Column: Derbyshire allotment holder approaching the later stages of winter - but you can still hold back before sowing

This time last year, I’d set up all manner of contraptions to give my seeds a head start, all far too early. The gardening gubbins may still emerge, but a little later this time!

Why, you may ask? Well, I spoke to my very wise and experienced allotment neighbour, who has been quite the fountain of knowledge over the past 12 years, and he just doesn’t think it necessary, on the whole. His crops always catch up quickly and grow to sizes that dwarf mine!

So, this year, I’ll be kicking things off right at the end of February/early March. Indoors: tomatoes, chillies, peppers, aubergine, sweet peas, basil, parsley, lettuce, leeks and spring onions. Outdoors I’ll sow: broad beans, peas, spinach, chard, rocket, lettuce, turnips, beetroot and parsnips (generally with a bit of cover or protection).

The plot is looking reasonable, but there’s always some tidying that I can be getting on with. The blackberry/bramble was looking rather rogue, spreading its way across the beds with those massive tendrils that it throws out. We seized the opportunity on a rare bright day and took it back around a metre with the hedge trimmers – very satisfying!

Mulching will continue throughout the year as usual, thanks to the waste bedding I receive from Little Dolittle in Tibshelf.

I also have grand plans to build a series of compost bays with some gifted branches and logs. I’ve made my sketches, bought a chainsaw, and just need to convince my partner that it would be a fabulous way to spend a weekend!

I’ve invested in some Meta glasses too, so I can show you what I get up to from my perspective. I’ll inflict this on my Instagram followers. If you’re into watching someone trundle around in their wellies, you can find me @sarah.diggingtheearth.org.uk – I’d love to see what you’re up to, too!