GARDEN DIARY: FEBRUARY

The days are getting longer and the promise of brighter, sunnier times are ahead. Gardeners are sowing their hearts out and planning for bountiful harvests. Me, on the other hand, well my seedlings got too hot and have sprouted into sad, lanky losers. 

The polytunnel was violently blown away for the second time; it currently resides in the brambles of the neighbouring plot. Our attempt to buy compost at B&Q was thwarted by inane Welsh Government rules. However, we could soak our frustrations away in the hot tubs that are still definitely allowed to be sold in Wales.  All is not lost though, we did get a tip-off from another disgruntled customer that B&M will sell you compost. Thank you for your sacrifice. 

Checklist-wise I'm getting off to a great start: no polytunnel, spindly seedlings, no compost. 

I'm at a crossroads of what to do next. Really, I should keep going and keep planting. The emerging of those little green specks is so exciting. Then reality sets in and I have to figure out how to look after them and grow them into food. I've watched hours of Youtube videos and everyone has their own way of doing things. Some say to keep the propagator lid on until the true leaves show, others say to remove it as soon as the first seedlings emerge - I really have no idea! 

After much contemplation about the future of the plot, I spoke with the other half about the possibility of turning it into a volunteer-run garden. The space is so vast and we really have no clue what to do with it. We've thrown down some boxes and that's about it. Ideally, we would be looking for local residents in RCT who can spare a few hours a week. You can take home the produce that we grow, as well as growing the things that you like. That's it, that's all I've got. 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: ADAPTING TO THE SEASONS

As I learn more and more about gardening and growing my own food, the more I start looking to the seasons and how we can eat sustainably. 

My most recent weekly menu was anything but - I took on a few technically challenging dishes - and I ended up buying some Spanish grown cherry tomatoes for a dish. What I wanted and what I got were two very different things. From now on, weak and pale-coloured tomatoes do not belong in my kitchen! 

Thanks to this article by Hungry City Hippy, I have been researching veg boxes. It turns out that Cardiff has some but nothing I feel could be worth the money. There is also no guarantee that it would be a seasonal box, as the box can be made up of non-seasonal vegetables. With a bit of effort, I can purchase seasonal produce (unpackaged) in my local greengrocers, for much cheaper. It will be a long way off before I start harvesting large quantities of produce, so this is the best solution for me at the moment. When I eventually return to work, a veg box might be the easier option. 

When we were planning to move house, we made a pledge that we would reduce our plastic recycling as much as we can. We've switched to a milk and juice delivery, which is a bit more expensive, but worth it. During winter we eat a lot of potatoes, so we invested in a 7.5 kg bag from Morrisons, which was only £3. The paper bag had a nice mixture of sizes, which is especially helpful as a baked potato is my lazy go-to meal. 

Between my local butcher and greengrocer, I am able to purchase the main bulk of the weekly shopping package free. It's this intentional way of shopping and living that I worry will disappear when I return to the rat race. Where I rock up at Aldi and just throw things mindlessly into my trolly. 

When that time comes, all I can do is implement the things I've learned and hope I keep it going. 

GARDEN DIARY: JANUARY

Dear readers, I feel as though I have neglected you as I have my garden. You see, I long for the days when blogging was just someone writing and sharing a few lovely photos. I really don't care for the social media aspect. I spent a previous life pouring over stats, clicks, and followers. It made me anxious. 

The garden still remains very much in my plans. 2020 was a mishmash of a year. We had submitted a mortgage application before ol' Boris called for a lockdown. Now, we have finally moved in (late December, no less) all that is a distant memory. 

I write this on a dark and wet Friday afternoon, sat at the eight-seater table we totally thought was a good idea to buy, candlelit and The Food Programme on. I've been put back on furlough, although only at 80% this time. I feel a huge sense of relief because I am actually in our house. The garden was one challenge - nailing down contractors is another!

We decided to set-up a polytunnel back in September, thinking we could try and grow some winter salad, spinach, and herbs while the cold sets in. Outside, we put down some boxes and I planted lots of onions and radish. Then a cat had a poop in one box, so lessons were learned there. Now that the land is clear, those furry little tyrants have pooped everywhere. I can never be mad at them for long because they are cute. 

After adding cat poop to our list of garden annoyances, wind also needs a mention. We are situated on the west coast of the UK - a storm will always find us. The polytunnel blew away twice and is damaged beyond repair. Perhaps we have it positioned too far down the bottom? For now, we are setting that dream aside. Now that we have a back garden to work from, the plan is to start things there, before transporting them to the main garden. 

I am now researching what I need to do ready for March. I keep hearing about March being the time to plant stuff. I have no seeds yet, so I really need to get on that. I have been studying Huw Richards' book Grow Food for Free, which has been very helpful. I don't think we will build a compost bin just yet, but eventually, we will buy one to start off in the back garden and go from there. 

In the meantime, I am working very hard to ensure I buy package-free produce and eating seasonally. I'm slowly moving over to seasonal cooking, trying out Nigel Slater's Greenfeast first. During the last lockdown, I started buying a locally made oat milk, which came in a glass bottle. It was great when I had every day off to go to the local deli to exchange the bottle for another. Then I went back to working five days a week, with nowhere close to do an exchange. Then I realised there was nowhere more local than my own kitchen, so I just made it there instead. The oaty discard makes for great pancakes as well. A win for my pocket and my stomach. 

My goals for this year still remain on two things: the house and the garden. Like last year, the things we had booked have already been cancelled. I really hope the summer concerts I've booked go ahead. To be able to stand in a field with friends and watch live music seems like such a treat now. 

In the meantime, I need to hit the books and get planting. No doubt my tomatoes will arrive before the electrician does.