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.