They tried to bury us. They didn't know we were seeds.

This weekend's allotment jobs were to pin down the plastic covering at the front of the allotment where the ground has been emptied of weeds and roots, dug over and raked flat, cover over the potatoes that have come up, and to hoe the beds where we have planted to remove the weeds that have popped up or grown back from roots that we missed. I've also started making a concerted effort to tidy the plot of rubbish that we don't need - spare tyres with the hubcaps still in, odd bits of glass, small sections of wire netting. It's amazing how much more like an allotment it looks for having done this!

It also means that now I can see more clearly what we've done and what still needs doing - now that the main beds have been dug over the next jobs on the list are to tackle the path down the middle and make sure that is properly covered, as well as a stretch across the front that hasn't been dug over, and to get rid of some nettles that have popped up again round the edges. I'm not sure I'm looking forward to all this digging but at least it's jobs I can number now rather than the whole overwhelming lot.

The other thing I did this weekend was lay some of the corrugated iron that is lying around at the back of the allotment upright there in an attempt to stop rabbits getting in, and plant out four courgettes which shot up in my plastic greenhouse at home.

I have to say that it is a joy to see broad beans, courgettes, onions and potatoes growing on the plot and reminds me what it is all for. I'm aching from six hours digging and carrying but feeling pleased that my plot is actually starting to look better.

There's something so invigorating and affirming about seeing tiny new green shoots grow out of mud where weeds had taken over. Like the beginning of all hope, like nature is always willing to lend a helping hand. Like anything is possible.

Broad beans and courgettes poking their heads out to see the sun.

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