Kill or be killed.

Fitting in socially for a non-neurotypical can be daunting and confusing, the laws of gardening and nature are simple. When we plant a seed there are two outcomes, they grow or they don’t. Plants don’t care if you have followed celebrity gardeners instructions to plant on certain months with specific planting techniques. They live and die by the laws of nature. Opinion doesn’t count.

Birds have been very active and sounding their joy at the longer days and slightly warmer days. Joy fills my heart as pea and bean shoots emerge, it’s like winning a bet at the horse races. Nature is much kinder to us than the bookie. Generally she graces us with a balance of success to failures, especially in the temperate climates of North Devon. Sometimes she reminds us of the ‘It is what is is factor’. Inexplainable events like, hails storms, drought, floods. We just accept and deal with what’s in front of us, we don’t ask the question, ‘Why?’

‘Less is more, ‘ is a motto I am working with on my allotment. Metal trestles bought on Amazon have been used to create a transmittable three tier shelf. Optimizing the growing season by removing trestles later in the season to grow plants from the ground. Large seed trays will hold water, reducing watering time and wastage.

Outdoors this February/March we have planted sorrel, spinach, broad beans, peas, radish, cress. Indoors of the strawberry, aubergine, tomatoes, leek, artichoke, asparagus can be found seeded. All seeds are F1, investment in infrastructure of allotment is needed immediately. Future acquisition of organic seed will be fazed in, when there is more time to spend on harvesting seeds.

Dahlia, allium, gladioli, aneneme, iris, were planted in Feb to attract polinators, some cut flowers and for pleasure.

Bordem is not a word in the vocabulary of an allotment owner. Internal works have started in the shed starting with the strengthening the bench and securing a vice. This will be perfect for sharpening and repairing tools, building structures and general DIY projects when the weather outside is not so great.

This year I am trying out leaving my spuds out in the light to start them off, someone at the allotment mentioned that this prevents unwanted long shoots? I will give it a try and let you know in the Autumn how it went.

Looking forward to April we will need to continue landscaping the allotment paths and borders. More seeds will need to be planted outdoors as well as in the green house. So watch this space!