Small changes. This one is certainly a small change, but it does make a difference. Last couple of years, I’ve got lazy. Bought in veg plants instead of growing from seed. Ended up buying more than I want. Plants I had never heard of before. More than I had time to care for. Plants that were not on my list. Sound familiar?
Totally daft. I have a good collection of seeds from previous years. Some collected. Some left over. Not all seeds will sprout the next year, but most do. I should be using them.
It’s mainly been out of panic. Cold, wet start to the year and I can’t seem to get seeds and pots of soil together. Then the sun comes out and suddenly I’m behind.
The thing is, I’m not. I’ve been gardening for long enough to know better. Its time to trust my instinct. The seed packets may state the sowing month as February/March, but if it’s not warm enough until April, then the seedlings won’t thrive. Not without artificial light and warmth. If I look through my old dusty gardening books, they trust that year’s season. Stories of testing the readiness of the soil with your bare behind. (Not happening!) They use their instinct.
I’m going to use my instinct. No panic buying.
Of course, it might have helped if a couple of robins had not chosen the potting bench, in my rustic potting shed, to build a nest. They fledged yesterday. AJ and I sneaked in for pots, to find two little robin chicks sitting on the roof rafters.
Our neighbour teases me that my shed is dilapidated and needs replacing. I call it rustic. My husband calls it “this weekend’s fixing job”, now that our very welcome tenants have left. I’m very fond of this little, rustic shed. I’m in no hurry to replace it. Seems like the robins agree with me. Maybe I should call it my rustic, robin-approved, potting shed.
Now where are those seeds. Another step to becoming a greener me.
Joining in for the first time with Mamasaurus’s How Does Your Garden Grow?
How about you? Are you putting seeds in pots this week?
I would so love a dedicated potting space – rustic or otherwise! Can’t believe you have robins fledging already, your season is so much further ahead……..never heard of the bare bottom testing method………probably won’t try it. Couldn’t agree more re buying seedlings over seeds, and the panicking when I really do know it is still too early. I have been very guilty of both. But I hope that this time next year we may be somewhere with a reasonable garden, a little shed and somewhere I can set my seedling trays in the sun, and away from the cats! Juliex
Fingers crossed for more space and your own rustic potting shed, for next year. Such a difference between the start of the seasons around the country. Another good reason to trust my instinct.
Our shed is definitely of the rustic variety, too, though we re-felted it last weekend. I’ve been using seeds this year, though to be honest, it’s my first year as a ‘gardener’ really, as I’ve had no interest at all until now. I’ve been out there watering each evening, eagerly awaiting those first signs that they’re growing.
I’m hoping to repair and refelt this weekend. Although I might have missed my chance as the adults seem to be preparing for the second brood. Good luck with your gardening.
I so love your bird photos! Love the vibe of your shed and I think that bird loves it too! #HDYGG
Oh thanks, Merlinda! I know the robins love it. Drinking my coffee this morning, and I spotted the adult pair taking more nesting material in. I might need to give up my shed a bit longer!
i am in love with your fleadglin photo that is very special #hdygg
It was very sweet. Flew over to us. I like to think it wanted its photo taken. Probably it was more curious about us. Or spotted us too late. 🙂
it’s always a good thing to follow your own instinct 😉
It’s the remembering part that I need to practise.
rustic is good. Great photos
Doesn’t bother the seeds or plants, so that’s fine by me! 😀
Ooo a potting shed – sound like bliss. We have a large wooden garage at the moment but it’s very much the realm of my husband (man cave). A proper shed of my own is something I need to sort out soon. How lovely that robins nested in there – I can see why that made you even more attached to it!
I’m awful at buying veg plants that I’ve not heard of before just because they look nice at the time – I’m my own worst enemy!
Thank you ever so much for joining in and sharing with us all x
I’m not sure anyone would want my potting shed. It is small and leaky, but it works perfectly for me…..and the robins. Thinking about it, it’s rustic nature has probably guaranteed that my ownership remains unchallenged. Husband has a man cave. Large and doesn’t leak. Why would he want my potting shed? 🙂
I love rustic sheds. How cool that you have birds nesting there, I’d love that xxx
Looking forward to getting it refelted this weekend. It certainly hits the mark, as far as rustic goes. 🙂
Love the comment about testing the soil, no thanks! 😛 I think it must be lovely to pop your head in the barn and see nesting birds, sweet!
I’m happy to share this space with these little birds. We’ve all enjoyed watching the adults popping in and out with worms in their beaks.
loving your dilapidated shed. the robin photos are so sweet.
I’m fond of that old shed too. It was old-looking when we moved in 17 years ago. Goodness only knows how old it is!!
We have done the same over the years, seeds & bought seedlings. This year we are going for a bit of a mixed approach, using up seeds which gone past their sow by date – how did that happen?!
I’m sure the sow by date is more to do with the seed company’s guarantee of success than anything else. Poppy seeds go on for decades and still sprout. I’m using up seeds passed their date too, with mixed results, but better to try.
Your seeding certain look to be doing well. I love your robin shots and your shabby chic shed, definately keep it 😛
I need a sign made with that on – Shabby Chic Shed – so I can hang it on there. 😀 Thanks! It’s had a fresh lick of paint this year, just needs to be refelted.