Isn't weeding wonderful?

I never really noticed before (perhaps I thought it a chore), but weeding is a really relaxing occupation. I spent some time weeding today and after short while realised that I was actually enjoying it! I was able to simply let my mind wander whilst I was picking out weeds and forking over the bed.

A great book!

Having started gardening and growing vegetables I have been looking at a lot of books on the subject. I have also been browsing youtube. I thought I would share a couple of really good resources I have found.

The first is from youtube. There are around 40 videos as I write and that number is growing. The thing to search for is *claireasallotment* and Claire manages to put things over really well without being patronising. I am learning so much from her.


Secondly my wife brought me a book from our local library. I am going to have to buy this one. It is called 'The Allotment Keeper's Handbook' and is by Jane Perrone (ISBN 978-1-84354-548-4).

I can't stop reading this one. The book is one of those that are just a joy to read. When was the last time you picked up a gardening book and read it cover to cover in one sitting? It is soft backed and not too big so you can take it with you. It is also, importantly, a terrific source of information and inspiration with lots pf good reference. Jane has written it in a no-nonsense style that makes you believe you can do it too. I don't have an allotment but the information in this book works for anyone who grows their own food.

She also has a blog called 'Horticultural' and I will link it on the side bar. Great stuff Jane :)

High Definition

Just took delivery of a Humax HD FreeSat box today. It just connects right to the Sky dish without any need to readjust :) What a fabulous picture. Just right for Wimbledon. The picture on the non-HD channels is also brilliant, highly recommended. It also receives in Dolby sound so is a completely different experience all round! My plants are really coming on well I am pleased to say. We should have some tomatoes to eat very soon :-D Linda and I have worked out that we can get a vegetable plot built in the garden too so hopefully next year we will be able to grow most of our needs.

New life!

This is really exciting! I planted some rocket seeds on Monday and now on Thursday, they are quite visible! Lots of small leaves growing over the compost :) The Spinach has not shown itself as yet but give it time. The mixed leaves are starting to develop too. I guess to those of you who garden, this must seem daft but I am loving it :)

Gardening

I find myself in June already! Where do the months go? I have spent much of May and June (both of which have been lovely on the whole weatherwise) working on the garden. I have created a couple of raised beds and completely reworked the area around the shed. The old shed was rotten so it was taken down. I put it on Freecycle and someone came and got it. If you have a Freecycle near you, use it. It is a fantastic idea and you can put wanted ads on as well as putting your old stuff on there for other people. It is on the web and a quick 'Google' will find it. The only proviso is that it is all free, you cannot ask for any money. However it means that other people come and take away stuff that you do not want or need and it costs you nothing! Back to the garden. I got a new shed and a greenhouse. I have never had a greenhouse before but I am enjoying it thoroughly so far :) I have planted tomatoes, courgettes and cucumber as well as several types of lettuce and leaf. I also got a couple of strawberry plants for good measure! As well as all that I have sown some spring onion so we will see what happens!