An apology and (hopefully) a return (if you'll have me)

[self-contained]

Hello All,

I was posting here about my newbie container gardening endeavours through most of 2018. I was all set to participate in the 2019 seed swap and then I went and disappeared on you all without getting my seeds in. I really wanted to apologise to everyone in the seed swap who missed out on my (not very exciting) seeds or if there was any resulting delay in people getting their seeds while Norfolk Grey was trying to work out if I was still in or not. Unfortunately, I had a combination of health problems, work issues and family problems that combined to make a bit of a perfect storm and I got a bit bogged down with things. It's still not okay that I didn't come and let you know I wasn't able to participate, but it kept slipping my mind or getting put off while I did other things, and then it seemed far too late and I felt embarrassed about trying to come back.

I've not done much gardening since then. I left my job at the end of May and was away for five weeks, so hadn't planted anything that couldn't survive without regular watering/picking (most summer crops). I then moved at the start of August only to find myself in a disaster of a rental property and without any compost (except for what's in my wormery), so my gardening has not picked up again. I have a couple of fennel bulbs slowly growing, some strawberries that have somehow survived all my neglect, a gooseberry, a honeyberry, some walking onions, and possibly some rhubarb (anyone's guess if anything will sprout from it when the warmer weather hits). I also have a fig tree and a szechuan pepper plant in foster-care at my mother's house.

Anyway, I really miss growing things and I really miss the forum. I've been struggling to motivate myself to get any seeds going (because stuff is still pretty crappy right now, and I'll be moving again in the Autumn) but it would be really nice to come back and hear about how all of your gardens are going. Hopefully that will be the boost I need to actually get some seeds going, even if just for quick cropping veg like lettuce (I have some varieties that should be okay in this weather).

Apologies again.

[Baldy]

Right then - as far as I'm concerned 'welcome back' - life happens, things go pear shaped and all that - think people are always given a warm welcome back here. (by me anyway )

[Baldy]

I might update my polyhouse / greentunnel build just to show you that things go wrong -> go right -> go wrong.
Sowing seeds, planting bulbs, growing stuff - IMNSHO is about the only philosophy that makes sense
Pretty tough time of the year to be sowing much but why not stick some winter lettuce in - other than that I'd say work out what you want to grow, enjoy plainning for spring and take it easy. All the best

[veggiechicken]

Welcome back s-c, off course we'll have you back. Hope things improve for you.
Find a couple of pots and some small bush tomato seeds and sow them tomorrow. You can keep them on your window sill and watch them grow. Come May/June it'll be PYO tomatoes time. That's the plan anyway

[roitelet]

Of course you are welcome back, life happens !!!!!

[SarrissUK]

Welcome back Self-contained! I'm so pleased you came back

Life isn't easy, and some times are tougher than others. If there's anything we can do to help on here, please say.

So it sounds like container growing might be your focus this year, is that right?

[lottie dolly]

welcome back,i can relate 100% to you,not a nice place to be,we all need a bit of TLC from time to time,also is good to come on here and share,if you are able and wish,not every year is a good balance of life,i personaly are hoping for better this one,take care and stay in toutch.

[Jungle Jane]

Welcome back it’s good to see you again early potatoes too,a lot can be ready before the autumn,have a great year!

[piskieinboots]

Hey SC - Grapes are a cracking bunch. You'll be fine

[self-contained]

Thank you all for your kind words. You have inspired me. I have given my indoor wormery a bit of tlc (still going strong, despite some periods of neglect) then went out in the dark to scavenge some compost from some old pots. I've brought in some that previously had my oca in (no proper harvest this winter, I just stuck a few in some small pots to get some tubers to grow on so I didn't lose my initial investment - have around 20 tiddly ones to do the same with this year, until I get a more stable garden).

That (rather cold, sodden and rooty) compost is now spread in a tray and I've scattered over some microgreen seeds I got for Christmas for windowsill growing. Sadly, I don't actually have any proper window-ledges, but I'll cross that bridge if anything actually sprouts.

It's a start. Thank you

[lottie dolly]

can you knock a loose cill up,like a high narrow table,it can be moved about and out till next year,patio doors,are also usefull,if you have 1,

[self-contained]

Welcome back it’s good to see you again early potatoes too,a lot can be ready before the autumn,have a great year!

Yes, I was thinking early potatoes would be nice. I've only grown potatoes one year, but they were a satisfying crop. It would take multiple trips on foot to buy the compost that I would need, but perhaps if I try and pick up a bag a week for the next few weeks...

[self-contained]

can you knock a loose cill up,like a high narrow table,it can be moved about and out till next year,patio doors,are also usefull,if you have 1,

That's a good thought. My windows are quite shaded, but I'll try and work out which ones get the best light when I next have a day off.

[Snoop Puss]

Hello and welcome back, s-c. Sorry you had so many troubles. Best wishes for 2020.

[Can the Man]

Hello SC, not met you before as I only joined last year, but welcome back to the vine family. Remember a problem shared is a problem halved.