather has taken a cold turn here.xxx
Wow, that’s a lot of veggies! You’ll be very well fed this year, even if the lockdown continues. It’s a sad state of affairs though when you have to move your raised beds from the front garden. Some people! This strange period seems to be bringing out the best and the worst of society. Let’s hope the sun keeps shining so we can make the most of our gardens. Happy digging! xx
I’m hoping they all grow well! Eating home produce sure beats visiting the supermarket. I’ve never had anything stolen from the front garden, I’m just erring on the safe side, the more I have the more I can share. Oh yes, here’s to the sun shining out! Thanks Veggiemummy. xxx
Unfortunately we will just have to hope that we can continue going to the allotment and hoping people on the next plots keep their distance. If I was allowed to visit my sister who lives on her own things wouldn’t be so bad but I can’t understand why two people who don’t see anyone else have to stay apart when others can go to shop in the supermarket and ride on a bus. It’s most upsetting.
Form a household…move in with each other, government regs! Oh, going to the allotment is exercise!!! Keep doing it and keep your distance! Keep me posted. xxx
I wish we could but my sister says she would stress too much if she left her home unattended and she would not be able to keep up with housework etc. If it was for just a week it would be fine but at the moment it seems it could drag on.
Ahhhh, that’s a shame Sue. This whole thing is a nightmare.xxx
We’ve been doing a fair bit of topsoil barrowing ourselves, so I can sympathise! We are so fortunate to have growing space right now and let’s hope it’s a good Spring and Summer. I think we’re going to need it.
Keep well x
Here’s to growing fab veggies, great time for you after all that work! Yes, we all need to grow our own. You stay safe now.xxx