We are always talking about the weather and none more so than gardeners. This amazing spring is great for growing, and the earth is so warm its like summer. Plants are getting ahead of themselves along with gardeners. In the veg plot broad beans are already flowering, these are a marvellous burgundy coloured variety which look and taste fab; already in flower could mean an early crop provided we don't get cold winds or frost, which would be problem. The warmth lulls a false sense of security and its tempting to plant out, the head says wait but the lovely gardening weather entices gardeners everywhere to plant early.

This weather could  produce a lovely long growing season and abundant flowers better than we have seen for the last few summers provided we don't get a late chill, fingers crossed.

Gardeners are nearly as obsessed as farmers by the weather and as a nation we are always talking about the weather. Its fascination stems from the unpredictable nature of our weather. We are currently enjoying an unseasonable hot dry sunny spell with temperatures touching the low 20C. We've had little rain and prolonged sun lulling us into a, possible false (time will tell,) sense of security and all manner of plants are going in the veg plot and growing fast. 

Lift a plant out of a pot and the soil is really warm; we could have a really good growing season. Stable though this warm spell has been, and very welcome, we cannot predict what the weather will be like this time next week, and that's the fascination. 

Easter weekend looks great for gardening but also for relaxing and enjoying the garden. 

G 

This week has shown just how quickly the weather can change. During the week it has been warm and sunny, up to 17C and then an abrupt change to much colder weather with a very chilly wind.

What does this mean for gardeners?

Often we get caught out as it's not only frost which causes damage to tender young spring plants the chill wind does as well. Very tender veggies, like French beans have a tendency to shrivel in the cold and the new Ipomoea seedlings have withered in the greenhouse where they caught a draft and caught the Sunday Gardener off guard. Its hard to keep an eye on everything but sudden changes in weather are always a problem.

Still, should be OK to sow early seed potatoes and for more on growing Potatoes following the link.

A welcome sight, today the first bee of spring ambled by in search of food.Just a great sight and lovely to see at this time of year just buzzing through the undergrowth looking for early flowers. It's so important to provide for the bees, we now know how endangered they are and gardens and gardeners make a real contribution growing a diverse range of flowers for bees and butterflies. This photo is later in the year but lovely to see.

For ideas on shrubs and plant to attract bees into your garden follow this link