March 26th 2016

Sowing is underway

We’ve spent a busy weekend preparing new vegetable beds in the orchard. Once we had removed the turf and rotavated the soil, we made two large raised beds, which we filled with homemade compost and rotavated again. In the process we managed to empty two large compost heaps, but were ably assisted by our younger son who found it preferable to exam revision!  I was thrilled when we found my beloved Felco secateurs at the bottom of one heap, which I mislaid last summer. They’re a bit rusty but, hopefully, should be fine once I clean them up. These compost heaps are a real source of treasure. Recently I also found a trowel and a garden knife – I can’t wait to see what the next one might contain! Seed sowing is well under way and the heated propagator is full of small pots. As the seeds germinate, they’re moved into the greenhouse, where I have cosmos and aster (free GN seeds), together with amaranthus, antirrhinums and lupins growing well. The first batch of sweet peas are germinating, and there are plenty more to sow. I have some module-sown broad beans, but now the vegetable beds are ready I’ll also sow another batch direct. I’m still busy clearing and weeding the flowerbeds, then mulching with yet more garden compost. Our soil is very free draining, so the more I can mulch, the better. The next major job is lifting turf and making a stone path behind the greenhouse. We’re creating two large beds on either side in which I hope to grow old-fashioned roses, among other things. Hopefully, we’ll have made a start by next month.