Blog posted by Dominic Murphy

Foul and Fair

Just when we were getting used to the hot weather, it’s turned rainy and cold. But gardening club is gathering its summer term momentum, so half-a-dozen children braved the showers. This is an ideal number because we can squeeze into the polytunnel and get some more seeds planted.

We sowed some French beans and I brought in some old loo rolls for the purpose. Once the beans are big enough in a few weeks, and there is no longer risk of frost, we can bung them straight into the ground. The loo rolls got a giggle from the children, too.

I have half an idea that we can do a display at the summer fair in mid June, and maybe sell some stuff. The few times we have managed to sell salad leaf at the school gate, the children have loved it. I’m thinking basil will go down a treat with the summer fair punters, so today we sowed
this into a dozen or so pots. The pots are big enough so the seedlings can stay put and not have to be potted on (basil has a tap root that doesn’t respond well to disturbance). Fingers crossed, they will germinate well and be big enough to sell in June.  ‘Just like those herbs in the supermarket,’
I say to the children. They look transfixed. Or bewildered.

I hope we’ll have some spuds by then and the cabbage (hurrah!) will be massive. If we get rid of this bad weather, the garlic will be ready, too. We’ll pull up a few onions, providing they’re not looking too pathetic. But what else?

Better get going with some more lettuce and salad. What would we do without you?