Tales from Titchmarsh

A gardener needs sustenance, but what to have? Alan considers the pros and cons of cereals, avocados and his favourite TV programme

- Alan

What should a gardener have for breakfast?

It is not as simple a question as you might think. I mean, there are so many things to take into consideration. Gardening takes energy, and to produce energy the body needs carbs and protein. The thing is, after loading on board the nutrition, one has to be able to move about. It's a tricky balancing act.

Let's consider the options available. The most obvious choice is a bowl of cereal. But what? Cornflakes? Not really substantial enough. Rice Krispies? Ditto. Delicious and crunchy though they are, the majority of their bulk is comprised of fresh air. I am a devoted Shreddies fan myself, but their boast of keeping hunger locked up until lunchtime is optimistic if you plan to be energetic in the spade and fork department. Weetabix then? Yes. Good call. But how many? When my younger daughter was at primary school her personal best at breakfast time was six. SIX! And she was a tiny little thing. Still is, surprisingly. My own PB is three, and that does seem to do the trick... until coffee time.