Growing some of my own food is always something I’ve enjoyed and although far from being self sufficient, I manage to keep the kitchen partially stocked with some of my efforts. On reflection, I’m definitely on the ‘could do better’ list, but this year, despite the current weather and winter flood damage, things are looking pretty good in the Wee Pinch of Sugar garden.
Whether this years spoils will match my previous efforts, remains to be seen but progress, albeit slow, is being made. An old injury means I’m unable to do any heavy work but I’m ably assisted by Mr G who happily acts as labourer, digging and planting when I need help. As they say, every job needs a gaffer.
This year I’m keeping a photographic record of the progress, as when winter sets in and plants die back, it’s easy to forget what it looked like during spring and summer. There’s also the added problem of the younger dog stealing the plant markers.
I’ve also embarked on planting edible plants and herbs in different parts of the garden and the long term plan is to convert as much of the garden over to this style of planting. What I now need is for temperatures to rise to allow the summer vegetables to grow and to encourage growth in the new herbs and edible plants.
Here’s a snapshot of what I have going on at present.
Some new apple tress have been added this year, including some heritage varieties. The lone pear tree is having a new partner as it’s lonesome existence has prevented the production of fruit.
Rhubarb and Sweet Cicely are side by side and the rhubarb is growing magnificently.
The gooseberries, blueberries & currants have lots of flowers and fruit is forming on the gooseberry bushes.
There’s also a wide selection of herbs growing and I’ve also planted some edible flowers this year. One major casualty was the rosemary hedge which was lost as a result of a fungus. New plants have been planted in a different part of the garden and I will need to add more as rosemary is a regular addition to my cooking.
The edible flowers include borage, cornflowers, marigolds and there’s still a few patches of wild garlic. The white flowers make a lovely addition to salads.
The lovage on the left has really taken off this year and the sorrel is also establishing a good plant. The angelica is new this year but is already looking healthy.
There a four mints, some growing better than others. Spearmint, chocolate mint, Indian mint and ginger mint.You can never have enough mint and over the summer I have a plentiful supply of mint tea.
There’s Greek oregano and golden oregano growing and I use lots, both dried and fresh in the kitchen.
Thyme is one of my favourites I have plants in pots and in the ground as I use so much of it. ‘;Alongside the common garden thyme, there’s lemon thyme and caraway thyme. All great for using in the kitchen.
Sage seems to grow well in the garden and the large broad leaved sage has survived a few years although it’s starting to get a bit woody. There’s also purple sage and a new addition is the blackcurrant sage in the pot.
Over the next few weeks, the runner beans and courgettes will get planted and the salads and strawberries that are in tubs will hopefully benefit from some much needed warmer weather. It’s always very satisfying to eat what you’ve grown. Fingers crossed and who knows what the next pictures will show.