Seedlings

Every year in August, I take a bit of a gamble and plant some seeds. Some are winter lettuce so it is perfectly fine to sow this late in the growing season, but I also  risk some rocket, kale and chard. Sometimes it works out fine, the weather is kind and the plants grow big enough to harvest in the late autumn, last through the winter and are there ready for spring. Last year wasn't so successful because the snow laid heavy on the nets over the kale and then the pigeons had a real feast as soon as the snow melted and I also lost most of the chard.

This year I've also gone for some really late sunflowers and runner beans. I have so many saved seeds, I thought I may as well give it a go. Today was the perfect weather from pricking out seedlings; bright and sunny enough to get me out in the garden, clouding over once the seedlings are in so they don't wilt and then raining in the evening.