23rd October:
Before
Where do I start? The best way I have found to take on the massive task at hand is to break it down into little sections. To avoid being overwhelmed, tackle a bit that will give you instant gratification. Always, always take photos when you get to your plot and take them at various times and then again at the end. It is easy to feel like you are getting nowhere when it all needs to be tackled at the same time and these photos, along with your flask and some shortbread will keep you going when you feel like it will never end. You will be amazed how much you achieve in a little time when you are not bogged down with your own negative thoughts. Now, this can be easier said than done which is when the camera comes into use. Whenever you have these thoughts step back and look at those photos and appreciate how much you have done in the few hours you have been there. There is always temptation to look at other plots and see how beautiful their carefully sowed rows of cabbages look as the sun glints off their dewy leaves, but these dewy leaves didn’t plant themselves and didn’t keep the plot weed free. You are one person and getting ideas from other plots is wonderful. But remember these plots have been tended over many months and years and you are still at the start gate. Keep a level head and go home and write down everything you want to grow then grab some seed catalogues. The planting season will soon be upon you and oh yes – you and I will be prepared.
After
