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solitaire gardener

@solitairegardener

I am a no-dig mostly raised bed veg grower who is trying to be as self-sufficient as possible. I'm here to both share and learn in a supportive and positive community. Find me at www.solitairegardener.co.uk

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09.06.2025
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Latest posts by solitaire gardener @solitairegardener

What to Sow inΒ March We are now officially in meteorological spring in the UK and finally the seed packets that have been burning a hole in your seed box are ready to be unleashed. It's an amazing time of year - the daffodils are in full bloom, the days are getting longer and there is a real feeling of hope and anticipation in the air.

Latest blog - What to sow in March. Spring has sprung, and the seed packets are out in force!

06.03.2026 01:04 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
What to Sow inΒ March We are now officially in meteorological spring in the UK and finally the seed packets that have been burning a hole in your seed box are ready to be unleashed. It's an amazing time of year - the daffodils are in full bloom, the days are getting longer and there is a real feeling of hope and anticipation in the air.

Latest blog - What to sow in March. Spring has sprung and the seed packets are out in force.

06.03.2026 01:02 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Stay safe!

05.03.2026 19:22 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
A sloping green field with one white and one brown horse. Heads bent, eating grass.

A sloping green field with one white and one brown horse. Heads bent, eating grass.

So lucky to have this view right on my doorstep. Everyone needs a little moment of perfection in their day 😌

05.03.2026 12:43 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

A beautiful sight!

02.03.2026 14:50 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

A circle of girlfriends are so important for many women. Especially when we lift each other up. Support, giggles, & having each other's backs.

01.03.2026 12:17 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Essential pantry reset tips - a simple blog to help plan preserving your produce with more clarity & less pressure this year. If you’ve ever ended summer overwhelmed by jars, time,…

https://solitairegardener.co.uk/2026/02/26/essential-pantry-reset-tips/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

28.02.2026 22:19 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 0
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Something has been having a party in this raised bed - little.....πŸ€¬πŸ˜‚

28.02.2026 12:30 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Cute, but can be a pain. If I had a penny for the amount of cob nuts I find buried in my raised beds - I'd be a very rich woman 😊πŸ₯΄

22.02.2026 18:26 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

I take Vit D, just the stuff from Boots - often wonder if I shouldn't up the dose though. BTW those crocuses look beautiful.

22.02.2026 18:21 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Went to clear a blocked drain today and found a surprise guest - a beautiful newt! 🦎
Thankfully he was alive and is now safely rehomed by the pond where he belongs.
Note to self: always put the drain cover back on… lesson learned!

22.02.2026 17:12 πŸ‘ 10 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Trying these for the first time - 'lipstick' early sweet peppers from 'Real Seeds'. They're looking pretty good so far 🀞🏼

22.02.2026 12:35 πŸ‘ 8 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Just couldn't resist taking this one. I'm surprised he allows us to share his house 😊😼

19.02.2026 15:01 πŸ‘ 7 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

That's really helpful @royandtanyaorganic.bsky.social thanks so much!

18.02.2026 01:52 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

That looks amazing - you might be right our washer is quite old, so perhaps it's time for an upgrade.

17.02.2026 18:21 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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Believe it or not this rickety old font path has been pressure washed twice! Any suggestions gratefully received.

17.02.2026 16:34 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Joey is his name. We inherited him, so can't claim credit for the majestic monstrosity 😊

13.02.2026 13:00 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Allotment swapsies are brilliant. I did that a lot before we got our own land. Still miss allotment life - there's something about growing in a community that's very special.

13.02.2026 12:56 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

I think he looks pretty comfortable where he is 😊

13.02.2026 10:05 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Just given it a like - he is very talented indeed.

12.02.2026 15:50 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Unfortunately not. I'd love to be a talented artist, but that skill has long evaded me sadly ☹️

11.02.2026 12:47 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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If you're a beginner gardener & thinking about starting seeds indoors, but feel like you need loads of fancy kit. You really don’t
I’ve put together a…

https://solitairegardener.co.uk/2026/02/10/starting-seeds-on-a-budget-simple-tips-for-beginners/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

10.02.2026 20:50 πŸ‘ 21 πŸ” 5 πŸ’¬ 3 πŸ“Œ 0

Glad you're starting to feel better. Take care of yourself & happy gardening.

05.02.2026 10:26 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A larger ginger male cat with front laying on the floor with his front paws crossed and his head turned nonchalantly away from the camera.

A larger ginger male cat with front laying on the floor with his front paws crossed and his head turned nonchalantly away from the camera.

This majestic little drama king is absolutely offended that I dared take his photo.
Yes, he’s on a vet-approved diet, & no, he will not be taking further questions. He’s too busy being majestic & aloof πŸ…πŸ˜ΌπŸ˜Ύ

05.02.2026 10:24 πŸ‘ 10 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 0

Thanks for sharing the blog @emilytomshep.bsky.social that's very kind and very much appreciated.

04.02.2026 12:30 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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A small handful of seeds now can mean reliable kitchen staples later. This latest blog looks at beetroot, carrots, cabbage, lettuce and spinach, all ideal for beginner gardeners.

https://solitairegardener.co.uk/2026/02/03/what-seed-to-start-in-february/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

03.02.2026 19:36 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 1
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This little chap decided the freezer door was prime real estate this morning 🐞
I think it’s a Harlequin ladybird, but if anyone knows differently, please let me know

01.02.2026 11:43 πŸ‘ 6 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Thanks for the heads up. That's really helpful.

31.01.2026 12:15 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Finally stopped raining and the sun is shining πŸŒ€οΈπŸ˜Žβ˜€οΈ

30.01.2026 13:14 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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New blog post: starting herb seeds indoors in late winter, with practical tips for beginners who want to grow their own herbs.

https://solitairegardener.co.uk/2026/01/27/herb-seeds-to-sow-indoors-in-late-winter/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

27.01.2026 20:51 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0