Gardening in Emsworth.

  I can't remember sowing the seeds but I must have done, about a year ago when foxgloves naturally shed seed after flowering.  I wish I knew the variety - I thought I'd sown Pam's Choice but I'm not sure this is what it should look like!  This one is growing under an apple tree with a shed on the southerly side so it's quite shady. It grew to about 180cm (6 foot) flowered for a few weeks.  I'm hoping it will self seed for a repeat showing next year.

 This hot weather is making planting and keeping plants going a bit of a challenge.  When I first had an allotment and was given some seedlings, I was advised to 'make sure they're well puddled in' - perhaps the most helpful gardening advice I've had!  A couple of days ago I had some fast growing chard seedlings which I duly puddled in to my allotment. First dig holes large enough for the plant's root ball, then fill the hole with water.  This works well on our clayey soil.  When the water has drained away, put the plant in the hole, then gather soil to firm around the plant.  Then water again, near the soil's surface to make another little puddle. Two days later the seedlings are growing on 'without check', another desirable process in veg growing.