Yesterday I was admiring the progress of the Karmen red onions which went in the ground only five weeks ago.  Their tall green shoots indicate a strong root system developing underneath.

It was alongside them that I noticed there was no sign of the Kelvedon Wonder peas I sowed three weeks ago.  They should’ve been showing by now.  I was about to plant more but remembered a small tray of pea shoots I’ve been growing indoors.  Pea shoots are delicious as a garnish to savoury dishes and that’s what I had planned for them.

But of course they are effectively just chitting pea seeds and so I just happened to have a load of pre-sprouted mini pea plants, ready for putting in the vacant space.

In they went and today, just 24 hours later, the small green sprouts had definitely grown a little more.  I’ll definitely do peas that way from now on, rather than simply sowing them straight out of the pack.

Come harvest time, it’ll be nice to accompany them with some mint.  My spearmint plant, grown from seed last year, is leafing up nicely now.  Today I was struck by the colour of the new leaves: a pleasant purple rather than the usual green.  Perhaps they start that shade when small and turn to green later.

With the aim of regaining the use of the dining room, this afternoon I spent a good hour or more servicing one of the two blowaway plastic greenhouses, with a view to moving the young plants into it.  I like to dismantle the structures completely then clean and disinfect them in case any moulds or infections are lingering.  Once it was dry and back together I had the pleasure of filling it with young plants:  tomatoes, chillis, cucumbers, squashes, brocolli and more.

The warmth should build up inside and help the plants come along.  In a week or two I’ll service the second blowaway, ready for more plants which are still in the propagators for now.  Once the weather gets warmer I’ll plant most of the potted things out into the raised beds and the greenhouses will mainly just hold full-grown chilli and pepper plants.

I almost forget sometimes that there is fruit growing in the garden as well as vegetables.  Recently I was almost at the point of being concerned about the grape vines.  I pruned them back hard during the winter and have been anxious to see growth starting again.

Happily, today I spotted the buds appearing along the branches; all is well.  These will absolutely fly now and in no time there’ll be long branches spreading out and lush green leaves, with the grapes to follow soon after.

And just a few feet away are three large pots each containing a strawberry plant.  Zooming right in on a pretty yellow and white flower you can see an individual strawberry taking shape.  I hope there are lots more to follow.  Isn’t nature wonderful …