Most people said I would lose interest within six months... the digging, the withered crops, all the result of hours of back-breaking work.

But quite the opposite. I return fresh with ideas, envigorated with lessons learned from last year and raring to go.

The garlic and broad beans planted last autumn are poking their heads into the fresh spring air and there is a pile of muck waiting to be spread.

I don't want to be so prescriptive this year. Not worry so much about every little weed or wilted leaf. What will be, will be.

So, here we go... again... it's good to be back, hoe in hand. Although I've just noticed it's raining - may wait until tomorrow.