We are still in the soggy grip of a wet and windy winter here at Dale Cottage. We skate through the mud each day as we go about our daily chores, trying to vary the route to veg patch and hen house so as not to deepen the ruts further. We’ve had the odd frosty morning, but on the whole, the weather as been quite mild so far. I’m wary of complacency, it’s tempting to hide away in the shed on a wet day and get carried away sowing seeds, but I must remember that last March, we were ankle deep in snow and the veg beds were frozen solid!
Planting
There are a few jobs which can be done. I’ve got the seed potatoes chitting in the dark under the potting shed bench. The shed and polytunnel have had a good clear out in readiness for the coming spring. I have garlic planted in cells in the tunnel waiting to go outside and I think I’ll have to get the onion sets started the same way, I can’t risk putting them out into cold, waterlogged soil.
Harvesting
We are still harvesting plenty from the veg garden. Brussels sprouts, kale and leeks feature heavily in our diets at present. This morning I happily snipped the first few small heads of purple sprouting broccoli, a welcome arrival!
The tunnel is still yielding a daily helping of fresh salad leaves and a few slightly holey radishes. Spinach, chard and beetroot are coming along well, promising some welcome nourishment during the hungry gap.
To do in February
I’m hoping the weather will dry up and the ground will drain enough to allow me to work it. I plan to clear the remaining beds and mulch with compost and manure.
I only have a short window now to get the forest garden area planted with bare root trees. I’ve put off ordering, but will have to do it soon, I plan to plant almonds, cobnuts and dwarf cherries to begin with. I’m dreaming of a hardy kiwi vine clambering over an archway leading into the garden too!
I’ll be planting some flower seeds to grow on in the tunnel for a late spring wedding. I’m hoping to trick some Larkspur, Ammi and Nicotiana into flowering a little early.
As usual at this time of year, garden work is ad hoc and opportunistic, making the most of a sunny spell to tick off and outdoor job.
I’m hoping for a brief respite from the sodden British weather, while I take a peak in on the summer happenings of all those lovely Australian and New Zealand gardens from Lizzie Moult’s Garden Share Collective. 
