91热爆

I once read a book where one person asked another to admire her basil seedlings. 'Aren't they sweet' was the reply, before the book returned to whatever the plot was. I also think basil seedlings are sweet. The seeds go a funny blue when they are watered in, the kind of blue colour some dogs are (it's a recessive gene FC, very similar to black). Then the seed leaves appear, beautifully neat and small; and then the true leaves grow, the plants get untidy and start to smell. I'm not actually a fan of basil, I grow it because it is on the compulsory list of things to sow, and because it is so sweet when it first germinates. I like brassica seedlings too. They all look the same; rocket, calabrese, cabbage, all have little heart shaped leaves and heaven help me if the label disappears, because it will be months before they can be identified (except rocket). I sowed tomatoes and peppers (both hot and sweet), labelled them and put them on my heated shelf with a plastic cover over them, to make it nice and warm and humid. Three days later I realised I had used a water washable pen on the labels, and they were now conveniently blank. If anyone wants to swap plants with me I can offer a) andine cornue, a big plum with fantastic flavour, b) yellow pear, a small yellow tomato or c) an un-named one (seed packet is in the compost bin) but I know it is a potato-leaved bush type. It's a shame they really need treating in different ways before fruiting.
Anyway, the cover is definitely going on the new tunnel soon (very soon (promise)) so I have bought seeds and started sowing and potting on and spend half of every day with a watering can and a gooey expression as I look to see what has germinated. I think I have a somewhat misplaced maternal instinct. Here are some cucumbers (or possibly gherkins, I am going to have to get this labelling sorted).



I took more pics but they are all fuzzy. My cheap digi camera has the wrong sort of lens for photoing my babies. Anyhow, the basil isn't up yet.

Outside four of the sheep have lambed, two twins and two singles, and two sheep to go. The white sheep looks huge, she could have triplets, but I bet it will just be one. And Mrs Pig still looks very un-pregnant.