To cheat or not to cheat?
And is it really cheating anyway?
The scribbles below are last night’s words after a beautifully spring-like day. This morning, the fire is crackling, the wind is gently rocking us and the grey skies are keeping any sun rays from brightening the boat. What a difference a day makes.
A thin layer of ice lined our boats roof this morning, but as the sun rose, noticeably a little higher into the sky, it didn't take long to dissipate. It’s been the perfect January day, the kind where slightly numb toes are the only give away to winter's hiding game. To celebrate, for the first time in too long, we all headed to the allotment.
Admittedly, I was a little MIA for our first year as allotmenteers - Jack spearheaded our journey, with Joe and I gently dipping our toes every now and then. Now our little boy is over one, it's a little easier to be out and about, and with that I vow to be more present at the garden. We're at the veg bed planning stage… chatting about what we enjoyed last year that’s a must for this year, and where we can improve our harvests. This is where the option to cheat comes in.
Have you heard of rocket gardens? (Not an ad!) It’s a company that does all the initial growing for you - and sends you enough plug plants for your size plot, to create an abundance of food. In the post, you get your established plants and an instruction for which bed to plant them in. We’re in two minds. There are so many positives to growing your own plants from seed - the methodical and calming process of dabbing your compost and inserting one too many seeds in the designated spot, that maternal rush of joy when shoots first poke their heads out the soil, to the satisfying feeling when you eat the produce knowing you reared it all the way from seed.
But… then there’s the heartbreak when you come to check on your sprouted seeds to find the pigeons had a hungry morning. Actually no, the heartbreak when you come to find your now fully fledged plant has been nobbled beyond recovery (R.I.P kale). Then there’s the extreme gluts of produce followed by a lengthy gap because you forgot to succession plant… Oh, it’s also quite tricky starting enough seedlings from our boat. Those that need warmth for the beginning days and weeks, can’t all seek shelter in our little floating home.
If we opt for these plug plants in the post, we feel like we’re cheating. But, is a little head start really a bad thing? Life is busy, sometimes you’ve got to accept a little helping hand, right? I’m on team cheat. What about you?
One thing we are definitely doing again - is growing Christmas. We spent the big day with my family this year - and provided all of the carrots, parsnips and brussels for the table (along with a token beetroot, and a few squash). The carrots were scrumptious - full of an earthy yet sweet depth, and who doesn’t love a Brussels tree? It was very rewarding being able to share our humble basket of goodies. We want to build on last year’s Christmas harvest - and provide all of the veggies from our patch this year. Does it get more wholesome than that?
Aside from the Christmas veg, my favourite produce from the allotment last year had to be our tomatoes. They grew in abundance, and were far superior to any tomato we bought in the shops. We will endeavour to recreate last year’s tomato jungle in our greenhouse!
Whether it is seeds, plug plants, or a mix of both, we cannot wait for our 2025 growing journey to begin. Let us know what you think about plug plants…are we cheating?!
Until next time,
Gabby xx
As someone who lives in Northern Alberta Canada where our growing season can be quite short, I would appreciate a head start. I too live in a small space with a small balcony and therefore have to heavily curate what I can plant. Having some professional help would definitely be a bonus and prevent wasting my resources with my experimental gardening due to lack of experience.
Time is precious I say go for the plugs to help your journey be a little easier xxx