This time last year, I had marked out the base measurements for the frame. It’s good to be back growing rather than constructing. I’ve down-sized but I’m growing just for me and maybe the neighbours.

In last month’s tunnel update I was pondering how many tomato plants would be sensible. I’ve gone with two of each variety, giving ten plants down the centre plus four Roma to the side next to the fig tree. Roma is a bush variety and needs quite a bit of support, although I may have overdone it!

On the right hand side there are two broad bean plants, beans are forming – I might get a meal or two; that was a germination issue rather than another attack of sensibleness. Next to them is beetroot, then dwarf french beans although the purple-flowered variety is not at all compact.

Looking towards the entrance, on the right is one cucumber Carmen. My thinking is this is a prolific grower so with one I should be able to keep up! I’ve another seedling on stand-by just in case this turns out to be an off year.

In the far corner is the aubergine gifted by Nic Dempsey in exchange for 9 tomato plants. I’m thinking that corner would be a good spot for container growing – I just haven’t decided what to grow.

On the opposite side under the peach tree are some very successful containers. The tree provides shade from the afternoon sun and the lettuce, rocket and spinach are doing well – albeit it took three sowings before the spinach decided to show itself.

The peach tree is not happy. I think it’s a combination of ants farming black fly and peach leaf curl. I’m watering daily and giving a liquid seaweed feed weekly and keeping everything crossed. All advice welcomed.

See you next month for another update.