The Unexpected Gardener

Hi there, my name is Njoki, I'm an unexpected gardener who shares tips and tricks to get an abundant year round harvest. Stick around and learn with me.

  • The power of seasonal routines

    Having an allotment or gardening space is great! Time just seems to stand still as I work on a little patch, clearing some weeds or digging away in a new patch. As a mom however with other responsibilities, I’m conscious of how brief the snatches of time can be. Before long, the alarm you set…

  • My goals

    As I’m writing this, it’s officially the start of the gardening season in early February! After the long dark nights throughout January and long forgotten new year’s resolutions, we get a chance to start again.  The sight of snow drops, unmistakable upright shoots of daffodils and tulips sends me into spasms of joy as I…

  • What are the best things to do, to reduce that feeling of ‘being behind’?

    Gardening is a stress reliever for many people, but sometimes, it can also be a source of stress when you feel you’ve missed a golden opportunity or couldn’t get down to the allotment for a particular reason. The thing, is that life happens, and sometimes you are ill or looking after someone who is unwell…

This is how it all started…

I have always had a simmering desire to grow food but thought I wasn’t such a good grower. Although I’ve been enthusiastic about it, it hasn’t always turned into reality. I grew up in Kenya, watching my mom, my dad, uncles and aunts all growing food with various levels of success. However, the realities of life soon kicked in, with going to university, working full time and then having a child. Time was suddenly very short, with demands even higher. I had my first allotment in the 2010’s but soon had to give it up. I couldn’t keep up but somehow the lure of a garden kept calling. I then signed up and got another one in 2021. It was unexpected as I’d just had a child and life felt even more complicated at times. But I remained hopeful, and kept learning. My allotment gives me great joy and its been my hope to continue growing. I hope to share what I learn as I go on a journey to becoming self sufficient in garden produce.