Title: Comment: <p> its been a while since last blog.... so dependant on the weather but plodding along anyway. this has been a great and encouraging way for me to keep a record of the growth on the patio... can really see life emerging...</p><p><img height="271" src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/16042009019.jpg" width="213" />  <img height="271" src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/16042009020.jpg" width="209" /></p><p>everything seems to be growing so well out in the patio!!! havnt been doing much except plant out seedlings! but looking great (I think!!)</p><p><img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/16042009021.jpg" /> </p><p>its raining today, saves me watering!!! </p> Submit > < Back

Title: Comment: <p>weather changed dramatically last week so havnt been out on the patio, doing any planting. Been nice enough for the odd cup of coffee in the morning, keeping myself warm but cant offer the seedliings such comfort! Despite the weather the seedlings are growing well, Ive put the tomatoes and cucumbers out under cover in the plastic greenhouse. <img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/30032009183.jpg" /></p><p>They seem to be enjoying being out of the flat!!! the onions and garlic are pushing through the soil which is encouraging....all the other seedlings are growing very well inside, especiallythe tomatoes. Butternut squash and gem squash have germinated inside, but will have to keep them inside till its much much warmer... </p><p>Have had to rearrange the pots etc around the patio to try and stop the foxes hopping in and digging up the soil! Have now taken away what would have been step access down off the back wall -they are so tame, just stare when I try and chase them out!!! Have put in heaps of sticks in the pots, apparantly that stops them digging and looking for earthworms!!! now maybe they will be regular visitors in the neighbours' patio!!<img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/30032009185.jpg" />the pots look so tiny compared with so many ofthe veg plots on this site! feel a bit of anpretend veg grower, does me nicely though and feeling good about keeping on top of the planting of the seeds, got so many seed trays on the window sills in the living room. Needs must!! </p><p><img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/30032009184.jpg" /> filling the pots with a mixture of everything... strawberries, radishes, beans, peas, garlic among the bulbs, jasmine, roses!! getting there... <img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/30032009186.jpg" /></p><p> </p> Submit > < Back

Title: Comment: <p>the sun has been shining all morning so have had all my seedlings outside getting some real heat (not magnified through a window!!) really pleased with progress so far this year, everything seems to be going to plan, shouldnt have written that! will probably snow now!!!! :) :) actually had some early lettuce last night only enough for a side salad but WORTH IT!!! yum!</p><p>beans, spring onions, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, peppers (already have little peppers on the plants - too early I wonder?) chillies, peas, salads, garlic, potatoes all growing and or poking and or chitting through which is really exciting, will be good for me to be patient! planted some more seeds today for next stage... must get some more soil this weekend. The problem with patio gardening is that you have to get pots and soil from somewhere! not many choices in east London! tricky to get all whats needed on the bus!!! </p><p>The sqirrels were obviously in some of my pots this morning - way too early for me to have caught them, digging up bulbs and looking for my pea seeds I think, have stuck in a whole lot of sticks in the pots to try and stop them, apparantly that works keeping foxes looking for earthworms and destroying the plants!! couple of bees buzzing around too, good to see, wonder if they are liking the crocus flowers or the lavender? welcome whatever the reason! </p><p>apparantly warmer tomorrow... little plants will be in heaven(me too)</p> Submit > < Back

Comment: I want to grow small pumkins / squash? what type do I look for? I have a very small patio, which gets a bit of sun - not all day. Can grow up the wall but it will have to grow in a pot! If there such a plant? Any suggestions? I presume I will have to grow from seed which is fine Submit > < Back

Title: Comment: <p>been out this morning sorting out pots and doing a general tidy up - not that theres much to tidy in the small space - beans have poked through and are growing well -they were over winter ones straight in the ground</p><p><img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/01032009179.jpg" alt="" /></p><p> Looks like the food is going to have to compete with the bulbs bringing a bit of colour</p><p><img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/01032009180.jpg" alt="" /> </p><p>planted seeds, peas, radishes, spring onions, more lettuces, beetroot maybe too early BUT feels like the growing season has started.... patio getting ready...</p><p><img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/01032009181.jpg" alt="" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> Submit > < Back

Title: Comment: <p>its been a quiet week out on the patio, although the rain has helped what is out there already! Funny that since the seedlings have been growing so well inside in the seed trays I am getting impatient to plant them outside and start picking some produce. Dont want to wish the year away but roll on March and the Spring.</p><p>Cucumber seedlings are producing third set of leaves so shouldnt be too long now till they go out, presume after the last frost (whenever that may be).</p><p>Only work done this week is drilling holes in the bottom of tins so they are ready for planting next next month... </p><p>Potatoes chitting very nicely... and Ive given all the spare ones away to friends... at least they are being used.</p> Submit > < Back

Title: Comment: <p>got 3 types of potatoes today - so successful shopping experience. Charlotte, Nicola and Maris Peer potatoes now chitting - not sure how long to leave them but will find out!!! </p><p>Cant buy potatoes in small bags - can you?... had to buy 3 kg bags so lots of friends will be getting their own to chit this week!!!! I would be living in a spud forest if I planted them all....Pass on the goodness.. no problem with that.</p><p>Planted garlic out today too probably a bit late but will give it a go... cold enough outside me thinks.</p><p>Also got a blackberry plant with NO thorns, ideal for my small space - less dangerous</p> Submit > < Back

Title: Comment: <p>off to buy some potatoes today for planting next month I think- know I need to chit them first..... thinking small earlies, something for boiling- salad potatoes.</p><p>Check back for progress... looking forward to this venture on the patio </p> Submit > < Back

Title: Comment: <p>last year's herbs and strawberry plant.. hoping for MORE this year</p><p> </p><p><img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/12052008028.jpg" alt="" /></p><p><img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/05052008022.jpg" alt="" /> </p> Submit > < Back

Title: Comment: <p>some context on the space I have available... window sills and doorways have become a makeshift greenhouse, working well. Although all looking a bit sad outside,lots of empty pots - need the sunshine</p><p><img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/14022009174.jpg" alt="patio space" /></p><p>my little veg patch...well not planted out yet... imagine the potential!!doorway in the middle - photos show each end...</p><p><img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/14022009173.jpg" alt="" /> </p><p>collection of tins for planting out, got strawberries and lavender in pots. The necessary bbq, parsley and beans in plastic greenhouse, herbs in hanging basket and pots on the fence </p><p><img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/14022009175.jpg" alt="" /></p><p>handy window sill- peppers, basil, chillies </p><p><img src="http://community.rivercottage.net/images/phpThumb.php/q=100;325x325;/var/members/member70034/14022009176.jpg" alt="" /> </p><p>doorway out to patio gives great light even on the greyest day, lime, chilli and collection of seedlings </p><p> </p><p> </p> Submit > < Back