16th May 2018 Spring

May is proving way sunnier than April, as spring merges into summer. However there are still cool nights – we are forecast a ground frost on 18th. I hope you are enjoying some fine leafy harvest

30th April 2018 Spring

We can hope for better weather in May… after the least sunny April I have ever recorded. Temperatures however were close to normal, thanks to the cloud cover keeping nights mild and frost-free. Soon

15th April 2018 Spring

The first two weeks of April here were more like December, in terms of light levels. However after the new moon tonight (15th-16th) and it’s associated rain, there is a change to ten days of warmer

30th March 2018 Spring

It’s the weather stupid! April is starting very wet here, cold and even colder to the north. We are late with outdoor sowings and plantings, I have not even sown parsnips yet. This blog looks at way

16th March 2018 Spring

As the weather goes from cold to mild to cold again, one thing is constant, soil. Undisturbed, compost-mulched ground helps plants to maintain health and grow whenever conditions allow. Soon it will b

27th February 2018 Spring

Cold conditions in Europe mean a slow start to spring: it’s -7C/19F with windchill, as I write this. On the other hand there is more time to mulch and feed soil, if you have not already. Early s

15th May 2017 Spring

There is still so much to sow and plant. Now is good to sow cabbages for autumn hearting, Brussels sprouts, French and runner beans, sweetcorn, more carrots, lettuce and multisow beetroot, even leeks

30th April 2017 Spring

Until the cold final week, April at Homeacres was a good growing month. Temperatures and sunshine hours were slightly above average, while rainfall was a record low amount until 30th, just 7.6mm (0.3

15th April 2017 Spring

(plus see Homeacres no dig on BBC Gardeners World, Friday 21st April, 6 minute film) A burst of warmth, now spring reminds us that it is indeed spring and not summer. For much of the UK, there are sti

31st March 2017 Spring

Here, it has been much warmer than usual in March: the day-night average temperature was 9C/48F and we had no frost at all, breaking my records of 40 years. It has also been the dullest March since 20

15th March 2017 Spring

Exciting times, spring energy rising in the UK at least. From reports of weather in some of the USA and Scandinavia, we are fortunate to have mild temperatures and in Somerset. the first two weeks hav

1st March 2017 Spring

1st March, the start of spring by some definitions, sees the UK weather turning cooler, a sure sign that spring is underway! Hence the need for waiting to sow seeds of warmth loving plants such as tom

15th May 2016 Spring

The warmth of early May, combined with its long days, has resulted in rapid growth. What a wonderful change after a slow spring. We removed most of Homeacres fleece covers on May 3rd, even though ther

1st May 2016 Spring

Frost and hail in late April were a timely reminder to wait before sowing and planting warmth-loving plants. In this area (SW England) its good to sow runner and French beans mid month, undercover, fo

14th April 2016 Spring

I have been loving the strong growth of overwintered plants such as broad beans, garlic, salad, cabbage, broccoli and kale. New plantings are appreciating any warm days but are still slowed by cool ni

31st March 2016 Spring

March was almost the coolest month of the winter: monthly averages here were 11.3C in December (freaky), 6.5C in January, 5.6C in February and 5.7C in March. Its amazing what plants can weather, as lo

15th March 2016 Spring

Sowing and planting into undug soil with a compost mulch feels different to sowing and planting into dug or rotovated soil. Your plants and seeds meet compost on the surface – and they love it.

1st March 2016 Spring

For March there is a big change to the weather pattern with more winds from north and east, cold showers and frequent frosts. There is no rush to sow, particularly outside, and see the tips below on u

14th May 2015 Spring

Coping with cold winds, planting tips, making compost, good/bad potting composts,  making new beds and salad pickings

30th April 2015 Spring

Timing sowing and planting for fickle weather, the joy of perennials, propagation and seed saving, biodynamics, courses and composting

15th April 2015 Spring

New growth! weeds included, more on sowing dates,  spring harvests and using fleece, and beware frosts imminent