The last two weeks have seen periods of frenzied activity coupled with distinct sloth on the plot. Two rows of Boltardy beetroot were planted around the last weekend in March, during a period of record high temperatures for the month. A little bit of sunbathing meant progress in other areas wasn't quite so fast, although the large numbers of bumble bees and huge numbers of ladybirds took advantage of the warm weather to hunt for nest sites and feed.

The search for a water butt continues. With the guttering in place on the shed it seems both foolish and wasteful not to have a functioning water butt, but they're proving hard to get hold of - the threatened drought seems to be causing all the local garden centres to sell out as soon as they come into stock. At the moment I'm making do with a trug, but it isn't the best solution long term. Besides, I could do with my trug back :)

The garlic and onions continue to do well, the garlic plants under the shade of the Damson trees coping much better than the more exposed plants towards the front of the plot. The Elephant garlic (which is apparently a leek, and not a garlic at all - but seems to taste as good!) also continues to thrive. Last year Plot 129 lost quite a few garlic plants in the unusually warm April, so I will be trying to keep them as well watered as possible this spring.

Further preparation has continued indoors, with Green Globe artichokes, Black Beauty Aubergine, Windsor pumpkins and some reclaimed butternut squash seeds being sown in propagators and covered pots:

Germination is expected between 5-14 days, so we'll be checking them eagerly from the middle of next week.

Whilst it may seem to be all work at the moment, a reminder of why has come in the shape and taste of the rhubarb! We're eating to save the planet just now - our rhubarb plants are growing so quickly they are threatening to take over all the ground before them...

And finally, some pictures of spring flowers and blossom on the plot :) Enjoy!

 Damson

 Plum

Fritillary (planted November 2011)