As the days stretch longer and the sunlight lingers a little longer each evening, March brings a welcome sense of optimism to the garden. The dreary days of February are finally behind us, and the air feels lighter, filled with the promise of spring. Blue skies are becoming a more frequent sight, and the soil is slowly warming up, beckoning us to get outside to sow and plant.

As we celebrate the arrival of Imbolc and St. Brigid’s Day this February, there’s a growing sense of renewal in the air. These time-honoured traditions mark the halfway point between winter and spring, and in the garden, they signal the first stirrings of new life. Imbolc, the festival of light and purification, reminds us that the dark days are behind us, and we are now heading towards longer, brighter days.

Growing tomatoes from organic and chemical-free seeds is rewarding, as there is nothing like the taste of a homegrown tomato. At Fat Tomato, we grow over 100 varieties of heritage and heirloom tomatoes that vary in colour, size, and flavour. Most are grown indoors in our polytunnel; a few are sown outside in raised beds.

January in Ireland brings a quieter, more dormant garden, but it is the perfect time to prepare for the growing season ahead. With colder days and brighter daylight hours arriving, now is your chance to plan, tidy, shop for seeds, and even start sowing a few early crops. Do not sow too many things just yet; wait until February arrives.

After the festive season, we often have leftover Christmas pudding or fruitcake and are always looking for something creative to do with it. Christmas plum pudding can last for quite some time and actually tastes even better with age; the booze, sugar, spices, and fat help preserve it. The same goes for Christmas cake.

Plum pudding truffles make the perfect dinner party gift or a delightful treat for yourself to enjoy with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of your favourite tipple.

This easy dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light supper during the festive season. It turns leftover mash and vegetables into a delicious veggie hash, topped with a generous amount of melted cheese and a fried egg. For extra flavour, serve with your favourite condiment—we love pairing it with our Wild Tomato Jam, Peach BBQ Sauce, or Marrow Date Chutney.

As December deepens, the garden enters a quieter phase, with most plants resting or dormant for the winter. The colder weather and shorter days slow down growth, but some work can still be done to prepare for the 2025 season. Whether tending to plants in your polytunnel/glasshouse or getting ready for early spring crops, December is a time to plan, tidy, and make sure everything is prepared for the new growing season.

These Butternut Squash and Walnut Muffins are the perfect autumn treat—moist, lightly spiced, and packed with crunchy walnuts and pumpkin seeds. They’re a feel-good snack that’s easy to whip up and even better when served warm with salted butter and a spoonful of jam. Ideal for a quick, nutritious breakfast, tea time, or whenever you need a comforting bite.

You can swap the butternut squash for any firm squash or pumpkin, but avoid spaghetti squash as it has too much moisture. You can even use your Hallowe’en Jack O’Lantern pumpkin here.

Things are slowing down a bit in our garden. The first frost appeared in October, which caused things like our fig trees to go to sleep earlier this year. Daylight is shortening rapidly, but there is still lots to do in the garden in November. Plenty of fruit, vegetables, and edible flowers can still be sown and planted now for harvest throughout winter.

One-pan dinners are a go-to in Anthony’s household. They are quick to prepare, require little washing up, and are a crowd-pleaser when entertaining colleagues, family, and friends.

Any gardener can benefit from adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil to help plants thrive. One of the most popular and beneficial substances to add is compost. Compost will help all your plants grow better, whether your garden is indoors or out.