Gardening: I've suddenly discovered how amazing it is – Hayley Matthews

New gardener Hayley Matthews has a question for green-fingered experts

Charlie Dimmock has spoken of not wearing a bra while gardening. Does that help the plants, wonders Hayley Matthews

I’ve never been green-fingered, I even struggle to keep a parsley plant alive.

The only thing I’ve had success with recently seems to have been a lavender plant that I bought from Morrisons in an “I want to be a gardener” moment and I’m pleased to report she’s doing well.

So in true Hayley style, I’ve gone all out and a bit Charlie Dimmock, who doesn’t seem to wear a bra when she’s gardening either. Maybe it helps the plants – I’m not sure.

I’ve gone a bit OTT with buying plants over the last two weeks and am slightly obsessed. I’ve ordered a Russian lilac plant, some roses, a few small jasmine plants, and two tiny cherry trees. We’ll be eating beans for the next month but at least we’ll have some nice plants and flowers to look at.

I even ordered a small bag of worm castings, not sure if I’m doing it right but I’m trying.

I’ve been watering them twice a day and caressing the leafs like a proper weirdo but it feels good and it makes me feel good.

If anyone had told me a few weeks ago I’d become obsessed with the garden I’d have told them to bolt! But I’m loving it!

I’m either about to hit a mid-life crisis or maybe I’ve discovered the secret joy of gardening that all you green-fingered wizards have been keeping to yourselves all this time.

And if anyone can give some clarity on whether or not it makes any difference to the plants if the gardener wears a bra – I’d be eternally grateful.