Paco’s patch

Paco grew up where tomatoes are wonderfully sweet and then travelled to a country a thousand miles away where the sun stops shining in the garden in mid-September. What a contrast! Paco’s growing space is a north-facing roof terrace in London, but it blooms all spring and summer thanks to the local microclimate. Aside from potatoes, lettuce, herbs and berries, he’s growing heat-loving peppers and several varieties of tomatoes in his greenhouse. Companion plants are in place along with a good dollop of weeds; after all, the ecosystem for various insects must exist, even if it’s on a sky-high roof. In autumn, everything changes, and plants need a little TLC. They’re often tucked in with cosy jumpers; plant pots are covered with fabric to keep them snug, and the greenhouse gets a bubble wrap coat too. The wind can be relentless there, and the structure needs to be weighted down just in case it flies away across the streets of London like something straight from the world of Harry Potter. For Paco, though, this whole dual-country experience is an exciting adventure. It’s worth taking a look at what he’s been up to on his Instagram.