Sowing Seeds

This blog is adapted from the notes of my thoughts that I wrote following planting carrot seeds at our allotment around this time last year.

My husband and I recently acquired an allotment. Today I sowed carrot seeds.

I learned a few things today about sowing seeds and tending an allotment:
• Since we are completely new to working an allotment, we bought a book that had been recommended, which explains everything we need to know about tending an allotment.
• You can’t just chuck the seeds on the earth and hope for the best.
• Before you can even think about sowing the seeds, it’s vital to properly prepare the seed bed, according to the instructions in the book. Firstly, the soil must be warm. To achieve this, the earth needs to be covered with polythene during the winter months. In early spring, the sun will warm the soil beneath. Then you must carefully rake and level the soil, removing any stones and old plant matter.
• Timing is key. Seeds must be sown in early spring. Again, be sure to read the instructions before sowing and during the process, to give the very best chance of a harvest.
• It’s important to sow in straight lines so you will remember what you’ve planted where and can care for the seedlings properly. Use a line of twine to follow in a straight line.
• Next, it’s vital to ensure that all the seeds are covered with a layer of good soil and pressed down. If you don’t do this, the birds will come and eat your seeds.
• You need to kneel to do this effectively. Be prepared to be on your knees for some time; it’s not a quick process.
• Know that the harvest won’t be tomorrow. You need to be patient and allow time for the sun and rain to do their work to make the seeds sprout and grow.
• You will need to visit the allotment regularly to check on the seedlings; remove weeds (that could strangle the seedlings) and water the earth as necessary until it is time to harvest the crop.
• Be prepared to get dirty in the process.
• Tending an allotment is time consuming but not difficult so long as you follow the instructions. It is very rewarding and worth all the hard work.

A year on, I have two messages from these thoughts:

For those who are Christians: I think we can learn a lot from sowing seeds and caring for young plants and how this relates to the local Church and how we care for new believers.

For those who have an allotment: buy your carrots from Lidl and grow beans instead.

Have a great day 🙂