Slightly later sowing this year than usual, trying to see whether sowing later actually makes a difference (other than hopefully reducing the length of time I spend carting the seedlings in and out). I’ve also reduced the number of cultivars (we’ve still got lots of tomatoes in the freezer from last year). Only three new…… Continue reading Sowing Tomatoes 2025
Author: MTT
Tomatoes for 2025
It has got to that time of year again when making decisions about what to grow. My plan this year is to significantly reduce the number of cultivar’s, probably only around 10 different varieties. The main reason is that we’ve still got a lot of tomatoes left over from last year, we’re not eating anything…… Continue reading Tomatoes for 2025
First Snow of the Year
After weeks of dull weather, last week we saw the sun again. It didn’t last long as this morning we woke up to a couple of inches of snow and overnight temperatures below freezing for the first time. Over the garden, it looks quite pretty but the roads are turning to slush already.
Northern Lights
Sparrowhawks
As I’ve probably said before, we back onto a small woodland. This year we seem to have been lucky enough to have a family of Sparrowhawks take up residence. My guess is that the young have relatively recently fledged and they are swooping around, screaming to each other. I don’t have the equipment (or patience)…… Continue reading Sparrowhawks
Collapsing Tomato Plants
A lesson learned. This year, I decided to reduce the use of plastics in the tomato greenhouse by using ordinary garden string to support the plants, rather than the plastic string I have used in previous years. What I do is to tie the string through the holes I have made in the bottom of…… Continue reading Collapsing Tomato Plants
Recipe – Courgette and Apricot Chutney
The glut of courgettes is always difficult to deal with. They need to be picked often to encourage more to set but if you miss one it can rapidly get big. Chutney of any sort is always a good way to deal with a glut and it will keep for up to 12 months in…… Continue reading Recipe – Courgette and Apricot Chutney
Recipe – Courgette, Ham & Cheese
With the courgettes growing quickly, its easy to miss some so this is a recipe that uses the large ones you’ve missed. It also continues to use the tomato sauce you made last year when the tomato glut hit. Its also simple and quick. A meal in a dish Ingredients (for one) Large Courgette (700…… Continue reading Recipe – Courgette, Ham & Cheese
Peacock Butterfly
There seems to have been a shortage of butterflies so far this year (although the cabbage whites are keen to lay eggs on my broccoli). However I was pleased to see this in my garden the other day. Its interesting to see how the caterpillars can change into something so attractive.
Recipe – Grilled Courgette with Parmesan Cheese
This is one of the simplest recipes for using courgettes, getting some of the glut used up. It makes a tasty side-dish to accompany whatever you may be eating. Simply slice the courgettes into piece about 1/2cm thick and put in the oven/under the grill for 10-15 minutes to cook gently/soften. When soft(ish) cover with…… Continue reading Recipe – Grilled Courgette with Parmesan Cheese