13 Comments
User's avatar
The Thatched Rectory's avatar

I planted some sweet pea seeds ( soaked for 24 hours) then, as I saw on a video, put between damp kitchen towel in some takeaway boxes until they were just sprouting then planted… (it does really speed up the process!) The promise of wigwams of fragrant sweet peas to cut and adorn your table or to give away posies to friends and neighbours really cheers this benighted month 😊

Expand full comment
JP Clark's avatar

I think I saw that. Was it Anya talking about it?

Expand full comment
The Thatched Rectory's avatar

It may well have been, I was a bit cynical but it does work, you just have to keep checking them. I also saw, later, that if you use dilute chamomile tea to soak them it helps stop mildew as it’s antibacterial/ Anti fungal . I sowed 3 different types and one variety really seemed to be affected by mould.

Expand full comment
Penny Albertella's avatar

Well my body decided to force me to slow down this January. Bloomin virus followed now by a chest infection. I hate January at the best of times but this has been the pits! Walks are out - I think I saw a bit of sun one day but I blinked and it was gone! My bed has been my saviour!

Expand full comment
JP Clark's avatar

Oh Penny I’m so sorry. That’s sounds very rubbish indeed!

Expand full comment
Penny Albertella's avatar

I am not good at being ill! lol!

Expand full comment
Wendy Daffin's avatar

Been to the garden centre , what is his point , we also have one with a high viz vest at the lock up we are renting , and I feel for you we had exactly the same with Chichester council , refused our planning application , which means we are now over 1 year in the property and still building , I might add exactly as we submitted first time round . Why why why are they so difficult .

Expand full comment
JP Clark's avatar

That’s so incredibly frustrating. Most often they just want to feel like they’ve won. It’s in infuriating.

Expand full comment
Sue Logan's avatar

At the weekend I was able to bring out my favourite Susie Dent word of the day - apricity, the warmth of the sun on a winter’s day - a bottle of fizz to accompany would have been perfect at that moment 😊

Expand full comment
JP Clark's avatar

Love that word. You’ll have to repeat it on the next sunny one Sue.

Expand full comment
Deborah Frost's avatar

Just to add JP - you did an audio of this and it’s so engaging hearing your lovely voice talk us through this post. Really recommend 🤩🎧💫

Expand full comment
JP Clark's avatar

I did indeed Deborah and thanks for the reminder. People can find it here: https://jpclarkwrites.substack.com/p/five-free-ways-to-fight-the-january?utm_source=publication-search

Expand full comment
Stefanie Mullen's avatar

I don’t know where he dropped the knife that was in his right hand but let’s hope he never finds it.

Expand full comment