Clare Teal: A growing obsession for the delights of gardening

Muddy's been there and done it and really isn't that bothered about repeating the experience, but now that spring is in the air, I have an overwhelming urge to…grow vegetables.

It's a ridiculous notion; we live in a top-floor flat with very little outside-ness yet I find myself increasingly sneaking into newsagents to buy copies of Amateur Gardening.

After what happened with the four tomato plants I tried a few years back, I appreciate that our "here and there" lifestyle doesn't easily lend itself to the structure nature needs to grow – apparently, stuff needs regular watering

While the little toms started out very well, and graduated eagerly onto the parapet, it took only four days of working away to turn them from vibrant young specimens into wizened crispy wind burnt little wrecks.

They were rushed to tomato specialist Di, who did what she could, but by then it was too late – not only did they give up the ghost they gave all her healthy fat tomato plants the dreaded blight.

Ever forgiving and in a bid to guide me through this difficult time, Di has said I can "help" her with this year's crops.

Drummer Ben's entire family grow vegetables. He has said that if I'm ever in the position to grow my own marrow, I can join the annual Reynolds' family competition. Ben's dad has a small holding in Sussex where he also grows bees and lambs.

This year, I'd like to head down the grow-your-own loose-leaf cut-and-come-again route. In order for this to be viable, I will need to utilise all three of our window boxes before they get filled up with some flowery nonsense.

I've researched the pros and cons of raised beds, I know what garden fleece is, I know that the carrot fly season is imminent, I've even entered a competition to win a Polytunnel worth more than 1,000. I don't have a garden but I do need help.