Garden Tasks I’m Planning Now That I’m on the Mend

Last week I was completely knocked out with a chest infection. No gardening, no homesteading, not even a proper paned in the garden. But now that I’m slowly on the mend, I’ve started turning my thoughts toward spring. It’s just around the corner, and even though I’m not ready to jump back into full days outside, I’m easing into a bit of garden planning, and my goodness is there lots to do. This time last year I was nurturing hundreds of seedlings. However, this year I have yet to plant a single seed! I am quite far behind schedule with some plants, but with a little trip to the garden centre on mother’s day yesterday, I was able to get some already established seedlings of those little plants that need a longer growing season.

1.      Taking Stock of What Survived Winter

Yesterday was all about reflection and with a nice warm cup of tea in hand I went round the garden to see what lasted the winter. I must admit this winter has been very mild and far less frost than last year. Almost all my plants have made it through the winter and are showing early signs of spring growth. Strangely though, two of my hellebore plants (which should be in full bloom now) have not made it. These plants tend to be very hardy and are one of the first to put on a show each year. Having done a small bit of research into what could have happened, I feel that perhaps they aren’t pleased with the moisture level of the soil. My garden is very boggy in the winter. It’s not well draining at all. Perhaps I can dig them up and find a better spot for them.

In the veg beds, I still have lots of veg that has over wintered. It is time to pull up the kale, as it is starting to seed now. It will be a welcome ‘green’ addition to my compost heap. Lots of carrots still being protected by the hug of the warming soil. Although Winston my puppy has learned that they are there, and loves to steal one to play with. Finally, the Asparagus crowns I planted last year should begin to poke from the ground soon.

2.      Planning the First Spring Sowing

I am very excited by the forecast this week, we are in for a full week if sunshine and warmth. I have a large number of seeds to plant this week and will be attempting to catch up on as much as I can. As with last year, I have used the grow veg garden planner. I have found it to be so helpful in knowing what to plant and when. As it is my second year a Woodside, it also shows me what I shouldn’t plant based on last year, to ensure good crop rotation. I recommend this to anyone who needs help planning their garden.

3.      Prepping Beds & Pots (Gently!)

As I am still recovering from this chest infection, I am planning to hold off from starting any projects that will take a lot of digging/work. I plan to just weed the beds and make sure they are all prepped and ready for seedlings soon. I have quite a lot of pots that need to be emptied, cleaned and stored ready for the year. Much of this work I would have normally completed by now, but with my mental health been how it has this winter, it has been a struggle.

Here is a list of goals for the week of sunshine:

1.      Weed the garden beds

2.      Clear around the beds

3.      Sow a variety of veg plants in the greenhouse

4.      Clear the paths around the house

5.      Tidy up the fire pit area

That’s all for now. Keep it simple and achievable.

It feels good to be slowly returning to the garden, even if it’s just in small doses. Spring doesn’t rush in all at once, and neither do I. Whether you’re still under a blanket or already in your wellies, I hope you find a little joy in planning and dreaming this week.