Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
6th February 2021
Mud Glorious Mud
The cheery news from the Met Office is that January in Wales was colder, wetter, and saw less sunshine than average. The real good news is, of course, that we can now see January in our rear view mirror. Although going into February, everything I own seems to be wet and covered in mud. Negotiating steps, paths and muddy gateways resembles my own version of ‘Dancing on Ice’ and feeding the pigs and chickens at this time of year elevates muddiness to a whole different level, accompanied by much getting-wellies-stuck and low-level cursing. In theory it is best to keep off the garden as much as possible during really wet periods, as you will compact the ground and just make a mess. Even burying bones is muddy old work, as Yogi demonstrated nicely last week.
If you can work in flowerbeds or raised beds from paths and patios then do so, or just tackle those mud-free outdoor jobs like tidying up the shed, mending broken tools and just getting organised for spring.
Gone To Seed
Some days are just made for a bit of armchair gardening. Anyone who thinks that gardening begins in spring and ends in autumn is missing out on a lovely part – the planning – and best done in January and February. If you haven’t already had your seed and flower catalogues through the door, do send for them – they’re so much nicer to look through than scrolling online. And the old catalogues make great wrapping paper.
It looks like this year may be a repeat of last in so far as seed companies will be selling out fast, so get a notebook, plan what you want to grow this year and get your orders in. And when the seeds arrive keep them all in one place, like a drawer or box. Otherwise I can guarantee you’ll have forgotten what you ordered and where you put them. Or is that just me?
As well as my favourites, like cosmos – probably the best value for money ever, and giant red mustard leaves – possibly the tastiest salad leaves, I always try to grow something different each year. I have varying degrees of success. I can’t get rid of the Munich Beer Radishes that I experimented with about five years ago – but luckily they’re tasty, so get a reprieve each year. And I have failed miserably with the delicious sounding Chocolate habanero, a very hot chilli with a unique flavour. Habanero chilli seeds need to be sown early. The plant grows up to 1 metre tall and produces masses of fruits, 4-6cm long. Cayenne Red or Jalapeno are much easier to grow and can be planted outside, but let’s face it, they don’t sound quite as impressive as Chocolate chillis.
If you fancy trying your luck, sow the Chocolate habanero chilli seed now, about 1 cm deep into a seed tray or in small pots or cells. Cover lightly, water and place inside at between 20-25 Celsius. To aid germination, place the tray in a plastic bag.
Germination can be slow with some hot peppers. As soon as seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out. Transplant the seedlings into small individual pots. Use rich compost and keep the plants between 20-30 Celsius during the growing season. For best production keep the plants in the greenhouse and feed regularly. Let me know how you get on.
And although my Cucamelons were a success, I didn’t like them so won’t be growing them again. However, I did like the fact that I discovered they were also called ‘Mouse Melons’ because of their size.
I will be growing cucumber Crystal Apple (also known as Crystal Lemon) again though. They were delicious and easy to grow – the best combination to look for in a variety description. They produce prolific crops of small roundish cucs which look more like little apples (hence the name) are deliciously sweet and juicy. They can be grown outdoors and either supported or left to trail on the ground. Height: 3m (9′). Spread: 45cm (18″).
Colour Me Happy
I have been really impressed by some of my friend’s creative diversifications during the lock down restrictions. Two years ago I picked up a paintbrush, for the first time since my school art classes, on an art course with the vibrant Claire Timbrell. That was back in the heady times of being able to sit in a room full of people and share paints and encouragement face to face.
Since ‘those good old days’ ended, Claire has offered ‘paint along’ sessions online and more recently, virtual painting parties. These ‘private paint alongs’ are available via Zoom for 4-15 people with 20 different paintings to choose from. It’s a fabulous way to lift the mood, brush up your skills and even add something a bit special to home schooling. You don’t need any experience – the painting in the photo is one I created in just an hour and a half with Claire’s guidance. You will only need 5 colours and three brushes and you can even have all the materials you need delivered straight to your door prior to your Paint Party. Who knows, the pandemic may unleash the Picasso in you, and if it doesn’t it doesn’t matter – as Claire says, “It’s fun art, not fine art.” https://www.thepaintalonglady.com
I grew crystal lemon cucumbers a couple of years ago and had forgotten how delicious they were, I’ll source the seeds again this year.