Yes, yes, yes, it's actually ###### raining!! 🌧️🌧️

Despite my best effort the outdoor squash are tiny. But this bad boy in the polytunnel looks like he might do just fine.

Not written a blog for a while so thought I'd start back with trying to remind myself of the best advice I was ever given - taking the time to notice how things grown. Simple, but effective.

Little visitor this morning - seemed fascinated watching me pack boxes in preparation for our move. Never seen a bird that still for so long. Sure he would have offered advice if he could 😊

Early sweet peppers looking good. They'll be on tonight's pasta supper - yum!

Basil seems to like the 38 degree heat of the polytunnel. It's got more staying power than me in that temp - I'm wilting 🥵

I've been a little quiet here while we prepare for a big house move! 🤞 we're moving to the beautiful west Wales coast. Packing's almost done 🫣 One question for all you experienced movers... any top tips for relocating established plants, garden infrastructure? I'd appreciate any advice.

This little chap paid us a visit today.

Jostaberries & Raspberries doing ok. Never done jostaberry jam, but might give it a go. Any special tips for Josta jam gratefully received.

Grass mowed, now for a well deserved cuppa

Courgettes/zucchini or Marrows One day you have a lovely courgette - next you have a whopping marrow. A beginner's guide to avoiding or embracing this perennial problem. https://wp.me/p9vECS-1Tw

Something strange about it raining all day & still needing to water the polytunnel. My £100,000 idea 💡a polytunnel with a remote control retractable roof 🤔😂

Trying to clear the freezer's of last year's fruit ready for this year's bountiful onslaught (she says confidently 🤞🏼). So apple & plum crumble it will be.

Somethings been taking chunks out of one of my lettuces - little critters

Short blog on what beginner veg growers might like to sow in June. You haven't missed the boat - still plenty to sow.

This little chap in the garden today munching on the roses 😊

This weeks blog - some simple herb preserving methods. I forget that the simple ways are often the best! https://solitairegardener.co.uk/2026/05/13/simple-ways-to-preserve-everyday-herbs-without-fancy-equipment/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Love watching the Christmas Cactus bloom. Simple pleasures 😊

Herb bed no. 1 has gone a bit bonkers. Not complaining though 😊. Next step, a mammoth herb drying session.

This weeks blog - May overwhelm or lagging behind? Really keen to know where others are in this frenetic planting month. Needless to say I'm in camp… https://solitairegardener.co.uk/2026/05/10/find-peace-calm-the-chaos-and-remember-its-not-too-late/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

This one finally got the memo that said 'reach for the support' 😊🫛

Been gardening for years, and yet still...... Cucumber, squash, courgette/zucchini - answers on a postcard 😊

With the polytunnel hitting 37°C this week, watering’s been front of mind. So I’ve put together a short blog on deep watering, how to do it, and why your veg… https://solitairegardener.co.uk/2026/05/05/unlock-healthy-growth-with-deep-watering-techniques/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

I think this is a snowball bush/Viburnum opulus Roseum. But whatever it is.... it's brightening up the front garden a proper treat.

This little beauty. Spring cabbage - planted early autumn 25 & harvested yesterday. Homegrown is such a joy! 🥬

Sorry folks - should have shared this last week. 5 veggies to start in May. If your new to growing veg do let me know if there's anything else you want me to concentrate on in future blogs.

No gardening post today, but couldn't resist this. Nonchalantly guarding the back door. He's such a diva!

Love it when the sheep are in the field over the road 🐑🐏🐑

Interesting experiment. Both 2nd Earlies, same variety, planted on the same day, same compost, on 23rd March. The one outside had fleece at night & on cooler days - what a difference! 🤞🏼 they'll taste ok. Will update y'all on yields later.

We think we've finally found a house - horra. Barmouth in Wales a special blend of mountains and seaside. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼🤞🏼 Now to consider how we move nearly 40 raised beds......🥴😂