In a little tray, in the corner of the kitchen, my first seedlings of 2013 popped their heads up today. They are an old fashioned scented variety of sweet pea. Hurray! If the weather is to be reasonable, I'll pop them out into my little lean to greenhouse in about a week. Let the growing begin!

Pot, or English Marigolds are known by the name Calendula. I remember reading that they acquired this name because they can remain in flower on every day of the calendar year.

Well, here is a great example - after a couple of weeks of freezing January weather, a single flower remains. A little, brave reminder that spring will come.

Calendula are easy to grow, and look great sown freely in rows or swathes. I like to pop in a row or clump here and there to brighten up the allotment. Bees, our freat pollinators, also love them.

A winter's evening at the allotments

Well the heavy snow that has descended on the Antrim Hills and Glens has killed off any chance of a trip to the allotment this week.
Lately, I've been clearing out the shed. An overdue job. I found an old packet of pea seeds going mouldy at the back of the shelf. I had a good clear out so that I didn't attract any mice!

I have also been planning the plot and thinking about seeds for the year.

This year, I am going to grow a few rows in the traditional veg plot style, along side my usual beds - just for a change. I'll grow my onions, leeks and a few other things in rows this year.

I had some rogue raspberry plants that came up from my neighbours plot. I was going to leave them there, but I think I would like to move them. I will do it after the snow thaws.

I was down in Dublin today and had a quick look in Woodies DIY. They have some good deals on bulbs and seeds. They are selling off their bulb range at 50% off (including onion sets). It is not too late to plant them - especially as it is so mild at the moment. I got a large bag of Daffs with orange centres for five euro. Not bad at all.

(This post is not sponsored - just advice).