In recent days, summer has finally started to make an appearance. The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, veggies are swelling and despite the adversities of the past few months, things feel hopeful.

To say I’ve been busy, recently, is an understatement. The gardening business is thriving, the writing work is increasing, and there are a few other irons in the fire for a later date. Not that I’m making excuses for the lack of blog-writing lately. It’s just that it’s been super busy, for both of us.

All the recent rainfall has turned our kitchen garden into a mini-Amazon. Everything is green, lush and tall… very tall. We’ve been harvesting broad beans, french beans, peas, carrots, spinach, kale, potatoes, salad, garlic, strawberries, spring onions, shallots and courgettes, so many courgettes! Once again, the kitchen garden is providing us with most of what we need. The greenhouse is jam-packed with tomatoes, and although they’re currently still green, I know it’s a matter of days before they start colouring up.

While Soph has been busy making jam with the rhubarb and gooseberries, I’ve started on the pickling, kicking things off with the shallots. I’ve grown far too many shallots this year, but I love pickled onions, and my first batch is already tucked away in the cupboard, maturing nicely! Beetroot is next on the pickling list, and I’ll also be sowing a second batch to see us into autumn.

And speaking of autumn, I know it’s the last thing on peoples’ minds, but I’m turning my head to planting up my sown winter veg.

But rather than me rattle on, why not check out our latest video.

As always, if you have any questions, need gardening advice or fancy a natter, do get in touch.

Happy Gardening!