end of March

I have returned, with the intention of digging over the land and digging in the compost. This started well enough in my top plot. There is a lot to do, it needs tidying and weeding but where I want to plant it is ready. I found 5 new potatoes, from a potato I planted last summer but never noticed that it had sprouted. I have had to water the garlic as they are not doing much and the ground is really dry.

The fruit trees are doing really well. The cherry has lots of flowers so maybe this year there will be enough fruit for me and the birds!

The plum trees are all flowering. The apples haven't flowered yet but one of the apple trees will have flowers, so maybe I will have an apple or two this year, this is only the 3rd year.

The pears are already flowering well as well. They are all very early so much depends on what the weather does from now on. This year has been unseasonably hot and dry.

Despite the dry weather my bottom finca has flourished, it is covered with weeds, I just couldn't believe it.

I left it clear and covered in compost and went there today just to dig in the compost but i am going to have to start from scratch again. The chives have spouted but are so mixed up with grass that I think I am going to have to dig these up and sow some more seeds.

I have pricked out my tomatoes, which have germinated whilst I was away. The peppers haven't yet but I think there is just a sign of the first one.

My neighbours are all busily sowing seeds outside and busy watering them, I will do that later in the week, or maybe next week. I have to clear that finca first!

March

I went to the market this morning, to see what plants are around now. I was surprised by the number. There were leeks, cabbages, onions, lots of things I didn't recognise and big tomato plants. It seems very early, most people are just preparing their land, adding composts and manure. It is certainly too early for tomatoes to go out and I would have thought that anyone with a greenhouse would be growing their own, maybe not. I have sown my tomatoes and peppers, I won't do anything else for the moment as I will be away for 3 weeks, starting next week. it drizzled a bit last night, the first rain for nearly a month though the forecast says maybe rain next week, it is very much needed.