Death hits us hard when it calls. It has brought disappointment and annoyance because plants I bought, which were frost-tender at lower degrees, could still be expected to survive if protected, instead they have given up the ghost. I checked out the descriptions of the plants before I bought them and made sure they were … More Ashes To Ashes
Friends and neighbours have a very nice habit of finding me gardening bargains. … More Growing Friends
A royal/kingly plant according to the Latin, basilius. Basil comes in many guises with variety and hybrids. For uses, flavour and perfume, this humble plant has a very regal name. … More The Royal Basil
How often I look at something and think ‘I could use that’. Most of the time the idea I had, fades after the purchase of it, but there are times when the light bulb over your head does switch on, and hope reigns once again, that what you bought wasn’t a complete waste of money, even if it’s original purpose never got fulfilled. … More Bag A Thought
It will be a relief to get some of the tomato seedlings into the greenhouse and I can use my dining table again.
I am playing safe and keeping at least one plant of each variety indoors just as a ‘plan B’. … More Chilly Tomatoes
I took electricity in the greenhouse for granted, so to lose it at the most inconvenient time, and there is no time to get it fixed, it’s time to turn it round to your advantage. I will be about find out how tomato seedings will survive below freezing temperatures at night. … More Shedding Some Trouble
The very pretty variegated Chilean Guava has yet to provide edible fruits, but I understand it will be worth the wait for the sweet, cross between strawberries and sherbet aroma and flavour. The red fruits, about the size of a blueberry, were imported as a favourite of Queen Victoria. … More Less Is More
Taking stock of winter damage is heart-breaking. My biggest and most expensive loss this year is my lime caviar tree. Although covered with a fleece jacket, it just wasn’t enough. … More The Long Road To Recovery
It will be some time yet before the little tomato seedlings are ready to go out into the greenhouse. Although cold outside, they can be quite comfortable with the heated propagators in the greenhouse but it is a bit easier giving them their bottle in the morning. … More Baby It’s Cold Outside
Don’t worry if you haven’t a greenhouse, there are plenty other options for you to try. If you’re lucky enough to be in a warm region, then planting outdoors shouldn’t be a problem for you but if you are from a colder area, don’t give up, there is always a plan ‘B’, it just takes more imagination. … More A Recycled Gardener
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