A prominent gardening columnist has called for a radical shift in approach to the new year, urging gardeners to abandon traditional resolutions in favour of lowering expectations. Writing in a recent column, the author argues that short, gloomy January days are an uninspiring backdrop for ambitious goals, and instead advocates for a list of things to give up rather than take on.
First on the list is the cultivation of winter squash, a crop the author admits to loving but failing to grow successfully in a small patch. 'It’s entirely my fault – I try to grow them cheek-to-cheek with too many other plants,' the author writes, noting that the space-hungry vegetables simply cannot thrive in cramped conditions. The recommendation is to forgo the crop until more space becomes available.
Another key change is to stop impulse-buying seeds. The author confesses to a 'bulging and disorganised' seed box and plans to only purchase new seeds after assessing which existing ones are viable. Special dispensation is allowed for exciting new varieties, provided they do not require excessive space.
The article also advises abandoning strict planting plans. Instead of rigid crop rotation, the author endorses a flexible approach: 'pop a happy seedling where there happens to be a gap.' This method, while chaotic, promotes biodiversity and reduces disappointment. The column concludes that a more gentle, less meticulous approach may lead to greater enjoyment of the garden throughout the season.
