It's dark by 4pm so Lottie activity is confined to the weekend but so is everything else. I have managed to get down for a couple of hours each weekend. The weather is not really cold yet although we had a cold snap which stopped everything except the Sprouting Broccoli which is really coming on.
The frost on 02.11.06 put an end to the Borlottie Beans which I harvested and the out sized Gherkins which just went in the green bin. I took my wicker basket for the Borlotties but it was not big enough. The vines seemed to be light on pods but once I started picking they were every where. I podded the beans at the Lottie to save me coming back with the empty shells for the compost bin. I had about 20lbs of beans. That's a lot of beans salad of minestrone soup. The green bin I mentioned earlier is the bin that the council collects which should contain compostable materials. The council run a huge composting scheme. Anything from the Lottie that I can guarantee to compost goes to the council. I do not seem to be able to get my compo bin hot enough to kill seeds. So my compo bin only ever has greens and egg cartons
I have started cleaning up the plots. Pea twigs, fleece, posts short and tall for the fleece, bean poles have all been removed cleaned and stored for next year. I cut to length timber panels to make lids for the compo bins. It is as much to do with making look tidy as having a roof on the bins. I made a start on the winter digging. The rain we had during the week had added enough moisture to the ground to make digging so easy. The weeds were really quite small as the Sweet Corn, Pea, Beans and Gherkin crops smothered the weeds only giving them a chance to get going in the last month or so. As soon as a have clear a decent area I am going to plant out my Spring cabbages. My parents are visiting next weekend so I won't get any time for digging. Perhaps the week after? I might be able to get my Dad to give me a hand with the bins lids. He likes to be involved and to have a look round the Lottie.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Preservation
What do you do with all your produce from the lottie? Some produce such as potato, onion and garlic store very well but other things such as tomatoes or corn on the cob do not store at all. One thing you can do preserve the produce ina different form. I like to make pickles, chutney and jams.
This year I made a couple of jars of pickled onions from the smaller shallots. Then some Picallili from the Cauliflower, Gherkins, Tomato and Onion together with spices. Onion marmalade and green tomato chuntney, no to list there ingredients. I Have some red cabbage going at the lottie which is due for pickling when it is ready. I made jam from 4 jars of Blackberry, 7/8 jars of Damson and 4/5 of Yellow Plum. I pickled some Gherkins but I do not hold out much hope that they will be nice although I learned something about pickling when do them. I still have a lots of apples so apple sauce is on the cards as is Mint sauce. I just have to find a good recipe.
Beans and Peas can be eaten raw but when you have a glut you have to either freeze them or turn them into something else. Some crops can be left in the ground until needed and benefit from that treament. Leeks, Swedes, Parsnip, Carrot and Brocolli fit into this category. Just lift them and cook 'em. But generally, where we can, we pick and eat what is in season which is the new way of eating if you listen to the TV health gurus.
The main things is that all the raw materials are essentially free. I get the food from either the lottie, the hedge row or peoples fruit trees [by permission]. The containers come from jars and bottles saved from going in the dust bin.
This year I made a couple of jars of pickled onions from the smaller shallots. Then some Picallili from the Cauliflower, Gherkins, Tomato and Onion together with spices. Onion marmalade and green tomato chuntney, no to list there ingredients. I Have some red cabbage going at the lottie which is due for pickling when it is ready. I made jam from 4 jars of Blackberry, 7/8 jars of Damson and 4/5 of Yellow Plum. I pickled some Gherkins but I do not hold out much hope that they will be nice although I learned something about pickling when do them. I still have a lots of apples so apple sauce is on the cards as is Mint sauce. I just have to find a good recipe.
Beans and Peas can be eaten raw but when you have a glut you have to either freeze them or turn them into something else. Some crops can be left in the ground until needed and benefit from that treament. Leeks, Swedes, Parsnip, Carrot and Brocolli fit into this category. Just lift them and cook 'em. But generally, where we can, we pick and eat what is in season which is the new way of eating if you listen to the TV health gurus.
The main things is that all the raw materials are essentially free. I get the food from either the lottie, the hedge row or peoples fruit trees [by permission]. The containers come from jars and bottles saved from going in the dust bin.
Drink for free...mmmmmmm!
From a few to many non wine drinks in the Railway Inn in May to racking off the Rhubarb in September. It's been a hoot. You can make wine out of anything. I got a bunch of Demi-johns [DJ] in the spring, washed and sterilized them. First I made a DJ of Rhubard, then two of nettle. Two of Dandelion and then there was a pause. As the year turned the fruit came on stream. Two DJs of yellow plum, one of damson, two of apple. And just for good measure a DJ of Sloe Gin.
My buddy Steve got a hankering for Cider. We fossicked about and got access to a small orchard. After two short outing we had something approaching 800lbs of various types of apples. We hired a muncher and a press, chopped the apples into pulp with the muncher and pressed the juice from the pulp. What a glorious appley smell. Both a ladies of the house helped as well lured into the garage with the promise of shop bought, ready to drink wine. The apples yielded 28 imperial gallons of juice. Some we set aside to ferment naturally, scrumpy. I tried 5 gallons with Champagne yeast which is called Normandy style cider and the rest was bottled to drink as juice. As is the way with mother nature neither the scrumpy or Normandy seem to be doing anything but the juice in the fridge is bubbling away!!
The Rhubarb has been racked twice and is now in bottles. The Nettle and Dandelion has been racked off twice, next stop bottling. The Apple, Plum and Damson is still merrily bubbling away. The Sloe Gin is quietly turning a deep purple. Roll on Christmas.
I totaled the drink available to me for next year at 12 DJ if wine and 10 gallons of cider. All it cost was a bit of application and 25lbs of sugar. Broad Bean wine next year. It supposed to taste like sherry!
My buddy Steve got a hankering for Cider. We fossicked about and got access to a small orchard. After two short outing we had something approaching 800lbs of various types of apples. We hired a muncher and a press, chopped the apples into pulp with the muncher and pressed the juice from the pulp. What a glorious appley smell. Both a ladies of the house helped as well lured into the garage with the promise of shop bought, ready to drink wine. The apples yielded 28 imperial gallons of juice. Some we set aside to ferment naturally, scrumpy. I tried 5 gallons with Champagne yeast which is called Normandy style cider and the rest was bottled to drink as juice. As is the way with mother nature neither the scrumpy or Normandy seem to be doing anything but the juice in the fridge is bubbling away!!
The Rhubarb has been racked twice and is now in bottles. The Nettle and Dandelion has been racked off twice, next stop bottling. The Apple, Plum and Damson is still merrily bubbling away. The Sloe Gin is quietly turning a deep purple. Roll on Christmas.
I totaled the drink available to me for next year at 12 DJ if wine and 10 gallons of cider. All it cost was a bit of application and 25lbs of sugar. Broad Bean wine next year. It supposed to taste like sherry!
Winter digging
Winter digging is an important part of the yearly cycle for me. There is a school of thought that says that the ground should not be undisturbed to let the bacteria and invertebrates do their job. I believe that digging once a year is essential for a number of reasons; to relieve impaction of the soil, aerates the soil, gets organic matter into the lower levels of the soil. I think the soil dwellers do not mind the disturbance given that hey short lived creatures. The birds, such as Robins get a chance to hoover up the slugs eggs and other tasty morsels. I think this helps see them through the winter making them available the following year to hoover up the caterpillars, green and black fly. My soil is quite fine so when we have a down pour some of it is carried away. I dig trenches around my beds. This does two things:
1. It catches the run off thereby intercepting the run off soil which in the spring in throw back on to the bed.
2. The trench makes the bed into huge raised beds which because it is drier heats up more quickly in the weak sun of spring time.
I have divided my plot into four main cultivation beds. I rotate the beds on a four year cycle. I put manure on the bed that is to contain potatoes. Having dug the bed over I just drop the manure on top a left nature do the rest until planting time. I dig trenches where the peas are to go and fill them with manure. However I only do this a couple of weeks before planting. Pumpkins go in the same area as peas so usually dig a slight hole and drop in half a barrow of manure and/or compost and plant a pumpkin. These greedy plants use the manure. What residual goodness from the manure carries over into the next year where beds will contain either brassicas or roots. These plants do not require a very fertile soil.
The rotation is to try to prevent or at least reduce the whole sale spread of potato blight which is very bad on the site. Club root in brassicas is also reduced by rotation however this is not something I suffer from. My soil seems to be to good for all sorts of brassicas.
1. It catches the run off thereby intercepting the run off soil which in the spring in throw back on to the bed.
2. The trench makes the bed into huge raised beds which because it is drier heats up more quickly in the weak sun of spring time.
I have divided my plot into four main cultivation beds. I rotate the beds on a four year cycle. I put manure on the bed that is to contain potatoes. Having dug the bed over I just drop the manure on top a left nature do the rest until planting time. I dig trenches where the peas are to go and fill them with manure. However I only do this a couple of weeks before planting. Pumpkins go in the same area as peas so usually dig a slight hole and drop in half a barrow of manure and/or compost and plant a pumpkin. These greedy plants use the manure. What residual goodness from the manure carries over into the next year where beds will contain either brassicas or roots. These plants do not require a very fertile soil.
The rotation is to try to prevent or at least reduce the whole sale spread of potato blight which is very bad on the site. Club root in brassicas is also reduced by rotation however this is not something I suffer from. My soil seems to be to good for all sorts of brassicas.
Weather Sage
I am feeling quite "sagely". Why I don't hear you ask. Spring was late in the UK this year [2006]. The weather did not break until early June. I predicted to my lottie neighbours that he autumn would be a long affair. So what grow season we had lost in the spring we would gain in the autumn. That has come to pass except that mother nature threw a curve ball in July when almost the whole month the day time temperatures were in the thirties centigrade.
This had the effect of making most of the plant blot as they had suffered in the late spring only to be faced with searing temperatures as they matured. I got round this in a small was by planting more seeds in July to take advantage of the extra growing season. Living as I do in England and its situation in the Northern hemisphere at Latitude 52.48 north, as the year progresses the day light hours reduce so that today lighting up time is 18.17. Each day lighting up time is 2/3 minutes earlier. The plants respond to the shorter days by not growing or growing less and it is quite difficult to get anything to germinate. The short days mean the temperature is slowly dropping. It is most notable at night, dew is forming and there is mist in the fields.
This past weekend I had time to dig over a whole quarter of my lottie and spread seeds of a green manure. I only hope the temperature holds up for a couple for weeks until the seeds have come through.
This had the effect of making most of the plant blot as they had suffered in the late spring only to be faced with searing temperatures as they matured. I got round this in a small was by planting more seeds in July to take advantage of the extra growing season. Living as I do in England and its situation in the Northern hemisphere at Latitude 52.48 north, as the year progresses the day light hours reduce so that today lighting up time is 18.17. Each day lighting up time is 2/3 minutes earlier. The plants respond to the shorter days by not growing or growing less and it is quite difficult to get anything to germinate. The short days mean the temperature is slowly dropping. It is most notable at night, dew is forming and there is mist in the fields.
This past weekend I had time to dig over a whole quarter of my lottie and spread seeds of a green manure. I only hope the temperature holds up for a couple for weeks until the seeds have come through.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Harvest time
The lottie was always going to take second place in my work schedule this year. The netting completed in the Spring has been a boon. The little birds fly in and out of the netting unhindered so I have had no trouble with caterpillars or green or black fly. The pigeons sit on the fencing eyeing the broccoli.
I went for low maintenance plants this year. The last part of the lottie came into production this year so I had a full lottie to utilise. Blight is a problem so I chose Cara for main crop and International kidney for the earlies. Cara was good as usual but the crop was down mainly due to the very dry spell in July and the relatively poor soil condition. I still got four bags from 14 sixteen foot rows. The International Kidney cropped well be the taste was disappointing. They also suffered from scab. My neighbours grew Charlottes which looked fanastic, so they will be my earlies for next year. The baby sweet corn grew well but came into fruit during the hot spell when I was no one was around. The standard sweet corn were great but the plants were on the small side. I can tell when its time to harvest them because the mice start eating them.
Cauliflower were great except they all came on at once, as did the Hispi cabbage. We had some and gave the rest away. The white onions were excellent this year with the Red Barons a little way behind. Good taste but smaller in size.
Broad Beans are the stars this year. They grow robustly and beans are lovely to eat especially as a "Pate". I am on the third planting. The peas grew well but bolted in the hot two weeks. The mice must have had a field day as there was not a single pea to be found on the ground.
I planted 20 gherkin plants. It turned out I planted far too many. You also need to pick just at the right time. They grew well though.
The root crops have gone well. Swede and Turnips grew well as did the parsnips. Carrots were a pain again but I think this due to the very cold start and then a very hot spell. I have two lots still in but it remains to be seen how big the second sowing grows. The leeks look majestic and does the sprouting broccoli. The second sowing of Hispi, Red Cabbage and Caulis's are going well despite the weeds.
I have just got to get some proper weeding done and then broad cast the green manure. The heavy rain we have had recently has pulverised the soil washing it away. I have deep gutters dug at the side of my beds so they are now full of the wash off. At least it is doing it is job.
I went for low maintenance plants this year. The last part of the lottie came into production this year so I had a full lottie to utilise. Blight is a problem so I chose Cara for main crop and International kidney for the earlies. Cara was good as usual but the crop was down mainly due to the very dry spell in July and the relatively poor soil condition. I still got four bags from 14 sixteen foot rows. The International Kidney cropped well be the taste was disappointing. They also suffered from scab. My neighbours grew Charlottes which looked fanastic, so they will be my earlies for next year. The baby sweet corn grew well but came into fruit during the hot spell when I was no one was around. The standard sweet corn were great but the plants were on the small side. I can tell when its time to harvest them because the mice start eating them.
Cauliflower were great except they all came on at once, as did the Hispi cabbage. We had some and gave the rest away. The white onions were excellent this year with the Red Barons a little way behind. Good taste but smaller in size.
Broad Beans are the stars this year. They grow robustly and beans are lovely to eat especially as a "Pate". I am on the third planting. The peas grew well but bolted in the hot two weeks. The mice must have had a field day as there was not a single pea to be found on the ground.
I planted 20 gherkin plants. It turned out I planted far too many. You also need to pick just at the right time. They grew well though.
The root crops have gone well. Swede and Turnips grew well as did the parsnips. Carrots were a pain again but I think this due to the very cold start and then a very hot spell. I have two lots still in but it remains to be seen how big the second sowing grows. The leeks look majestic and does the sprouting broccoli. The second sowing of Hispi, Red Cabbage and Caulis's are going well despite the weeds.
I have just got to get some proper weeding done and then broad cast the green manure. The heavy rain we have had recently has pulverised the soil washing it away. I have deep gutters dug at the side of my beds so they are now full of the wash off. At least it is doing it is job.
Two weeks in July
The early part of July was taken up with the usual diary of events; work, daughter to school, gardening at home, gardening at the lottie. Then I had two weeks off the normal routine. I set about re-fitting the kitchen at home. In order to refit you must first strip the old kitchem out. My wife and I had carefully planned that she would go on her usual weeks walking holiday and the daughter would go on holidays to relatives. This left me in the house on my own. My Dad volunteered for the first week to help me fit the kitchen. We got through a pile of work with other trades coming and going and after a week we had a new floor, new base units, wall plastered, new wiring [lights and power]. The next week saw my Dad go home and my wife return. This week went slower as the electrics were finished, the wall units fitted and all the miriade of small finishing touches were completed. After an over sight in ordering the floor covering the covering went down two weeks later. I was then able to fit the kick boards. All done and the wife is very happy.
The full two weeks was a bit like camping as normal kitchen arrangement were unavailable. I have told H that I don't have another kitchen in me. She has promised that she does not want to move house. In all our previous homes H has decded to move just as I put the down my tools having finished the last job.
The full two weeks was a bit like camping as normal kitchen arrangement were unavailable. I have told H that I don't have another kitchen in me. She has promised that she does not want to move house. In all our previous homes H has decded to move just as I put the down my tools having finished the last job.
Where have you been?
It been about ten weeks since the last blog. So what has been going on?
Here a list of the highlights:
Sweating
Weeding
Fitted a new kitchen at home
Sea fishing
Harvested the lottie
Planted winter greens
Weeding
At war with Rabbits
Pickling
Weeding
Various parties
Jam making
Collecting Apples
Pressing 800lbs of apples
Weeding
The weather during July was amazing. 30C degrees plus every day. Then like a switch the sun went behind the clouds for August and September. The temperature was still in the high 20's together with lots of cloud bursts the weeds were in heaven. Hence "weeding" features often in the list. The Statues Fair has come to town this weekend [second weekend in September] as is tradition and is normally marked by wind and rain, the taste of the winter to come. However the thermometer is reading 21c each day and folk are still wandering around in their summer clothes.
What out for the blogs to come which will catch up the past ten weeks.
Here a list of the highlights:
Sweating
Weeding
Fitted a new kitchen at home
Sea fishing
Harvested the lottie
Planted winter greens
Weeding
At war with Rabbits
Pickling
Weeding
Various parties
Jam making
Collecting Apples
Pressing 800lbs of apples
Weeding
The weather during July was amazing. 30C degrees plus every day. Then like a switch the sun went behind the clouds for August and September. The temperature was still in the high 20's together with lots of cloud bursts the weeds were in heaven. Hence "weeding" features often in the list. The Statues Fair has come to town this weekend [second weekend in September] as is tradition and is normally marked by wind and rain, the taste of the winter to come. However the thermometer is reading 21c each day and folk are still wandering around in their summer clothes.
What out for the blogs to come which will catch up the past ten weeks.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Casting nets but not a fish in sight.
The weather has been so nice it has not been much of a choice, blog or work. Most evenings I have been down to the lottie. My main task has been to finish the wires and net the plot. I had under estimated how much sewing was needed. There is a wire 900mm from the soil level. A wind stop netting is fitted up to this wire. The netting is sewn to the wire. A 100mm square netting in 2m width is laid over the wires to from a roof and sides. The bottom edge of the 100mm net has to be sown the 900mm high wire. Where the netting touches the wires at the "eaves" and "ridge" a simple knot is made to hold it to the wires. Once all the 100mm netting was laid [15 pieces in all] the long side edges are sown together to make the roof whole. At each "gable end" a length of 100mm net is sown the roof wire and let fall. The 100mm is then sown into the 900mm wire. So now I have the "tent" 34 meters long by 10 meters wide and a little over 2m in the middle.
So why all the trouble. It's down to pigeons. Last year I husbanded twenty odd Purple Sprouting broccoli from seed. I kept the mice at bay, the click beetles and the catapillars only to have squadrons of pigeons comes in a eat the tops off all the plants. I had erected some 25mm square netting as protection but this was to allowed the blighters to land on the nets and push them down onto the plants for a comfy dining experience. The plant where very vigorous but were no match for the onslaught. We did get a small crop right at the end of the season which was tasty enough to have another go. I have Purple Sprouting started again this year and Russian Kale. There are cauliflower and cabbage to add the menu. However the netting being 2m high should stop the pidgeons. The upper netting is 100mm square. I think that the smaller birds and the insects will come and go without a problem. The little birds did an excellent job of hoovering up all the caterpillars so they are not to be discouraged. However the bigger birds such as; Pigeon, Pheasant, Partridge, the odd Goose and assorted Corvids will not be able to get in. The lower netting is anti-wind netting. It is the sort the professional horticultureists use to shade the plants from wind. This netting is woven in such a way that it stop 60% of the winds force. It is working. My plot is very exposed to the prevailing westerlies, my plot being aligned East/West. I have resolved to put another wind net in half way down the plot which should protect the upper end. The netting is giving me an unexpected bonus, it seems to be keeping out all the low flying insects and weed seeds. The rabbits seem to given up on invading my plot and gone to other less protected plots. So it would seems to be a successful exercise. If the netting lasts a couple of season then it will have been cheaper than lots of mini cloches.
The other advantage and one of the reason for going to trouble of netting is that I do not have to move anything before I start work. Previously I had to un-peg the mini net cloches round each veg patch, do whatever the task was and then put it all back again before I left. Now I just turn up and get stuck in.
My allotment neighbours have watched the upright poles appear a couple at a time until a full completment was present. Then the torturous wire which defined the shape. Once the struggle with the wire had ended the wind netting appeared. At first it was baggy until sown onto the wires and pegged down and then in a final flurry the roof and side netting was on and sown. There is just one post that needs godfathering and with that the job is complete.
So why all the trouble. It's down to pigeons. Last year I husbanded twenty odd Purple Sprouting broccoli from seed. I kept the mice at bay, the click beetles and the catapillars only to have squadrons of pigeons comes in a eat the tops off all the plants. I had erected some 25mm square netting as protection but this was to allowed the blighters to land on the nets and push them down onto the plants for a comfy dining experience. The plant where very vigorous but were no match for the onslaught. We did get a small crop right at the end of the season which was tasty enough to have another go. I have Purple Sprouting started again this year and Russian Kale. There are cauliflower and cabbage to add the menu. However the netting being 2m high should stop the pidgeons. The upper netting is 100mm square. I think that the smaller birds and the insects will come and go without a problem. The little birds did an excellent job of hoovering up all the caterpillars so they are not to be discouraged. However the bigger birds such as; Pigeon, Pheasant, Partridge, the odd Goose and assorted Corvids will not be able to get in. The lower netting is anti-wind netting. It is the sort the professional horticultureists use to shade the plants from wind. This netting is woven in such a way that it stop 60% of the winds force. It is working. My plot is very exposed to the prevailing westerlies, my plot being aligned East/West. I have resolved to put another wind net in half way down the plot which should protect the upper end. The netting is giving me an unexpected bonus, it seems to be keeping out all the low flying insects and weed seeds. The rabbits seem to given up on invading my plot and gone to other less protected plots. So it would seems to be a successful exercise. If the netting lasts a couple of season then it will have been cheaper than lots of mini cloches.
The other advantage and one of the reason for going to trouble of netting is that I do not have to move anything before I start work. Previously I had to un-peg the mini net cloches round each veg patch, do whatever the task was and then put it all back again before I left. Now I just turn up and get stuck in.
My allotment neighbours have watched the upright poles appear a couple at a time until a full completment was present. Then the torturous wire which defined the shape. Once the struggle with the wire had ended the wind netting appeared. At first it was baggy until sown onto the wires and pegged down and then in a final flurry the roof and side netting was on and sown. There is just one post that needs godfathering and with that the job is complete.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Hi ho, hi ho, its off to water I go.
We have had a really hot week culminating yesterday [Sunday 11th June] So every evening I have been up to the lottie to water the plants. Not everything needs a drink. The seedlings are still a bit tender as are the newly planted Borlottie beans. The dry spell ended this morning at about 6am [Monday 12th June] witha series of thunder storms. At least I won't have to water this evening.
The spuds I put in only two weeks ago are starting to appear. I have had an experiment this year, to chit or not to chit. I have decided that "to chit" is the best option. Granted that he earlies were put in un-chit and in cold weathe rconditions and the chitted ones went into warm ground with warm air temps. I think it made about three weeks difference. So next year I will get the earlies chitted in batches so as to have succession or spuds.
I have some seeds potatoes in the cold shed. The dark and cool is holding them back. They have started to chit but I am hoping to get my earlies out before the seeds potatoes go to far. I will get a very late crop of earlies....which will be nice.
The Parsnips have made an entrance but I will need more.. I have a patch left that I am going to fill with Parsnips and Carrots. I am a bit short on Spring Onions so I think I am going to interplant them with the Brocolli whilst they are still quite small. The French radish put in to mark the Parsnip rows were really quite nice. Not firey like the standard english versions. The courgettes are really poor this year. They have not established themselves and are sulking. I will give then another month if they do not buck up I will use the bed for something else. I am going to redevelop the Cucumber bed into an Asapagus bed this winter in any case, perhaps they know!
The Pak Choi and Spinach have been a disappointment. After a promising start they have bolted. When a pulled them up the root ball was tiny. The roots did not get into the surrounding soil. They just grew as if they were in a small pot. The Sweet Corn is romping away as are the cabbages but the bed needs weeding which is a job for tonight.
The support wires are complete so the next job is to put the net over the wires. The net is laid ont he lawn at home in the full sun to, hopefully, get the kinks out whilst it has been storage.
Well, back to work. Dinner times is over.
The spuds I put in only two weeks ago are starting to appear. I have had an experiment this year, to chit or not to chit. I have decided that "to chit" is the best option. Granted that he earlies were put in un-chit and in cold weathe rconditions and the chitted ones went into warm ground with warm air temps. I think it made about three weeks difference. So next year I will get the earlies chitted in batches so as to have succession or spuds.
I have some seeds potatoes in the cold shed. The dark and cool is holding them back. They have started to chit but I am hoping to get my earlies out before the seeds potatoes go to far. I will get a very late crop of earlies....which will be nice.
The Parsnips have made an entrance but I will need more.. I have a patch left that I am going to fill with Parsnips and Carrots. I am a bit short on Spring Onions so I think I am going to interplant them with the Brocolli whilst they are still quite small. The French radish put in to mark the Parsnip rows were really quite nice. Not firey like the standard english versions. The courgettes are really poor this year. They have not established themselves and are sulking. I will give then another month if they do not buck up I will use the bed for something else. I am going to redevelop the Cucumber bed into an Asapagus bed this winter in any case, perhaps they know!
The Pak Choi and Spinach have been a disappointment. After a promising start they have bolted. When a pulled them up the root ball was tiny. The roots did not get into the surrounding soil. They just grew as if they were in a small pot. The Sweet Corn is romping away as are the cabbages but the bed needs weeding which is a job for tonight.
The support wires are complete so the next job is to put the net over the wires. The net is laid ont he lawn at home in the full sun to, hopefully, get the kinks out whilst it has been storage.
Well, back to work. Dinner times is over.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
The "Heli Pad"
Since the AGM in Febuary I have had a free reign to design and execute hard standing, patios if you will, on the community orchard. The community orchard is the name given to the odd space plot at the end the allotment proper. I decided upon three circle diminishing in size. The orchard being an elongated triangular in shape. Several people suggested that an area should be reserved for a BBQ. I choose the smallest patio for the job given that it was down wind of the larger patios, supposing the prevailing wind is blowing. Then I thought that he BBQ patio should be square-ish for all the BBQ parafinalia.
In the weeks leading up to the patio laying, Dave a plot holder wheel barrowed thirty odd loads of hardcore in to he areas in had marker out. I raked them out and Dave dropped some more on the areas. In the meantime I had laid some new decking at home which yielded twenty odd 2x2 foot paving slabs which were destined for the big patio at the allotment. Sand and cement was ordered and delivered to the plot from the local Builders merchant. Steve another allotment holder helped move the slabs from my house to the allotment. Steve also sourced another dozen or so flags from Freecycle.org. Saturday came along as did the rain. Not enough to stop the job but enough to make it miserable. The weather bucked up after lunch and Steve turned in. In the morning I had been able to compact and level the hardcore on all three patio using a whacker plate I borrowed from a friend. I also was able to lay a dozen flags on the large patio. In the afternoon it was just a case of laying the remaining flags to complete the large patio. Steve was keen to have a square edged patio but since it was my design I kept to my idea of a circle. I had a Stihl saw [a cutting disc powered by a motor] to trim the flags. However the flags wher no yielding to the blade. The final act of defiance was that the drive belt for the Stihl saw snapped. That was an end to the patio laying. I will finish the edges off once I get a new belt.
I only intend to get the big patio ready this weekend. When I take up the next bit of the home patio I will do the next allotemnt patio unless Steve comes up with more freecycle slabs. Some wag has already christened the patio the "Heli pad".
Sandra, Dave and Judith have taken up the challenge to dig over and plant up the remaining area of the orchard with flowers. By the end of the summer it should look great. Perhaps I will be able to find time to sit on a comfy chair, on the heli pad with a cool beer as a respite.
In the weeks leading up to the patio laying, Dave a plot holder wheel barrowed thirty odd loads of hardcore in to he areas in had marker out. I raked them out and Dave dropped some more on the areas. In the meantime I had laid some new decking at home which yielded twenty odd 2x2 foot paving slabs which were destined for the big patio at the allotment. Sand and cement was ordered and delivered to the plot from the local Builders merchant. Steve another allotment holder helped move the slabs from my house to the allotment. Steve also sourced another dozen or so flags from Freecycle.org. Saturday came along as did the rain. Not enough to stop the job but enough to make it miserable. The weather bucked up after lunch and Steve turned in. In the morning I had been able to compact and level the hardcore on all three patio using a whacker plate I borrowed from a friend. I also was able to lay a dozen flags on the large patio. In the afternoon it was just a case of laying the remaining flags to complete the large patio. Steve was keen to have a square edged patio but since it was my design I kept to my idea of a circle. I had a Stihl saw [a cutting disc powered by a motor] to trim the flags. However the flags wher no yielding to the blade. The final act of defiance was that the drive belt for the Stihl saw snapped. That was an end to the patio laying. I will finish the edges off once I get a new belt.
I only intend to get the big patio ready this weekend. When I take up the next bit of the home patio I will do the next allotemnt patio unless Steve comes up with more freecycle slabs. Some wag has already christened the patio the "Heli pad".
Sandra, Dave and Judith have taken up the challenge to dig over and plant up the remaining area of the orchard with flowers. By the end of the summer it should look great. Perhaps I will be able to find time to sit on a comfy chair, on the heli pad with a cool beer as a respite.
Spuds planted at last
My inability to find time to plant my main crop potatoes [Cara] has weighed heavily on me. The Sunday of the Bank Holiday weekend was my self imposed deadline. I reserved the whole day to planting. The area that was to be my potaote plot is the last area of my plot that has not been cultivated. I had dug out and cut back the worst of the dock when I took the plot on. When I had the second flush of dock I weedkillered them and covered the area with black plastic. That was 18 months ago. I rolled up the plastic and examined the soil. There was not race of any big docks in fact no trace of any vegetation. I dug a trench one spit deep, dropped in half a barrow load of manure and then the seed potatoes. The seeds potatoes had chitted to perfection whilst being carried about in my van for the last few weeks. Having set the seed spuds I raked the soil back into the trench breaking up the bigger clods as I went along. I set the rows about 18inches apart. This is closer than you would normally plant main crops but my intention is to use the spuds to break up the soil for next year. My plan is to do the first earth up from the soil between the rows in the normal way then to "earth up" the second time using a thick layer of straw. The straw with breakdown over the few months it is in place and act as a mulch to boot. At harvest I will dig in the straw in which will add humus and bulk for next years root crops.
The Cabbage family plants and Sweet corn are growing away and looking magnificent except you can not see them under the fleece. I will take the fleece off the Sweet Corn but will have to leave it on the Cabbages unless I am happy to feed the Pigeons. The Peas are going well but I must get the pea sticks out for them to climb. The swede and turnips have germinated and are progressing. However there is trouble in the garden at home.
The Greenhouse is full and work at the allotment has meant that I have not potted up those plants that need it. How the spuds are in I should be able the plant the other items that have been held up, namely the sunflowers, gerkins, pumpkins and various flowers.
My big win this past week has been the erection of the posts, wires and the wind netting round the plot. It had made a big difference to the look of the site but also the amount of wind shade. I am one eye bolt short to finish the left side but I get that this evening from Massey's. Massey's is an old fashioned ironmongers, a good stock and knowledgable staff. Once the side is complete I can put the netting over the top. This netting is quite open. I do not ant to stop the little birds getting into the plot but I do want to keep out the bigger once that cause me trouble, Pigeon, Corvids of all sorts, Geese, Pheasant, Quail and Partridge. when the netting is over a can take the fleece off the Cabbage bed which will, hopefully allow the plants plenty of head room. At the moment I feel the fleece which is often blown down on to the cabbages might be damaging them if not discouraging the upward movement.
The Cabbage family plants and Sweet corn are growing away and looking magnificent except you can not see them under the fleece. I will take the fleece off the Sweet Corn but will have to leave it on the Cabbages unless I am happy to feed the Pigeons. The Peas are going well but I must get the pea sticks out for them to climb. The swede and turnips have germinated and are progressing. However there is trouble in the garden at home.
The Greenhouse is full and work at the allotment has meant that I have not potted up those plants that need it. How the spuds are in I should be able the plant the other items that have been held up, namely the sunflowers, gerkins, pumpkins and various flowers.
My big win this past week has been the erection of the posts, wires and the wind netting round the plot. It had made a big difference to the look of the site but also the amount of wind shade. I am one eye bolt short to finish the left side but I get that this evening from Massey's. Massey's is an old fashioned ironmongers, a good stock and knowledgable staff. Once the side is complete I can put the netting over the top. This netting is quite open. I do not ant to stop the little birds getting into the plot but I do want to keep out the bigger once that cause me trouble, Pigeon, Corvids of all sorts, Geese, Pheasant, Quail and Partridge. when the netting is over a can take the fleece off the Cabbage bed which will, hopefully allow the plants plenty of head room. At the moment I feel the fleece which is often blown down on to the cabbages might be damaging them if not discouraging the upward movement.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Hedgerow wine
There are a few of us at the Allotment Society that like a drink. On our last outting the a Wine Society was inaugriated. The main criteria being the the wines are not made from fruit and have to be ready for Christmas.
With the rules in mind I have two demi-johns of Dandeloin and one demi-john of Rhubarb wine bubbling away in the kitchen. The Dandelion changes colour every few days from green to yellowish and back again. However the Rhubard remains a constant "bubblegum" pink. The Rhubarb was slow to start fementing but now it looks like Lemonde with the amount bubbles running up the sides of the bottle. Neither one shows any signs of slowing down so it is time to be patient and figure out where to get some more Rhubarb for free.
The Society is to have an outting on Friday evening so we might find out what other people have bubbling away. I have a hankering for Nettle wine. It will be some to do with the extensive supply of nettles growing round the edge of my plot!
With the rules in mind I have two demi-johns of Dandeloin and one demi-john of Rhubarb wine bubbling away in the kitchen. The Dandelion changes colour every few days from green to yellowish and back again. However the Rhubard remains a constant "bubblegum" pink. The Rhubarb was slow to start fementing but now it looks like Lemonde with the amount bubbles running up the sides of the bottle. Neither one shows any signs of slowing down so it is time to be patient and figure out where to get some more Rhubarb for free.
The Society is to have an outting on Friday evening so we might find out what other people have bubbling away. I have a hankering for Nettle wine. It will be some to do with the extensive supply of nettles growing round the edge of my plot!
Backs are a pain
The rain stayed off all week which meant I was able to get some more digging completed at the allotment at least that would have been the plan if I had not tried to stop a heavy item falling out the back of the car. Result one slipped disc. It was not that bad as you have first expected. I was given some anti-inflammatory tablets by the Doctor which eased the pain. Sleeping is the worst bit. I just could not get comfortable. At work I had to resort to putting a big box under my computer keyboard so that it was usable whilst standing up. Sitting was un-comfortable. Each evening did the light jobs at the allotment. The movement helped to ease the pain as long as I did not stretch.
The back thing was "quite good" if a back problem can be good in as much as it forced me to lay off the heavy work. I has an opportunity to plant all my brassica, sweet corn & chick peas seedling. My broad beans and pea seedling took off since they where moved outside. I second planting of beans and peas have come through a treat. I still have not planted my main crop spuds but that is on the "heavy work" list so I have, at least, a good excuse.
On Saturday 13th May I had to go to my Aunties birthday in Carrbrook near Manchester. I caught up with some a the family we do not see very often. However it kept me away from the lottie and house. On Sunday after a late start I finished off the last couple of planks on the decking. Over lunch H and I discussed how we would deal with the remainder of the lower garden. We have settled upon a design so that is now on the list of things to do.
H and I had a pleasant couple f hours pottering round the garden. I tried up the Herbs bed. Well it will be a herb bed once they grow. It is more of a Potager since it has a couple of lettuce from the greenhouse, a few Garlic plants as well as the Chives and Mint.
The next job is to get the gherkin, Courgette and Pumpkin plants installed at he the lottie and the main crop spuds.
The back thing was "quite good" if a back problem can be good in as much as it forced me to lay off the heavy work. I has an opportunity to plant all my brassica, sweet corn & chick peas seedling. My broad beans and pea seedling took off since they where moved outside. I second planting of beans and peas have come through a treat. I still have not planted my main crop spuds but that is on the "heavy work" list so I have, at least, a good excuse.
On Saturday 13th May I had to go to my Aunties birthday in Carrbrook near Manchester. I caught up with some a the family we do not see very often. However it kept me away from the lottie and house. On Sunday after a late start I finished off the last couple of planks on the decking. Over lunch H and I discussed how we would deal with the remainder of the lower garden. We have settled upon a design so that is now on the list of things to do.
H and I had a pleasant couple f hours pottering round the garden. I tried up the Herbs bed. Well it will be a herb bed once they grow. It is more of a Potager since it has a couple of lettuce from the greenhouse, a few Garlic plants as well as the Chives and Mint.
The next job is to get the gherkin, Courgette and Pumpkin plants installed at he the lottie and the main crop spuds.
Monday, May 08, 2006
An Orchard for the Community
From the inception of the allotment site there has been an odd shaped area at the top the the regular shaped plots called "The Community Orchard". It is not big enough fr more than half a dozen trees. The soil is really poor and quite wet. We divides the area last year and let the larger and better portion go to one of our ladies who had out grown the quarter plot she had taken on. The new area was larger than her old plot and since she was growing flowers she did not necessarily need high fertility. This meant the community orchard was much smaller but still a neglected space.
At the Society's AGM I put forward the idea that I should be given free rein to design hard standings on the community area. The reason was that in the two and a half years of the Society we had not done anything with the area. Sandra and Judith had already volunteered to plant up and maintain the "soft" areas. I knew that I had access to the the heavy tools for the job and twenty odd paving stones, my patio. I knew that, if given my own timetable, I could build the three patio. The new chap, another Dave, said he would weed the areas I had marked out and drop the road stone on the areas. This was a great help. Dave is retired and spends a couple of hours a day at the lotties. True to his word the road stone pile is surely but slowly being transferred to the would be patios.
Now that I have made a start everyone is getting on board. Each time I go down a little more stone has moved and a little more of the area that is to be beds has been turned over. I have installed my new decking at home and the flags which it replaced are stacked against the wall ready to go to the lottie. I have a couple of spare bags of sand so I just need some cement. The blokes of the allotment are getting together on the Saturday of the late May Bank Holiday to whack the stone into a foundation layer and hopefully lay the available flags.
The word is out so we will see what happens.
At the Society's AGM I put forward the idea that I should be given free rein to design hard standings on the community area. The reason was that in the two and a half years of the Society we had not done anything with the area. Sandra and Judith had already volunteered to plant up and maintain the "soft" areas. I knew that I had access to the the heavy tools for the job and twenty odd paving stones, my patio. I knew that, if given my own timetable, I could build the three patio. The new chap, another Dave, said he would weed the areas I had marked out and drop the road stone on the areas. This was a great help. Dave is retired and spends a couple of hours a day at the lotties. True to his word the road stone pile is surely but slowly being transferred to the would be patios.
Now that I have made a start everyone is getting on board. Each time I go down a little more stone has moved and a little more of the area that is to be beds has been turned over. I have installed my new decking at home and the flags which it replaced are stacked against the wall ready to go to the lottie. I have a couple of spare bags of sand so I just need some cement. The blokes of the allotment are getting together on the Saturday of the late May Bank Holiday to whack the stone into a foundation layer and hopefully lay the available flags.
The word is out so we will see what happens.
What has happened in the last three weeks
Where does the time go. Work on the house has stopped for the time being. The juggling of renovation work, family life and allotment is a constant series of compromises. The compromise is always about time. Quality is always foremost wheever a job is being done. If I could give up work I would be just about able to fit everthing in comfortably into a 40 hour week. As it is I only have the evening and weekends to shoe horn the 40 hours of work into.
I had to go to Manchester for a friend birthday. As luck would have it I got four tickets for Manchester City v Fulham. I sent my Dad, Brother, Wife and Daughter off to the match. It was H & L first game. They were delighted, even if there was alot of swearing. I got the afternoon to play out on my brothers motorbike with the pretext of tuning the suspension. Whilst I was out and about I bought a lot of yeast for wine making. We saw some friends on the Saturday night and stopped over with them. We had a pleasant dinner and sunk a few beers by the fire outside. The ladies stayed inside sipping wife in the their nighties. Then onto the party on Sunday afternoon. Once that was done it was back over to my brothers to pick up a load of scaffolding planks to make the borders of the fruit beds at home. It being the Bank holiday weekend I had the day off on Monday to go to the lottie. Another chunk of the " camomile lawn turned into a black seed beds. I planted two rows on Pink Fir Apple potatoes. I must get the main crop of "Cara" in the ground.
The other day I managed to get some time to myself in the evening to go to the lottie. I had a pleasant couple of hours weeding the brassica bed. It is now raked out flat ready for the Hispi, Pak choi, Sprouting Brocolli, Swede, Tunip, Spinich and Beetroot. The red cabbage and Robinsons and second sowing of Hispi are only just germinated.
The gerkins and pumpkins are ready to go out as are the sunflowers. I finally got a chance the get the grow bags from Newall. They are now in the greenhouse with three Shirley's and three Gardeners Delight tomato plants. The automatic window arm I bought off Ebay works a treat opening a closing the window on the greenhouse.
The timber fo the decking arrived on the Tuesday after the bank holiday. The weekend just gone 5/6 May saw me turing a pile of timber into the decking outside the Dining room. It all worked pretty much to plan except I was a couple of planks short to finish the job compeletly. I could not have done more a I was interupted by rain several times during Sunday. We had friend round.on Saturday evening for diner so I was a bit fragile on Sunday morning. we did get out a little to take and collect the daughter from her friend in a vilage several miles away. It is alway nice to have a drive out, even a short one, just to break up the unrelenting pile of work. I was at a loose end after diner on Sunday so I went to have a look at the lottie. I could not help myself. I did a bit of hoeing. Every thing is coming up, even the early potatoes which have really taken their time to pop up.
I could not help myself and found myself compeled to rake out the piles on hardcore that had been dropped on the hard areas of the community garden. [see the next blog - An Orchard for the Community]. It was with great satisfaction that I pushed and shoved the piles into flat pans ready for whacking down into firm bases for the paving. Hopefully Dave and Sandra will pile some more stones on the plot for more raking and levelling. The bank holiday at the end of May is supposed to be the day we do the job of levelling compacting and maybe even laying some paving.
I had to go to Manchester for a friend birthday. As luck would have it I got four tickets for Manchester City v Fulham. I sent my Dad, Brother, Wife and Daughter off to the match. It was H & L first game. They were delighted, even if there was alot of swearing. I got the afternoon to play out on my brothers motorbike with the pretext of tuning the suspension. Whilst I was out and about I bought a lot of yeast for wine making. We saw some friends on the Saturday night and stopped over with them. We had a pleasant dinner and sunk a few beers by the fire outside. The ladies stayed inside sipping wife in the their nighties. Then onto the party on Sunday afternoon. Once that was done it was back over to my brothers to pick up a load of scaffolding planks to make the borders of the fruit beds at home. It being the Bank holiday weekend I had the day off on Monday to go to the lottie. Another chunk of the " camomile lawn turned into a black seed beds. I planted two rows on Pink Fir Apple potatoes. I must get the main crop of "Cara" in the ground.
The other day I managed to get some time to myself in the evening to go to the lottie. I had a pleasant couple of hours weeding the brassica bed. It is now raked out flat ready for the Hispi, Pak choi, Sprouting Brocolli, Swede, Tunip, Spinich and Beetroot. The red cabbage and Robinsons and second sowing of Hispi are only just germinated.
The gerkins and pumpkins are ready to go out as are the sunflowers. I finally got a chance the get the grow bags from Newall. They are now in the greenhouse with three Shirley's and three Gardeners Delight tomato plants. The automatic window arm I bought off Ebay works a treat opening a closing the window on the greenhouse.
The timber fo the decking arrived on the Tuesday after the bank holiday. The weekend just gone 5/6 May saw me turing a pile of timber into the decking outside the Dining room. It all worked pretty much to plan except I was a couple of planks short to finish the job compeletly. I could not have done more a I was interupted by rain several times during Sunday. We had friend round.on Saturday evening for diner so I was a bit fragile on Sunday morning. we did get out a little to take and collect the daughter from her friend in a vilage several miles away. It is alway nice to have a drive out, even a short one, just to break up the unrelenting pile of work. I was at a loose end after diner on Sunday so I went to have a look at the lottie. I could not help myself. I did a bit of hoeing. Every thing is coming up, even the early potatoes which have really taken their time to pop up.
I could not help myself and found myself compeled to rake out the piles on hardcore that had been dropped on the hard areas of the community garden. [see the next blog - An Orchard for the Community]. It was with great satisfaction that I pushed and shoved the piles into flat pans ready for whacking down into firm bases for the paving. Hopefully Dave and Sandra will pile some more stones on the plot for more raking and levelling. The bank holiday at the end of May is supposed to be the day we do the job of levelling compacting and maybe even laying some paving.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Cracking on at Easter
The weekend of the 8/9th April was a rest from the allotment, work and the house. We were invited to Newark Park to stay with friends, The Peter's at a National Trust property. I only had the weekend but the girls stayed for the whole of the following week returning on Good Friday. Newark Park is a very old hunting lodge but it not a shed in the forest. It perches on the very edge on the cotwolds vallys looking South West towards Bristol some fifty miles distant. Search the National Trust website for Newark Park It was a very splendid respite from the effort expended since Christmas.
I returned to Moira on Monday morning to fit the central heating in the house. I would be able to pull the floors up without being under pressure to put things right each evening for the "ladies". In the evenings I was able to sow trays and trays of seeds. I have a greenhouse full of sprouting things. I am at a stage where I have to plant things out or get congested in the greenhouse. I was surprised to find the roof window on the greenhouse wide open. It took a moment to register that the automatic window opener must be working. I do not know why it should have been a surprise. Was it because it was cheap or because I managed to fit and adjust it correctly?
The Easter weekend came upon us and yet I still had not had any quality time at the allotment. I resolved to find the time. H & L had shopping to do on Saturday so whilst they were gone I made my escape. The quarter of the plot which was down the potatoes last year was covered in weeds however it was a very different covering to what I had experienced in the past. Instead of vigorous Dock, I had a low growing covering of Chick weed, Red nettle and assorted vetches. I called it my Camomile lawn although there was no camomile in it the effect was the same. In this bed was a single Broad Bean plant which had bee growing all winter. I had decided that the seed was probably pinched by a mouse from the actual Broad Bean bed ten feet alway. I guessed the mouse dropped it in it's flight from something. It just goes to show that we are not instrumental the cultivatation of plants. When I harvested the spuds last year I tidied up the bad by heaping the earth up to form deep "gutters" around the bed. I supposed the heaped soil would dry out quicker and some would wash in the gutters creating a flatter aspect in the Spring than in the winter. As it happened the weeds grew and served to hold the soil together which now means I have to weed the plot to:
A. removes the weeds and
B. allow me to rake the beds out to a growing surface.
The soil being quite dry on the surface allowed the Mattock to drive in up to the shaft with hardy any effort. I then just grabbed the weeds by the handful, gave them a good shake to remove the soli the then threw them in the waiting barrow. The bending over was the hard part but the work was easy and progress was easy. When I had filled the wheelbarrow I got the rake out and pushed and shoved the soil about until it was level. Ten minutes of energetic raking gave me a level surface with a fine tilth. One wheelbarrow full of weeds equals and area 12 foot by 15 foot and a stop for tea.
The flask has come into is own just recently. During the winter it was too cold to stop for tea. One went to the allotment. Got hot and sweaty doing whatever job was in hand and then one went home. A couple of hours outdoors was quite enough. Now the Spring is here the wind is still cold but out of the wind in the back of the car is quite pleasant. A nice cup of tea can be had in relevant comfort and allows me to stay out for longer.
If Easter Saturday was a treat, Easter Monday was like Christmas. The weather was sunny as Saturday but the wing had dropped. In time honoured fashion the tempreature shot up just as if one was at the sea side with the wind breaks up. A couple of hours were spent weeding and raking out the "camomile lawn". Then the bit I have been working towards for months, planting!
I started the bed with a row of Elephant Garlic and then three rows of "normal" garlic [Sutton white]. Next two rows of Shallots [new for me this year]. Next three rows of sets Red Baron [Red onions] and then three rows of sets of Sturon [white onions]. Then three rows of Parsnips. Each row had a second sowing of a catch crop. Parsnip take about a month the germinate so the catch crop has two jobs, one the mark the rows as the crop grows so I don't weed out thedelicate sub- terrianian shoots and two, to bag a crop from the same space. Each rows contained French Breakfast Radish, Red spring onions and Lisbon [white] spring onions respectively. And finally as time grew short and row of Sugersnax carrots. Last year as a joke as far as carrots where concerned. I had four goes at sowing seeds and only received a handful of mature roots. What I havested were very sweet and tasty but they most bizarrely shaped. The main cause is that I did not thin them out which made them compete and I think they could have done with more water. A general problem last year was that I planted everything to close together.
On another front the permanent beds of Rhubarb and Comfry are making themselves known. They both look healthy. The two Globe Artichokes have had different winters. One is dead and the other alive. It does not get any differnt than that. I have resolved to grow more Globe Artichoke. I had some whilst I was on holiday and though it very tasty.
The nights are stretching out so I much make use of them the get the final bed ready for the Brasicass. It just needs a going over to remove the couple of dozen docks. These are growing from bits of root left from last years weeding of the peas section.
I returned to Moira on Monday morning to fit the central heating in the house. I would be able to pull the floors up without being under pressure to put things right each evening for the "ladies". In the evenings I was able to sow trays and trays of seeds. I have a greenhouse full of sprouting things. I am at a stage where I have to plant things out or get congested in the greenhouse. I was surprised to find the roof window on the greenhouse wide open. It took a moment to register that the automatic window opener must be working. I do not know why it should have been a surprise. Was it because it was cheap or because I managed to fit and adjust it correctly?
The Easter weekend came upon us and yet I still had not had any quality time at the allotment. I resolved to find the time. H & L had shopping to do on Saturday so whilst they were gone I made my escape. The quarter of the plot which was down the potatoes last year was covered in weeds however it was a very different covering to what I had experienced in the past. Instead of vigorous Dock, I had a low growing covering of Chick weed, Red nettle and assorted vetches. I called it my Camomile lawn although there was no camomile in it the effect was the same. In this bed was a single Broad Bean plant which had bee growing all winter. I had decided that the seed was probably pinched by a mouse from the actual Broad Bean bed ten feet alway. I guessed the mouse dropped it in it's flight from something. It just goes to show that we are not instrumental the cultivatation of plants. When I harvested the spuds last year I tidied up the bad by heaping the earth up to form deep "gutters" around the bed. I supposed the heaped soil would dry out quicker and some would wash in the gutters creating a flatter aspect in the Spring than in the winter. As it happened the weeds grew and served to hold the soil together which now means I have to weed the plot to:
A. removes the weeds and
B. allow me to rake the beds out to a growing surface.
The soil being quite dry on the surface allowed the Mattock to drive in up to the shaft with hardy any effort. I then just grabbed the weeds by the handful, gave them a good shake to remove the soli the then threw them in the waiting barrow. The bending over was the hard part but the work was easy and progress was easy. When I had filled the wheelbarrow I got the rake out and pushed and shoved the soil about until it was level. Ten minutes of energetic raking gave me a level surface with a fine tilth. One wheelbarrow full of weeds equals and area 12 foot by 15 foot and a stop for tea.
The flask has come into is own just recently. During the winter it was too cold to stop for tea. One went to the allotment. Got hot and sweaty doing whatever job was in hand and then one went home. A couple of hours outdoors was quite enough. Now the Spring is here the wind is still cold but out of the wind in the back of the car is quite pleasant. A nice cup of tea can be had in relevant comfort and allows me to stay out for longer.
If Easter Saturday was a treat, Easter Monday was like Christmas. The weather was sunny as Saturday but the wing had dropped. In time honoured fashion the tempreature shot up just as if one was at the sea side with the wind breaks up. A couple of hours were spent weeding and raking out the "camomile lawn". Then the bit I have been working towards for months, planting!
I started the bed with a row of Elephant Garlic and then three rows of "normal" garlic [Sutton white]. Next two rows of Shallots [new for me this year]. Next three rows of sets Red Baron [Red onions] and then three rows of sets of Sturon [white onions]. Then three rows of Parsnips. Each row had a second sowing of a catch crop. Parsnip take about a month the germinate so the catch crop has two jobs, one the mark the rows as the crop grows so I don't weed out thedelicate sub- terrianian shoots and two, to bag a crop from the same space. Each rows contained French Breakfast Radish, Red spring onions and Lisbon [white] spring onions respectively. And finally as time grew short and row of Sugersnax carrots. Last year as a joke as far as carrots where concerned. I had four goes at sowing seeds and only received a handful of mature roots. What I havested were very sweet and tasty but they most bizarrely shaped. The main cause is that I did not thin them out which made them compete and I think they could have done with more water. A general problem last year was that I planted everything to close together.
On another front the permanent beds of Rhubarb and Comfry are making themselves known. They both look healthy. The two Globe Artichokes have had different winters. One is dead and the other alive. It does not get any differnt than that. I have resolved to grow more Globe Artichoke. I had some whilst I was on holiday and though it very tasty.
The nights are stretching out so I much make use of them the get the final bed ready for the Brasicass. It just needs a going over to remove the couple of dozen docks. These are growing from bits of root left from last years weeding of the peas section.
Monday, April 03, 2006
April showers
Having had no time, in the last few weeks, to blog or allotment made this weekend was a pleasant change. Saturday [01.04.06] The light pouring in through my bedroom window, despite the blinds, was the trigger to get up early and get stuck in. My daughter who had been away all the previous week with school at an outward bound centre in Wales was still abed. I breakfasted lightly, loaded the car and shot of the allotment with a flask of tea for company. For several hours I was the only one at the allotment which was a treat in itself.
I had decided that the last of the leek were to be harvested and the plot cleared. I had also resolved to clear the Sprouting broccoli patch. I had known the Pigeons would enjoy the broccoli if they were allowed too and that the winter storms might damage the plants. So to address the problem I fleeced the entire area. However the wind kept blowing the fleece off or ripping it on the supports. Either way the Pigeons had a feast through out the winter. It was with a heavy heart I removed the remains the "protection" only to find quite a few good looking plants. The shoots were fairly small but yielded a big basket full. I dug up the plants and confirmed what I had thought which was that I set them to close together. A lesson for this year! I lightly dug the plot over a removed all the weeds. Mostly Dock but very few. The broccoli must have out competed them together with my weeding.
The leek were rotting in the ground and it was a slimy job to removed them. Again a few leek were in good order so they went in the basket with the broccoli. I lightly dug that plot over removed the weeds. This quarter of the allotment is going to be Legumes this year. They a greedy blighters so a lot a manure needs to be dug in. I thought to myself that the compost bins, although looking a bit low must has a harvest to be had. Close inspection showed there was probably about ten barrow loads available. I have three compost bins. One is fully of horse manure. One had all the bits and bobs from around the allotment. I had just cleared this one out so a could start a new pile with the tidy up of the broccoli patch and of course the bin with last years compost.
I had thought it would plant my early potatoes and Garlic but it was dinner time and I had promised H I would take her to look at some bedroom furniture whilst the daughter was at her friend s for the afternoon. I checked the Rhubarb on leaving and am happy to report that one of the two plants is just poking its head through the manure blanket it has had covering it all winter. The Comfrey is sprouting. I intend to make Comfrey tea this year but I will have to find somewhere to put the water butt first.
The weather man promised a sunny start to the day and showers later. The Garlic and seed potatoes where put back in the car along with t tools and flask. Again I was first down to the allotment but not for long. I dug my potato trenches and drop a barrow of manure in each one followed by nine potatoes per row. A seven kilo bag did five rows which I find is a nice quantity for a harvest. The spuds are International Kidney which are marketed as "Jersey Royals". I have decided to call mine "Moira Royals". I should be able to harvest them found sixteen weeks onwards. I made a nice job of planting them if I do say so myself. I then thought that I would prepare the Legume plot. With the trusty Mattock is set about weeding the plot. It was a pleasant surprise to see how few weeds there were. The Parsnips that held that position last year made a good job of supressing the weeds. Having weeded and roughly leveled the plot I got busy with the rake. The soil came up light and fluffy and is now almost as level a billiard table. Then starting at the top of the plot I barrowed load after load of compost from the bins. I just dumped the compost on the soil by the path and spread the pile around with the fork. The compo was full of worms so I do not think it will take them long to drag the goodness into the newly tilled earth. Almost from the moment I got there spiteful light showers drifted across the sky. They gave me a moment to sit in the back of the car with car of tea from the flask to rest and survey the plot. The garlic which I have been growing in pots is no nearer being planted. That plot is the next job. That plot had the potatoes in last year and I did not make use of the space and now the chickweed has take hold with avengeance. As the clock ticked round to one PM a shower kicked in. I had seen the black clouds rolling in. Something had to be coming with such a string wind. I kept on barrowing and spreading thinking I could get the compo bin emptied if I ignored the shower. Then the sting of hail was felt on the my ears and then the down pour started. I got caught half way up the path with a full barrow. I had to dump and spread the load, then put the barrow away before I ran for cover. But where to go? There is no shelter at the allotment so I stripped off my wet overalls and got in the car as quickly as I could. The rain, as if knowing it had beaten me, kicked in an increase in the down pour. I turned the key in the ignition and made my way out. By the time I got to the gates at the main road the fury of the storm had abated but it was time to go home for lunch.
I had decided that the last of the leek were to be harvested and the plot cleared. I had also resolved to clear the Sprouting broccoli patch. I had known the Pigeons would enjoy the broccoli if they were allowed too and that the winter storms might damage the plants. So to address the problem I fleeced the entire area. However the wind kept blowing the fleece off or ripping it on the supports. Either way the Pigeons had a feast through out the winter. It was with a heavy heart I removed the remains the "protection" only to find quite a few good looking plants. The shoots were fairly small but yielded a big basket full. I dug up the plants and confirmed what I had thought which was that I set them to close together. A lesson for this year! I lightly dug the plot over a removed all the weeds. Mostly Dock but very few. The broccoli must have out competed them together with my weeding.
The leek were rotting in the ground and it was a slimy job to removed them. Again a few leek were in good order so they went in the basket with the broccoli. I lightly dug that plot over removed the weeds. This quarter of the allotment is going to be Legumes this year. They a greedy blighters so a lot a manure needs to be dug in. I thought to myself that the compost bins, although looking a bit low must has a harvest to be had. Close inspection showed there was probably about ten barrow loads available. I have three compost bins. One is fully of horse manure. One had all the bits and bobs from around the allotment. I had just cleared this one out so a could start a new pile with the tidy up of the broccoli patch and of course the bin with last years compost.
I had thought it would plant my early potatoes and Garlic but it was dinner time and I had promised H I would take her to look at some bedroom furniture whilst the daughter was at her friend s for the afternoon. I checked the Rhubarb on leaving and am happy to report that one of the two plants is just poking its head through the manure blanket it has had covering it all winter. The Comfrey is sprouting. I intend to make Comfrey tea this year but I will have to find somewhere to put the water butt first.
The weather man promised a sunny start to the day and showers later. The Garlic and seed potatoes where put back in the car along with t tools and flask. Again I was first down to the allotment but not for long. I dug my potato trenches and drop a barrow of manure in each one followed by nine potatoes per row. A seven kilo bag did five rows which I find is a nice quantity for a harvest. The spuds are International Kidney which are marketed as "Jersey Royals". I have decided to call mine "Moira Royals". I should be able to harvest them found sixteen weeks onwards. I made a nice job of planting them if I do say so myself. I then thought that I would prepare the Legume plot. With the trusty Mattock is set about weeding the plot. It was a pleasant surprise to see how few weeds there were. The Parsnips that held that position last year made a good job of supressing the weeds. Having weeded and roughly leveled the plot I got busy with the rake. The soil came up light and fluffy and is now almost as level a billiard table. Then starting at the top of the plot I barrowed load after load of compost from the bins. I just dumped the compost on the soil by the path and spread the pile around with the fork. The compo was full of worms so I do not think it will take them long to drag the goodness into the newly tilled earth. Almost from the moment I got there spiteful light showers drifted across the sky. They gave me a moment to sit in the back of the car with car of tea from the flask to rest and survey the plot. The garlic which I have been growing in pots is no nearer being planted. That plot is the next job. That plot had the potatoes in last year and I did not make use of the space and now the chickweed has take hold with avengeance. As the clock ticked round to one PM a shower kicked in. I had seen the black clouds rolling in. Something had to be coming with such a string wind. I kept on barrowing and spreading thinking I could get the compo bin emptied if I ignored the shower. Then the sting of hail was felt on the my ears and then the down pour started. I got caught half way up the path with a full barrow. I had to dump and spread the load, then put the barrow away before I ran for cover. But where to go? There is no shelter at the allotment so I stripped off my wet overalls and got in the car as quickly as I could. The rain, as if knowing it had beaten me, kicked in an increase in the down pour. I turned the key in the ignition and made my way out. By the time I got to the gates at the main road the fury of the storm had abated but it was time to go home for lunch.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Busy busy busy
To busy to post. The weather has been against me at the allotment but the seeds in the greenhouse are coming along. The garlic is doing very well in their youghut pots. They must go to the allotment soon. The new shed is doing a good job of keep the seed potatoes and onion sets from sprouting in the dark and cool conditions. I have to get the roots bed going at the allotment for the onions and garlic. The last of the Leeks are to be dug up to clear the space for lots manure for the Peas and Sweet Corn. The fight is over for the Sprouting Brocolli. The wind and Pigeons have put paid to a gallant show. I shall be growing these again but with better protection from the Pigeons.
In the back garden at home I have been able to make a start on moving the small upper garden terrace. I have moved enough of it to plant the last Hawthorn tree. I just have to move some of the better terrace soil onto the roof of the shed and that then ready for planting up.
Whilst clearing out the old shed out I found a big onion sack full of Daffodil bulbs. They have been left out in the light and have started sprouting so it time to find a home for several hundred bulbs.
In the back garden at home I have been able to make a start on moving the small upper garden terrace. I have moved enough of it to plant the last Hawthorn tree. I just have to move some of the better terrace soil onto the roof of the shed and that then ready for planting up.
Whilst clearing out the old shed out I found a big onion sack full of Daffodil bulbs. They have been left out in the light and have started sprouting so it time to find a home for several hundred bulbs.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
A new plan
I had this idea that I would double dig the final part of my allotment over the winter but it seems the weather and family commitment have conspired to keep me away from my spade and manure heap. As I type is there snow showers in the air so I can not dig today and spring will be on us soon. So I have decided that instead of double digging the final part of my plot before the poatoes go in I shall dig out the worst of the weeds from around the edge of the plot. When that is done and I come to dig the trenches for the spuds I shall line the trench with lot of manure. They will not mind and by the time I have ridged them up a couple if times and harverted the bounty the area will have been comprensively turned over.
It sounds like a great plan. Now if it would just stop snowing.
It sounds like a great plan. Now if it would just stop snowing.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
The Newhall Potato Men
Our Allotment Society does not have a shop but we know of an Allotment Society that does, Newal. The shop is a revelation. Firstly it is a shop! Most allotment shops are run from what looks like a bunker on the site. Secondly, Newal do not have any allotments anymore, but I do not know the reason for that, so it might not be true. Thirdly, it is only open on Saturday mornings. The revelation comes when step inside. The first room you step into is a little dim, there being no natural light except for the door you just come in. The air smells of earth. Pallets of compost and grow bags are stacked around the room. There is no heating so it can be relly cold, the sort that cuts to the bone. Off to the right is a door into the shop proper. In there it is all light and warm. There is a counter down the left side of the room behind which, up on the wall is the price list. On the other wall is shelving of things; little bottles of this and that, plastic pots, strings, ties, labels, tonic for plants and Jeyes fuild.
The chaps who run the shop are a bunch of characters; a small, slim, easy going fellow, a tall grumpy chap despite his demeanor can not help but help and middling sort a chap who is the runner and obviously serving his time before assending the ranks.
You have to get there early, especially at his time of year as they open extra early for the collection of seed potato, shallot and onion set orders that were placed before Christmas. Compost and fertiliser disppear with the steady flow of customers. Spend more than a few minutes inthe shop and some aged gardener will roll in, have a bit a banter with the chaps behind the counter, pay his dues then return to his car to supervise the loading.
They also sell powders and potions in small bags such old style fertilisers Blood, fish & bone or Onion fertilser, pelletised chicken manure, Lime etc. The things they sell are not bargain basment prices but they in no fuss bags filled from industrial size sacks so the price is a little less than Garden Centre prices. There is a knowledge of what is required. Bamboo canes are about 20mm 3/4inch thick not the 10mm 1/4inch items sold at garden centres. The chaps know what weight the canes are going to be under whilst holding up countless runner beans. The goods are normally the best quality for a reasonable price. For my part I would happily pay a little extra just to see them continue.
The chaps who run the shop are a bunch of characters; a small, slim, easy going fellow, a tall grumpy chap despite his demeanor can not help but help and middling sort a chap who is the runner and obviously serving his time before assending the ranks.
You have to get there early, especially at his time of year as they open extra early for the collection of seed potato, shallot and onion set orders that were placed before Christmas. Compost and fertiliser disppear with the steady flow of customers. Spend more than a few minutes inthe shop and some aged gardener will roll in, have a bit a banter with the chaps behind the counter, pay his dues then return to his car to supervise the loading.
They also sell powders and potions in small bags such old style fertilisers Blood, fish & bone or Onion fertilser, pelletised chicken manure, Lime etc. The things they sell are not bargain basment prices but they in no fuss bags filled from industrial size sacks so the price is a little less than Garden Centre prices. There is a knowledge of what is required. Bamboo canes are about 20mm 3/4inch thick not the 10mm 1/4inch items sold at garden centres. The chaps know what weight the canes are going to be under whilst holding up countless runner beans. The goods are normally the best quality for a reasonable price. For my part I would happily pay a little extra just to see them continue.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Colder by night
It is been a frustrating week. I am definitely hampered by having to work for a living even if the nights are getting longer and I am still the Secretary of the Allotment Society. The thermometer has rarely got over 4 degrees C for the last few weeks which means digging at the allotment is out of the question. However this means I have been able to get on with the shed although not H's Birthday weekend. I took my Dad to the Newall Potato men. Their place is a throw back to the fifties. I tell you more about them another time. My order of Cara and international Kidney were waiting for me. My Rockets from last year are chitting away. I only have to dig the manure in and I have cracked it.
The shed door went on and the floor went down this weekend. Well, most of the floor. I have had twelve one metre lengths of decking hanging about the garden since I put laid the decking in the new patio area three years ago. I knew they would come in and now, with a little trimming, form the great part of the shed floor. I have only had to buy a couple of metres to finish off the floor. That goes in tonight. Four cuts and sixteen screws and the shed is serviceable. I have a few bits to do on the back panel and the ceiling needs covering but the major job is done. I can now move the stuff that has been collecting in the garage into the shed. I have all summer to finish the twiddly bits on the outside and organise the shelving on the inside ready for my harvest.
It was H's birthday last weekend so my parents came down for the weekend. Some of our old friends from Manchester came too. It was a lovely weekend. Dad gave me hand to plant the Willow that arrived during the week which from my hedge. H and I had a ceremoniously planting the two of the Hazel and one of the Hawthorn in the garden as well. I managed to move the fruit bushes into tubs to make them portable, since the new trees would certainly compete with them..
I went up to the allotment 04.03.06 and found the ground frozen solid to a depth of half an inch. It did not stop me digging up a Leek or two to go into today's dinner, stew. This time next year I hope to be eating stew made with all my own root vegetables. We are nearly out of potatoes [Cara]. The Rocket have stated chitting so there is a lesson learnt. Plant your earlies early and harvest them early. Leave main crop to be lates and harvest them accordingly. I had this idea that I would plant some earlies late in the season as catch crop. It worked to a degree. I got a crop but it was hit hard by blight, also they have not kept that well and are chitting for England. I won't be leaving the spuds in the ground this year. As soon as they a ready they will be out of the ground and hopefully out of the clutches of the Blight. I lost the equivalent of four bags of spuds to blight. You live and learn. The Garlic has been potted up and is getting away. I think I will start sowing small amount of seeds next week in the greenhouse. Better get back to work.
The shed door went on and the floor went down this weekend. Well, most of the floor. I have had twelve one metre lengths of decking hanging about the garden since I put laid the decking in the new patio area three years ago. I knew they would come in and now, with a little trimming, form the great part of the shed floor. I have only had to buy a couple of metres to finish off the floor. That goes in tonight. Four cuts and sixteen screws and the shed is serviceable. I have a few bits to do on the back panel and the ceiling needs covering but the major job is done. I can now move the stuff that has been collecting in the garage into the shed. I have all summer to finish the twiddly bits on the outside and organise the shelving on the inside ready for my harvest.
It was H's birthday last weekend so my parents came down for the weekend. Some of our old friends from Manchester came too. It was a lovely weekend. Dad gave me hand to plant the Willow that arrived during the week which from my hedge. H and I had a ceremoniously planting the two of the Hazel and one of the Hawthorn in the garden as well. I managed to move the fruit bushes into tubs to make them portable, since the new trees would certainly compete with them..
I went up to the allotment 04.03.06 and found the ground frozen solid to a depth of half an inch. It did not stop me digging up a Leek or two to go into today's dinner, stew. This time next year I hope to be eating stew made with all my own root vegetables. We are nearly out of potatoes [Cara]. The Rocket have stated chitting so there is a lesson learnt. Plant your earlies early and harvest them early. Leave main crop to be lates and harvest them accordingly. I had this idea that I would plant some earlies late in the season as catch crop. It worked to a degree. I got a crop but it was hit hard by blight, also they have not kept that well and are chitting for England. I won't be leaving the spuds in the ground this year. As soon as they a ready they will be out of the ground and hopefully out of the clutches of the Blight. I lost the equivalent of four bags of spuds to blight. You live and learn. The Garlic has been potted up and is getting away. I think I will start sowing small amount of seeds next week in the greenhouse. Better get back to work.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Cracking on
Things are getting busy. I had a couple of hours off work on Tuesday morning to clear the garden of the worst of the debris that had collected over the winter and take it to the tip.
Wednesday evening.
I was able to re-use a vent cover that was taken from the house when the old gas appliances were removed to use as the outside cover of the vent on the shed. A little bit a elbow grease and sand paper brought the vent cover up like new. The shed got the insulation fixed to the underside of the roof together with a clear out. Using up the insulation cleared a good space as did moving the black plastic off-cuts I had been saving. I tidied up the garden to bring the remainder of the shed things, that could not be thrown out, into a single pile which the black plastic came in handy to cover up. Whilst moving the remains of the old shed I distrubed a mouse. He was not quick to get away until I reached out to touch him and even then he sort of wandered off. I guess the cold was slowing him down. The next plank I turned over had a huge Toad pretending he was invisible. I took him up the top of the garden and put him under a log. I hope he sees it through the next few months.
It H's birthday on Staurday and we have a bunch of visitors over the weekend so no Shed work or allotmenteering although I have to see the Potato men from Newal about the Society's potato order and I might get a chance on Sunday to plant the Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn. My Dad is coming down so it will give us something to do. I have two large buckets of horse manure to go in with the hedge. I must not forget to get some blood, fish and bone from the Potato men. I also have to find time to fit a piece of glass in the Greenhouse. I broke it the other evening.
It is the Allotment Society Annual General Meeting tomorrow Thursday 23rd Feb 06 . With luck someone will take onthe position of Secretary which I currently hold. If I can keep them on track I should be enjoying a couple of pints of Guiness by 20.30hrs. We shall see!
Wednesday evening.
I was able to re-use a vent cover that was taken from the house when the old gas appliances were removed to use as the outside cover of the vent on the shed. A little bit a elbow grease and sand paper brought the vent cover up like new. The shed got the insulation fixed to the underside of the roof together with a clear out. Using up the insulation cleared a good space as did moving the black plastic off-cuts I had been saving. I tidied up the garden to bring the remainder of the shed things, that could not be thrown out, into a single pile which the black plastic came in handy to cover up. Whilst moving the remains of the old shed I distrubed a mouse. He was not quick to get away until I reached out to touch him and even then he sort of wandered off. I guess the cold was slowing him down. The next plank I turned over had a huge Toad pretending he was invisible. I took him up the top of the garden and put him under a log. I hope he sees it through the next few months.
It H's birthday on Staurday and we have a bunch of visitors over the weekend so no Shed work or allotmenteering although I have to see the Potato men from Newal about the Society's potato order and I might get a chance on Sunday to plant the Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn. My Dad is coming down so it will give us something to do. I have two large buckets of horse manure to go in with the hedge. I must not forget to get some blood, fish and bone from the Potato men. I also have to find time to fit a piece of glass in the Greenhouse. I broke it the other evening.
It is the Allotment Society Annual General Meeting tomorrow Thursday 23rd Feb 06 . With luck someone will take onthe position of Secretary which I currently hold. If I can keep them on track I should be enjoying a couple of pints of Guiness by 20.30hrs. We shall see!
Monday, February 20, 2006
Longer days
I have a few results this week. My allotment neighbour gave me a bottle of wine and a dozen eggs from his chickens for the manure a dropped off last week. I also came across an old rotovator for pennies. Even if the thing only run long enough to do my garden and the community bit at the allotment it will have been cheaper than the Hire Charge for a weekend.
The days are getting longer which means more time to do "stuff". As the evenings get longer I get to spend more time in the back garden pottering. My back garden has been neglected over the winter as my time has been spent on the new front garden and the shed. "Shed" seems too small a word for this multi-purpose, mini building.
After doing family time on Saturday morning I was able to get stuck into boarding the outside of my shed. I got maybe 60% completed before it became to dark. Sunday dawn grey & misty. After a harty breakfast I went off to the allotment. It rained intermittantly but only lightly. It was as if the sky could not hold onto the the mist any more and rained ever so slightly for a couple of minutes and stopped. I managed to make a start on the final bed. Part of the bed contains the Sprouting Brocolli that the Pidgeons dig not get. The rest has been under black plastic for a year. I have been promising myself to get this section dug since before Christmas. The delivery last week of two tons of manure and the knowledge that the seed potatoes will soon be here has put a focus on the job. The north wind was bitter and made worst by the light rain. The Brocolli, which stand about three feet high, was between me and the wind which provided shelter and made it feel quite warm, well, less cold.
Once the shed is finished I will have a couple of weeks to get everything ready at the lotty before the next job on the house starts.
The days are getting longer which means more time to do "stuff". As the evenings get longer I get to spend more time in the back garden pottering. My back garden has been neglected over the winter as my time has been spent on the new front garden and the shed. "Shed" seems too small a word for this multi-purpose, mini building.
After doing family time on Saturday morning I was able to get stuck into boarding the outside of my shed. I got maybe 60% completed before it became to dark. Sunday dawn grey & misty. After a harty breakfast I went off to the allotment. It rained intermittantly but only lightly. It was as if the sky could not hold onto the the mist any more and rained ever so slightly for a couple of minutes and stopped. I managed to make a start on the final bed. Part of the bed contains the Sprouting Brocolli that the Pidgeons dig not get. The rest has been under black plastic for a year. I have been promising myself to get this section dug since before Christmas. The delivery last week of two tons of manure and the knowledge that the seed potatoes will soon be here has put a focus on the job. The north wind was bitter and made worst by the light rain. The Brocolli, which stand about three feet high, was between me and the wind which provided shelter and made it feel quite warm, well, less cold.
Once the shed is finished I will have a couple of weeks to get everything ready at the lotty before the next job on the house starts.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Pond liner on the shed roof?!
A pond liner on the shed roof is an odd thing. Why not use roofing felt or tiles? "I have a cunning plan, my lord". The roof is going to be a garden. The shed roof is flat with small fall towards one side. Three sides have a 3 inch [75mm] border which creates the well. I will be filling the well with soil and planting low growing, low maintenance plants such as Thymes and alpines. These plants can stand extremes of weather. So now you know why there is a pond liner on my shed roof. I dropped lucky with the cost of the liner which I got for just over £10 when it should have been four times the price.
My shed has a purpose besides providing a home for Spiders. I am to fill the space between the joists on the underside of the roof with insulation. This will give me a roof 10inch [250mm] thick. This will have an excellent "U" value. (U value being the measurement of thermal loss). Together with the thick walls, some of which are backed by earth, will provide a cool room, a root cellar in American parlance. I should be able to store all my allotment produce for longer, cool in the summer and frost free in the winter. Currently the garage is used but it responds to the outside temperature too quickly and is not light proof. The humidity in the garage is random, up one day, down the next. It does not help that the laundry is in the garage as well which adds to the temperature and humidity fluctuations. Tonight I hope to fit the lower vent pipe in readiness planking the external frame at the weekend, weather permitting!!
My shed has a purpose besides providing a home for Spiders. I am to fill the space between the joists on the underside of the roof with insulation. This will give me a roof 10inch [250mm] thick. This will have an excellent "U" value. (U value being the measurement of thermal loss). Together with the thick walls, some of which are backed by earth, will provide a cool room, a root cellar in American parlance. I should be able to store all my allotment produce for longer, cool in the summer and frost free in the winter. Currently the garage is used but it responds to the outside temperature too quickly and is not light proof. The humidity in the garage is random, up one day, down the next. It does not help that the laundry is in the garage as well which adds to the temperature and humidity fluctuations. Tonight I hope to fit the lower vent pipe in readiness planking the external frame at the weekend, weather permitting!!
The tease of longer evenings
It's been a very frustrating couple of days. On Tuesady I managed to get a pond liner that was big enough to cover the shed roof and fit it so now it is waterproof which is just as well becuse it lashed down all that night. This was quite a lucky sequence of events because the raw timber had been exposed since the weekend when the previous membrane leaked and had to be removed. By the time I fitted the new membrane the timber had dried out.
The evenings are getting longer but when I get home from work there is only 20 twenty minutes of dusk before it is too dark to work. So I have resolved, this week to plant everything, except the spuds, in the greenhouse. So tonight I will have to get the copompost , trays, card board rolls and pots out of the greenhouse before it goes dark before I start sowing seeds. Then all I have to do is get everything back in the greenhouse in the dark without breaking a leg.
A path to the greehouse and lights are on my "to do" list. The Green house only went up before Christmas and there are so many other things that take priority.
The evenings are getting longer but when I get home from work there is only 20 twenty minutes of dusk before it is too dark to work. So I have resolved, this week to plant everything, except the spuds, in the greenhouse. So tonight I will have to get the copompost , trays, card board rolls and pots out of the greenhouse before it goes dark before I start sowing seeds. Then all I have to do is get everything back in the greenhouse in the dark without breaking a leg.
A path to the greehouse and lights are on my "to do" list. The Green house only went up before Christmas and there are so many other things that take priority.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Lovely manure
It been very busy weekend what with trying to finish my shed off at home, collect manure and plant seeds. I only got a few hours to play with my shed so only managed to complete the framing, fix the joists and cut the plywood for the roof. H had organised that we meet we some friend to have a look at the Snow drops in Dimmingdale Woods [An NT reserve near Ashby]. It was grey and bitterly cold as we walked from there house the couple of miles to the reserve. The snow drops were just out and made large white carpets under the barren trees. I wish I had my hip flask with me. Alan did not have his either. As the sun started to dip so too did the temperature which wasn't more than few degrees to begin with but we were all wrapped up warm. Back at Alan's supper was robust affair with Pea and Mint soup, Shepherd's Pie and veg and Triffle for afters. All wash down we a couple of glasses of Red wine. Then we repaired to the lounge to sit in front of the log fire. All very civilised and probably the best thing to be doing on a grim, cold February day. Alan and I discussed the chances of rain that night. Alan's sagely mate said it would and he was always right.
Sunday was as grim as the day before except it had been drizzling all night so my timber work was wet. But I could not do anything about it as I had an appointment with Rob and his manure pile. I got to his place must as he finished loading the trailer which was excellent timing on several fronts. Rob had a bit of time on his hands so the first drop went on the end of my plot and the second load on Steve's plot. Rob was then off to negotiate for a rotivator. His manure bin is nearly empty so that's about it for this year. The muck has been maturing for more than a year so is sweet smalling and light to shovel about. I had about six ton off him last year which made the soil really rich, improved the texture and body of the earth. Everything grew well, especially the potatoes and the weeds. I just need some time to dig in this year's two ton!
The folks at victoriana.wssent me confirmation of my order of willow to make a new screening hedge. It was a very quick response and if they deliver as they have promised, very quick too. I have picked up two Hazel and two Paul Scarlet Hawthorns for the back garden as well so I need to get the borders where they are to be planted are to go cleared. I found some time to plant my Garlic. The cloves are just being to sprout.
Despite the drizzle I had to get a waterproof cover on the shed roof. I am have roof garden, that means the roof is flat so need a water proof membrane to do more than keep water out.. The black plastic I had for the job turned out to be full of holes. I put it on the the time being to keep the worst of the rain out of the timber. I have to get proper sheeting tomorrow and fit it before we have much more rain.
Having dried off and and had lunch and with the drizzle still set in I found the time for the Garlic.
It nice to spend 30 minutes in the greenhouse potting Garlic cloves. Even though the greenhouse is unheated it is in sheltered spot and was several degrees warmer than outside...Which is nice. Note to self , must find time to plant Cauli, Cabbage, Lettuce and Broad Beans. I think I will start a few Peppers to see if they will go.
I have decided that I will germinate all my seeds at home before setting them out at the Lottie. It should make for sturdy plants and stop the slugs mowing them down as soon as they stick their heads up.
Sunday was as grim as the day before except it had been drizzling all night so my timber work was wet. But I could not do anything about it as I had an appointment with Rob and his manure pile. I got to his place must as he finished loading the trailer which was excellent timing on several fronts. Rob had a bit of time on his hands so the first drop went on the end of my plot and the second load on Steve's plot. Rob was then off to negotiate for a rotivator. His manure bin is nearly empty so that's about it for this year. The muck has been maturing for more than a year so is sweet smalling and light to shovel about. I had about six ton off him last year which made the soil really rich, improved the texture and body of the earth. Everything grew well, especially the potatoes and the weeds. I just need some time to dig in this year's two ton!
The folks at victoriana.wssent me confirmation of my order of willow to make a new screening hedge. It was a very quick response and if they deliver as they have promised, very quick too. I have picked up two Hazel and two Paul Scarlet Hawthorns for the back garden as well so I need to get the borders where they are to be planted are to go cleared. I found some time to plant my Garlic. The cloves are just being to sprout.
Despite the drizzle I had to get a waterproof cover on the shed roof. I am have roof garden, that means the roof is flat so need a water proof membrane to do more than keep water out.. The black plastic I had for the job turned out to be full of holes. I put it on the the time being to keep the worst of the rain out of the timber. I have to get proper sheeting tomorrow and fit it before we have much more rain.
Having dried off and and had lunch and with the drizzle still set in I found the time for the Garlic.
It nice to spend 30 minutes in the greenhouse potting Garlic cloves. Even though the greenhouse is unheated it is in sheltered spot and was several degrees warmer than outside...Which is nice. Note to self , must find time to plant Cauli, Cabbage, Lettuce and Broad Beans. I think I will start a few Peppers to see if they will go.
I have decided that I will germinate all my seeds at home before setting them out at the Lottie. It should make for sturdy plants and stop the slugs mowing them down as soon as they stick their heads up.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Last Saturday
Got down the Allotment last Saturday for an hour just to tidy up. Then I got a call on the mobile from one of my daughters friends' Dad asking if could I take some hourse manure off his hands. Yeah!......so up early on Sunday and over to his house. When I got there his trailer was full and sat on the drive waiting to be hooked up to my motor. Rob was away for the morning and had prepared everthing for me. What a gent.
When I go to the allotment, about 5 miles away, I remember I had forgotten how to control a trailer in reverse. Once I got the thing straight I was able to get it down the lane to tip it on the end of my plot. Saturday's tidy up paid off because I had a clean bin spare to pile the manure in to. My bins are just pallets nailed together for compost or anything else.
I was the envy of the plots holders. I knew Rob had another couple of loads available so I got a second load for Ian.
Now all I have to do dig the manure in. I have to make time to plant the garlic and sow the summer Cabbage and early Cauli's. The other evening I spread out all my seed packets on the floor of the living room and organised them by rotation planting, then by order of sowing. My daughter came in and asked if I was opening a seed business. It did look like a lot of packets. I counted them up, 48 packets in all. That does not include the items that are still on order such as seed Potatoes and Onion sets. So in all I have something like 60 odd varitities to grow with the remainder of seeds from last year. I have decided to grow Jeruslem Artichokes but only as a wind break. I tried eating them but I did not enjoy the experience. They are better as wind protection.
Some time should be freed up soon when the shed at home is finished
When I go to the allotment, about 5 miles away, I remember I had forgotten how to control a trailer in reverse. Once I got the thing straight I was able to get it down the lane to tip it on the end of my plot. Saturday's tidy up paid off because I had a clean bin spare to pile the manure in to. My bins are just pallets nailed together for compost or anything else.
I was the envy of the plots holders. I knew Rob had another couple of loads available so I got a second load for Ian.
Now all I have to do dig the manure in. I have to make time to plant the garlic and sow the summer Cabbage and early Cauli's. The other evening I spread out all my seed packets on the floor of the living room and organised them by rotation planting, then by order of sowing. My daughter came in and asked if I was opening a seed business. It did look like a lot of packets. I counted them up, 48 packets in all. That does not include the items that are still on order such as seed Potatoes and Onion sets. So in all I have something like 60 odd varitities to grow with the remainder of seeds from last year. I have decided to grow Jeruslem Artichokes but only as a wind break. I tried eating them but I did not enjoy the experience. They are better as wind protection.
Some time should be freed up soon when the shed at home is finished
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Now we are done with History
Now that you know how I have got to the position I am now in, the new blogs will be about stuff that has recently happened.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Every Path Begins With The First Stone
As I set to the job of digging my allotment it was not long before I came across a stone and then another and another. Before long a pile was starting to grow. The pile could grow and become a cairn but that not much use on an allotment. I decided that a path would be the proper use of the stones. I purchase some 1 1/2 inch square, foot long marking out pegs and 6x1inch by 12 foot boards an set up the classic two foot wide path down the centre of the plot. Next I dug out all the weed from the border area that was to be the path and tamped the ground down hard. That gave me an area 2 foot wide 4inches deep and eventually 90 feet long. Every time I found a stone it got lobbed into the path. 18 months on and I have a "gravel" path, free of charge. It really has tickled me. I have a path, I have got the materials free, it is nice and dry to walk on and I have not had to "loose" a ton of pebbles. Talk about a win win situation!
The stones are all sizes from ones I can just about pick up to smooth, river washed pebbles. None that I thought were special enough to go in my pocket. Then there are the lumps of coal, concrete and bricks shards. It is not as bad as it sounds but there are a lot. I have only a little area to dig over so I guess there will be a few more stones to be had. However this is not going to be enough to finish the path to an even depth along it's whole length. I think I will end up moving barrow loads from the deep end to fill out the thinner bits. It's going to be a labour of love. Have you ever tried to shovel up stones. It's near impossible. So on a day when I am looking for some Zen like thing to calm my mind I shall load stones one at a time into my barrow before carting them off to where I think they are needed. There will nothing Zen about tipping them. Out they will go and get kicked about until they approximate a flat surface.
The autumn digging and winter rains have brought a new flush of stones to the surface. More for the path but its not very many. I must have been very diligent in the first round of digging.
The path needs a little bit of mending. The force on one of the panels on one small section of the path border has been too much and pulled the nails out of the post. I will have to repair it this winter. I need to rake back the stones in the area dig out the soil so that board can come back into position to re-nail the board. This time with longer nails. Then it just case of putting the soil back and the stones. That will keep me out of mischief for an hour.
The stones are all sizes from ones I can just about pick up to smooth, river washed pebbles. None that I thought were special enough to go in my pocket. Then there are the lumps of coal, concrete and bricks shards. It is not as bad as it sounds but there are a lot. I have only a little area to dig over so I guess there will be a few more stones to be had. However this is not going to be enough to finish the path to an even depth along it's whole length. I think I will end up moving barrow loads from the deep end to fill out the thinner bits. It's going to be a labour of love. Have you ever tried to shovel up stones. It's near impossible. So on a day when I am looking for some Zen like thing to calm my mind I shall load stones one at a time into my barrow before carting them off to where I think they are needed. There will nothing Zen about tipping them. Out they will go and get kicked about until they approximate a flat surface.
The autumn digging and winter rains have brought a new flush of stones to the surface. More for the path but its not very many. I must have been very diligent in the first round of digging.
The path needs a little bit of mending. The force on one of the panels on one small section of the path border has been too much and pulled the nails out of the post. I will have to repair it this winter. I need to rake back the stones in the area dig out the soil so that board can come back into position to re-nail the board. This time with longer nails. Then it just case of putting the soil back and the stones. That will keep me out of mischief for an hour.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Gardening with a Pick axe.
Once the plot was rotivated at least I could see the earth in order that I could mark it out. I had already decided that I was going to have a four year rotation so the plot was to be deived into four. However the first 10 foo tof the plot was rough blue clay and rocks, so I decide to cultivate that are in raised beds and put my compost bins in that area. With ten foot abandoned down by the road the remainer was deived in four with a path from front to back along the centre line. It lacks design imagination but I am interest in plants not pretty patterns and hard landscaping.
For reasons I have no idea of I elected to start in the top left corner. I guess you have to start somewhere. I though of Chairman Moa's rallying call, The longest journay starts with the first step [With apologise to Mao], optomistically as it turned out, set off down the centre line of the plot with a garden fork and a spade over my shoulder. Having set out my idea of double digging across from the edge to the centre line. Two spade fulls into a reddish clarty soil I hit a stone. No problem, bend down pick it up...now what do I do with it? I know I will throw it onto the path or rtaher wher ethe path will be. Anothe two spades fulls and I hit something substantial. A little excavating shows it to be a "stump" of one of the Docks (Rumex obtusifolious). After five minutes of wrestling with the stump and bending tines on my Fork the spade being hopelessly out gunned, I had to admit I was beat. This did not bode well. I retired from the field of battle to consider my next move.
The next day I returned with Pick Axe and a Mattock over my shoulder. It was soon clear the Mattock was not aggresive enough. Bring on the Pick Axe. Now the soil on the plot is not too heavy but a Pick axe looked like the sledge-hammer to crack a Walnut. Not so, It took about four or five blows to bury the pick head into the ground radially about the Dock stump in order to be able the level to blasted thing out of the ground. One down and three foot of the first plot dug. This was going to take some time! A change of plan was needed. After close inspection I noticed that one could tel where the Docks had been. So I embarked on frontal attack on the Dock with the Pick axe. For three weeks I set about levering out the dock one at a time. The pile of Dock at the end of the plot grew and grew. presently the quarter was clear and then began the double digging. Slowly but surely the weeds yielded the fork. Little by the little the black soil was revealed from the weedy waste land. The effrot was worth while. By the Spring of 2004 there was sufficient cleared space for the Allotmenteers classic first crop - Potatoes.
Folks say that Potatoes clear the ground for further plants. Well that is not quite true. The digging to plants the spuds, the regular earthing up and the harvest all require the earth to be stirred about which actually breaks the soil up. All the Spuds do is grow which gives a nice crop and the plant canopy suppress the weeds, well some weeds.
I got into a sort of rythem. Down to the Lottie, get my gear on, push the wheel barrow with the fork and pick axe to the the area to be tackled, turn the Radio on and begin. A fork full at a time, turn it over onto the soil in front of the trench. Bash the back of the fork onto the clod. Pick out the weeds which are lobbed into the Whellbarrow, stones onto the "path". Next fork full. When the dqys work on the section was done the newlt dug and cleaned soil was raked flat. There a sort of Zen like quality to this repetive chore. Slowly but surely the black earth appear from under its green overcoat. I tackled a small section in each quarter and planted up the available space with the appropriate plants. In this way I got a several crops from the first season. The soil had the extra bulk of the manure and the action of diging aerated the soil so it ended up six the eight inches higher than when a started. As the year progressed the soil settled down but never the the compacted state it was when we first met.
A brain wave washed over me one day. Why not cover the areas that had not yet come under the fork with Black Plastic. It will exclude the light and hopefully supress the weeds. Indeed that is exactly what it has done. I no roll back the plastic to reveal a portion of soil to the dug. As I am the very last part ofthe plot the revealed soil shows no perrenial weeds except for a shadow of their roots. In this area I am just manuring and turning soil over. Because the rain has been excluded as well as the light it is quite dry and easy to dig.
The jobs is just about finished in Spring 2006. As the digging went on certain crops required lots of manure. A friend of my daughter keeps ponies. Her father was only too happy to get rid of several tonnes of well rotten manure from his land and I was happy to have it. As the double digging progressed the manure was incorporated at a rate of a wheelbarrow full per twelve foot row. The Spuds that came out of that earth were fanastic. The soil is bulking up which is encouraging the worms and slugs. All manner of creeping, sliding and scuttling things are now living in the soil which is a good thing.
For reasons I have no idea of I elected to start in the top left corner. I guess you have to start somewhere. I though of Chairman Moa's rallying call, The longest journay starts with the first step [With apologise to Mao], optomistically as it turned out, set off down the centre line of the plot with a garden fork and a spade over my shoulder. Having set out my idea of double digging across from the edge to the centre line. Two spade fulls into a reddish clarty soil I hit a stone. No problem, bend down pick it up...now what do I do with it? I know I will throw it onto the path or rtaher wher ethe path will be. Anothe two spades fulls and I hit something substantial. A little excavating shows it to be a "stump" of one of the Docks (Rumex obtusifolious). After five minutes of wrestling with the stump and bending tines on my Fork the spade being hopelessly out gunned, I had to admit I was beat. This did not bode well. I retired from the field of battle to consider my next move.
The next day I returned with Pick Axe and a Mattock over my shoulder. It was soon clear the Mattock was not aggresive enough. Bring on the Pick Axe. Now the soil on the plot is not too heavy but a Pick axe looked like the sledge-hammer to crack a Walnut. Not so, It took about four or five blows to bury the pick head into the ground radially about the Dock stump in order to be able the level to blasted thing out of the ground. One down and three foot of the first plot dug. This was going to take some time! A change of plan was needed. After close inspection I noticed that one could tel where the Docks had been. So I embarked on frontal attack on the Dock with the Pick axe. For three weeks I set about levering out the dock one at a time. The pile of Dock at the end of the plot grew and grew. presently the quarter was clear and then began the double digging. Slowly but surely the weeds yielded the fork. Little by the little the black soil was revealed from the weedy waste land. The effrot was worth while. By the Spring of 2004 there was sufficient cleared space for the Allotmenteers classic first crop - Potatoes.
Folks say that Potatoes clear the ground for further plants. Well that is not quite true. The digging to plants the spuds, the regular earthing up and the harvest all require the earth to be stirred about which actually breaks the soil up. All the Spuds do is grow which gives a nice crop and the plant canopy suppress the weeds, well some weeds.
I got into a sort of rythem. Down to the Lottie, get my gear on, push the wheel barrow with the fork and pick axe to the the area to be tackled, turn the Radio on and begin. A fork full at a time, turn it over onto the soil in front of the trench. Bash the back of the fork onto the clod. Pick out the weeds which are lobbed into the Whellbarrow, stones onto the "path". Next fork full. When the dqys work on the section was done the newlt dug and cleaned soil was raked flat. There a sort of Zen like quality to this repetive chore. Slowly but surely the black earth appear from under its green overcoat. I tackled a small section in each quarter and planted up the available space with the appropriate plants. In this way I got a several crops from the first season. The soil had the extra bulk of the manure and the action of diging aerated the soil so it ended up six the eight inches higher than when a started. As the year progressed the soil settled down but never the the compacted state it was when we first met.
A brain wave washed over me one day. Why not cover the areas that had not yet come under the fork with Black Plastic. It will exclude the light and hopefully supress the weeds. Indeed that is exactly what it has done. I no roll back the plastic to reveal a portion of soil to the dug. As I am the very last part ofthe plot the revealed soil shows no perrenial weeds except for a shadow of their roots. In this area I am just manuring and turning soil over. Because the rain has been excluded as well as the light it is quite dry and easy to dig.
The jobs is just about finished in Spring 2006. As the digging went on certain crops required lots of manure. A friend of my daughter keeps ponies. Her father was only too happy to get rid of several tonnes of well rotten manure from his land and I was happy to have it. As the double digging progressed the manure was incorporated at a rate of a wheelbarrow full per twelve foot row. The Spuds that came out of that earth were fanastic. The soil is bulking up which is encouraging the worms and slugs. All manner of creeping, sliding and scuttling things are now living in the soil which is a good thing.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
String, pegs and a tractor
It's not my fault. It was her idea! Having another allotment was not on my agenda when we moved to South Derbyshire from Manchester. The parish magazine had an ad for new allotment gardens . So we went along to survey the plots. We were not quite sure where they were. We followed the direction and ended here,[see picture]
H had the idea that we would grow our own food, the exercise would do us good, have the family do something together and get out in the fresh air. Well the air has been fresh especially on the Winter days of digging. Food has been grown but has it done us any good?......Probably but it is now my allotment. H and girl just come down to coo over the plants when the weather is particulary nice and to attend the summer bash.
With a tape measure, some sting and couple of pegs and hammer the outline of a plot was marked out. Then the work began. First thing was to chat to my farmer friend and tidy up the big rocks and the pegs I had just hammered in. For the price of a couple a beers he ran over all the plots with his mega grass cutter. Then he ran over the area a couple of times with a cultivator. An hours whizzing about transformed the view from jungle to prepared ground. The worst of the perenial roots were still in there as were the seeds from years of neglect but at least the worst of the over growth was gone.
So then we got the measure string and pegs out again to mark up the plots. If a jobs worth doing it's worth doing twice.
H had the idea that we would grow our own food, the exercise would do us good, have the family do something together and get out in the fresh air. Well the air has been fresh especially on the Winter days of digging. Food has been grown but has it done us any good?......Probably but it is now my allotment. H and girl just come down to coo over the plants when the weather is particulary nice and to attend the summer bash.
With a tape measure, some sting and couple of pegs and hammer the outline of a plot was marked out. Then the work began. First thing was to chat to my farmer friend and tidy up the big rocks and the pegs I had just hammered in. For the price of a couple a beers he ran over all the plots with his mega grass cutter. Then he ran over the area a couple of times with a cultivator. An hours whizzing about transformed the view from jungle to prepared ground. The worst of the perenial roots were still in there as were the seeds from years of neglect but at least the worst of the over growth was gone.
So then we got the measure string and pegs out again to mark up the plots. If a jobs worth doing it's worth doing twice.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Hello, Good afternoon and Welcome.
Hello, Good afternoon and Welcome,
To blog or not to blog that has been the question. For the time being I am "to blog". Let us see what develops.
To blog or not to blog that has been the question. For the time being I am "to blog". Let us see what develops.
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