7 April 2026

The children from the local preschool came round just before the end of term to sow a few peas; they’re just coming through now:

We’re not growing veg in their flower bed this year, as it hasn’t worked well. None of the available beds gets enough sun, and over the years it’s taken most of the compost we make just to improve the soil enough to grow a few baby carrots and peas.

The main problem is that we’d need to be watering three or four times a week in the hot, dry weather we tend to get now between April or May and July, when the peas would be ready. That’s not sustainable, either in terms of volunteer time, or the sheer amount of water needed to keep up with the way that large fir tree drains the beds. Much better to plant things that can cope.

But the children do love growing things they can eat! So this year, we’re experimenting with growing things in large containers (workmen’s buckets), with holes drilled in the bottom for drainage, and filled with a good rich mix of bought-in peat-free compost, home-made compost, and leaf mould. The children then sowed peas, topped up the container with leaf mould, and found sticks to put in to support the plants as the grow. Then the team can take the containers home to look after – much easier than trying to arrange watering visits – and bring them back for the children to see as they grow.

We’re going to do the same with radishes, carrots and probably lettuce. Watch this space!