A long list of jobs gives us hope!

One of the great things about gardening is that it never really stops; much like the painting of the Forth Road Bridge – as soon as one part is finished it’s time to start another. That sense of continuity is one of the things that make it so special – the idea that we’re always planning ahead, always improving, always optimistic! It’s true that gardening is very good for our mental health and I’m sure that’s part of the reason. Among the most popular parts of the magazine every week is our What To Do This Week section – our checklist of jobs to help your garden stay shipshape throughout the year (from page 35). There’s always something to do, even in the depths of winter. But right now it remains a particularly busy time, even when our plots are blooming and looking wonderful. The trick is keeping them going and deciding how they can be equally splendid in autumn and winter, too. This week we’ve got advice on best plants for some late colour, taking cuttings, looking after greenhouse grapes, supporting raspberries... you name it, we’ve got it covered!

There’s also a great feature (page 18) about veg you can plant now and still harvest this year – it’s not too late. I know how many readers are really enjoying growing their own (and eating their own) this year in particular.

On my plot right now I’m harvesting courgettes and beetroot. There are the first green tomatoes and flowers on the chillies but no fruit yet – there’s nothing for it but patience! Have a great gardening week.