It's really strange times at the moment with lock downs, social distancing and all the associated tragedy and stress of this Coronavirus blighted year. And it's that stress I'm trying to address with this blog.
I'm lucky that I've got my health and a good open space to access after each week of working from home. Especially lucky as it's really important that people try to 'mix it up' as much as possible for the sake of their own good health, and I can. But I'm also aware that people aren't as lucky as me in having an allotment space to work with. Or even a garden space in which to plant.
The organisation I work for is very keen to support its staff in whatever way it can. We have all transitioned from working in a buzzing office environment full of friendly faces and lively banter to individual isolation in a bedroom, study or living room. Yes we have daily video conferences between colleagues and that does help but we all need to work hard at maintaining in a virtual way, all the things we'd normally do naturally and in person.
We talked about this in my group and we're going to be launching a few initiatives aimed at both 'body and soul' as a result. And it was as out of those chats that the idea of this blog was born. Quite a few people 'know' I have got an allotment and a few closer colleagues have heard me moaning on about a "lack of rain'' or the 'indestructible nature of bindweed' and indeed some have benefited from a few 'gluts' which occasionally happen when I get things right. But, especially when people's attention is turning to what they can do in their own space, I thought I could share what I do, not just for those that might be curious, but as a practical attempt to help those who might be looking to doing some 'growing their own' this year in particular to supplement their restricted shopping trips.
So whether you're a seasoned veteran, or someone who has decided to grow for the first time, I hope there will be something in this for you as I regularly update on my own progress. As well as covering general growing principles, I'll be showing you how this year I'll be utilising some of the borders and spaces in my own small garden to help those who don't have a lot of space and I've even got some ideas for the kitchen windowsill gardener who has no space at all.
I'm happy to try and answer questions too, but remember, I can only speak from my own experience. . And yes, although this blog is primarily aimed at supporting my work colleagues, I am happy to help out anyone who stumbles across this site who might be interested.
So welcome to BG veg. Just a small attempt to Bring Good cheer, whilst Being Green at the same time.
Cheers
Ian
Frank, thanks for the encouragement! The white stuff is lime (especially good for the soil when you are about to grow brassicas). I've also mixed in some calcified seaweed fertiliser as a friend of mine swears by the stuff so I thought I'd try it when my current supply of Growmore ran out (which it just has). I tried lime last year for the first time and you've tasted the results!
Sue, take a look at my April Sowings blog for some tips on what to grow in April...including Rocket and Beetroot
Wow - so that's how you weave your magic on the plot! Great blog Ian - keep it up. But what's the white stuff you're spreading on the beds in the pic?
Ian, this is terrific! Can't wait to get started and find out what to plant in April. Wonder if you'll cover rocket... or beetroot...