The life of a gardener

It’s been a busy month on the plot getting ready for the year ahead.
Weeding is a very important job in early Spring, getting on top of them now should save me a lot of work later in the year. I have been planning where to put different crops to keep them rotating. Crop rotation is done so that the soil is not used for only one set of nutrients. It helps in reducing soil erosion and increases soil fertility and crop yield.

The weather can be fickle at this time of year – some days are warm and sunny, while others are still cold. It was only a few weeks ago we had snow!! I have held off sowing seeds as I knew it was going to be cold and I have little space in the flat.

I’m planning on using up all the packets of seeds that I have got from gardening magazines and trying to spend as little as possible this year to see how much money I can save. I did however spend 140 pesos on some Lizard support ties I couldn’t resist as they look great. I also had a visit from my friend Moira, she give me some wooden shelves that she was throwing out. I will use them in the new shed refit.

So far I have sown
Cucumbers, Cauliflower, Leeks, Carrots, Chives, Peppers, Basil and Cabbage. They are coming along nicely. I have lots more to sow throughout the year. The Rhubarb is looking great this year after being forced. I’m going to get my cousin Julie-ann Laidlaw to make some jam. I’m still harvesting Leeks from last year also.

I got some Sweet Peas from my friend Lauren that I will take down next week. I love the smell and they look great. Did you know: Sweet Peas have 110 species and belong to the Pea-flower subfamily of the Fabaceae family.

It’s definitely getting lighter at night, I was down on the plot for the first time this year after work until 7PM, not that I did much but a nice coffee and chat with my neighbour on the next plot.