2026 - What I did today.

Sowed DFB seeds, weeded VP1 (the pea & bean bed) and another patch which may become a permanent leek bed. Have to get rid of 2 self seeded birch trees first! Don't know where they've come from as there are no birch trees in the garden!

Mowed a bit then washed a car - first time in well over 10 years. It wasn't cause of the lichens and moss growing on it but a small bird, probably a robin, has started using its side mirror on the drivers side and window as a toilet. It has likely been seeing its reflection and not liking what it sees - a competitor as big as itself.

A couple of years ago, there were Blue or Great tits attacking their reflection in the wingmirror on my car. and making a mess.  I put a stocking over the mirror to stop them. If you have any stockings, you could try that.

It’s a territorial thing. That happens during breeding season. They think their reflection is a rival and spend hours and energy attacking the mirror. Potentially hurting themselves. So if you can cover it, do.

Watered everything in the tunnel. Did a big shuffle of young tomato plants. Moved a few things outside to harden off. Fed the potatoes. Dug over the cut flower bed. It had a kinda solid crust on the top from all the rain on the recently top dressing of well rotted manure. Looks better now it’s dug in a bit. Weeded another 3 beds. Took 19 of the young tomato plants round to a neighbour. With a list of what they could be. Spotted seedlings and a slow worm in the wild flower bed. Also noticed some of the swede and or turnips have germinated from my old seed random sowing.

Pricked out and potted on the french marigolds.
Potted on the tomatoes.
Tied in the perennial sweet peas.

Watered everything in the tunnel. Did a big shuffle of young tomato plants. Moved a few things outside to harden off. Fed the potatoes. Dug over the cut flower bed. It had a kinda solid crust on the top from all the rain on the recently top dressing of well rotted manure. Looks better now it’s dug in a bit. Weeded another 3 beds. Took 19 of the young tomato plants round to a neighbour. With a list of what they could be. Spotted seedlings and a slow worm in the wild flower bed. Also noticed some of the swede and or turnips have germinated from my old seed random sowing.

Just remembered. I planted some tulip bulbs as well.

My Weed of the day was Hedge Woundwort https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-...-woundwort
I forgot to wear gloves and it took several washes before I could get rid of the smell of the plant on my hands. If you don't have it in your garden, count yourself lucky! It has long trailing roots which spread everywhere - and it stinks!
Did the usual round of watering the GHs - its been very hot today. Such a change - the plants and I have had difficulty adjusting! Back to normal tomorrow.