Last week a robot sent by NASA touched down on Mars to search for signs of life. It’s amazing, truly staggering, what humans are capable of, and I take my hat off to everyone who was involved in planning for and carrying out that huge achievement. I was proud to see that some Irish scientists were part of the team building the European Space Agency’s contribution to the mission, and am excited that the first Irish satellite in space is also due to be launched this year. But announcements about Mars exploration, or moon landings, or even trips to space, always make me think about all the wonderful things a bit closer to home. It reminds me of a poem, ‘Fueled’ by the American poet Marcie Hans.

Fueled
by a million
man-made
wings of fire-
the rocket tore a tunnel
through the sky-
and everybody cheered.

Fueled
only by a thought from God-
the seedling
urged its way
through the thickness of black-
and as it pierced
the heavy ceiling of the soil-
and launched itself
up into outer space-
no
one
even
clapped.

Three weeks ago I planted some sweet pea seeds, and one day last week I suddenly spotted a tiny hint of green among the earth. A week later and they have shot up, straight into the air, faster than I could have imagined – the tallest is now 10cm high. It’s wonderful, and my little green shoots brighten up every day as I check to see how much they have grown.

I’ve written before about the proven benefits of gardening, and how growing things can be rewarding and give you a sense of ownership and control. Most of us are unlikely to be involved in any missions to space any time soon, but if you have a spare spot on a windowsill and can get hold of some soil, I heartily recommend this as an alternative.