Jobs for the Weekend: Stormy Weather, Steady Progress
With stormy weather forecast, this weekend is very much about taking things steady and working with the conditions rather than against them. There’s no pressure to get everything done – the aim is to protect what you’ve already got growing and make small, sensible steps forward.
Whether you manage to get outside or stay indoors, there’s still plenty you can do.
Outdoor Jobs (Weather Permitting)
If you get a calm window between showers and strong winds, keep outdoor jobs light and safe.
- Check structures
Make sure greenhouses, cold frames, cloches, and fleece are secure. It’s much easier to fix something now than after it’s blown over. - Secure pots and containers
Move lightweight pots closer together or into sheltered spots to stop them toppling over. - Quick tidy-ups
Focus on small areas rather than big clear-outs. A little bramble cutting, leaf clearing, or edging goes a long way. - Mulch bare soil
If conditions allow, add compost or woodchip to protect soil and suppress weeds over winter. - Check overwintering crops
Have a quick look at brassicas, leeks, and any overwintering salads to make sure they’re coping well.
Indoor Jobs – Perfect for Stormy Days
If the weather keeps you indoors, this is where you can really make progress.
- Sow suitable seeds indoors
Herbs like chives are ideal at this time of year, along with onions, sweet peppers, celery, and celeriac if you’ve got the right setup. - Pot on seedlings
Check anything you’ve already sown and pot up plants that are starting to outgrow their containers. - Clean pots and trays
A simple but important job that saves time later in the season. - Sort seeds
Check what you’ve got, note expiry dates, and make a rough plan for what you’ll sow over the next few weeks. - Plan your growing year
Use the time to sketch out where crops will go, especially if space is tight.
A Gentle Reminder
There’s no rush at this time of year. The days are still short, the soil is cold, and storms can undo hard work very quickly. Doing a little now – and doing it safely – puts you in a great position for when spring really arrives.
Most importantly, look after yourself and stay safe in the wind and rain.
Until next time, please take care