Today was another rough and nasty day. In England they are having heavy snow, but here it is cold, relentless rain.
I did manage to squeeze in a little gardening, in between dropping kids to parties and all the usual household duties!
Despite the terrible weather, I can feel the gardening year gathering pace. In ancient celtic tradition, the first of February was the beginning of spring, or the beginning of the growing year. In the freezing cold and damp I found myself questioning this - but in a way it is true. I realised that this week I have really started to plan for the week ahead. I have sown a few broad beans (sutton) in pots for an early crop. I have also sown a few sweet peas in pots (love those) and dahlias from seed for the first time.
As well as all that I have put seed potatoes 'Red Duke Of York' and 'Ballydoon' (both first earlies) in trays to chit.
Today myself and my daughter dropped a few cabbages up to the cold frame to harden off a bit before planting out. My poor girl was shivering after only five minutes so that was enough plot time today!
We popped into the local garden centre too and she picked up a nice pack of Calendula (pot marigold) to sow. I love calendula - they are easy, free flowering and throw up the odd surprise bloom or two.
So, yes, maybe this really is the start of the growing year!
I did manage to squeeze in a little gardening, in between dropping kids to parties and all the usual household duties!
Despite the terrible weather, I can feel the gardening year gathering pace. In ancient celtic tradition, the first of February was the beginning of spring, or the beginning of the growing year. In the freezing cold and damp I found myself questioning this - but in a way it is true. I realised that this week I have really started to plan for the week ahead. I have sown a few broad beans (sutton) in pots for an early crop. I have also sown a few sweet peas in pots (love those) and dahlias from seed for the first time.
As well as all that I have put seed potatoes 'Red Duke Of York' and 'Ballydoon' (both first earlies) in trays to chit.
Today myself and my daughter dropped a few cabbages up to the cold frame to harden off a bit before planting out. My poor girl was shivering after only five minutes so that was enough plot time today!
We popped into the local garden centre too and she picked up a nice pack of Calendula (pot marigold) to sow. I love calendula - they are easy, free flowering and throw up the odd surprise bloom or two.
So, yes, maybe this really is the start of the growing year!
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