Lovely Easter weekend with a couple of long visits to the allotment. Although early morning the weather is stifling when trying to rid the ground of couch grass and nettles and no matter how many stones I clear away, another million rise to the surface when digging and raking.
Something had been eating my broad beans and one was decimated. Figured this was slugs so put down some organic pellets (I know I know). When I went back Monday to see what was left I found alot of the small black slugs lead under stones dead so I must have got them, looks like troubled times ahead and talking to other people slugs are a problem on our site.
So, I have planted my early carrots and beetroot. Still unsure how well the root veggies will grow given how stony the ground is but cant really have an allotment without at least trying to grow some carrots.
Took my 10 year old son down on Saturday who quickly got given a job of moving the timber from the vacant allotment to mine, got half way through this and got bored and worn out so I set him the task of transplanting the sunflowers into bigger pots and a few into the ground. This it seems was more enjoyable for him. pics attached although the picture of him with a rake is clearly a pose and not one in the midst of hard work !! Look in the picture at how disgruntled he is carrying the watering can...
Got some water butts together under the shed and now just need to get some guttering for the next downpour, although at this time am unsure when that might be.
At home the broccoli is pretty ready for planting out, I'm just waiting for some wondermesh to arrive before I plant out any brassicas as I fully intend to grow all these under cover. I did however dig in some lime to the brassica bed to ready it.
I have 50 pot marigold which are all now gladly showing. Tomato's are coming on a treat although growing so fast I am running out of places to put them. The chili's have yet to germinate but I'm not worried about them as they will take alot of time.
Not planted any lettuce outside yet but in the g'house got lots of plants growing so wont be long. Sowed some cucumbers but it's my first time trying to grow them so not sure how I'll get on.
Next task is a difficult one, have to clear enough room for 5 rows of main crop potatoes, which may sound easy but in fact it's ground that has not been dug for 7 months and is now sprouting nettles and docks. Will be hard work and not much time to do it in. One hour per week day after work should make a nice dent in this.
So, I have planted my early carrots and beetroot. Still unsure how well the root veggies will grow given how stony the ground is but cant really have an allotment without at least trying to grow some carrots.
Took my 10 year old son down on Saturday who quickly got given a job of moving the timber from the vacant allotment to mine, got half way through this and got bored and worn out so I set him the task of transplanting the sunflowers into bigger pots and a few into the ground. This it seems was more enjoyable for him. pics attached although the picture of him with a rake is clearly a pose and not one in the midst of hard work !! Look in the picture at how disgruntled he is carrying the watering can...
Got some water butts together under the shed and now just need to get some guttering for the next downpour, although at this time am unsure when that might be.
At home the broccoli is pretty ready for planting out, I'm just waiting for some wondermesh to arrive before I plant out any brassicas as I fully intend to grow all these under cover. I did however dig in some lime to the brassica bed to ready it.
I have 50 pot marigold which are all now gladly showing. Tomato's are coming on a treat although growing so fast I am running out of places to put them. The chili's have yet to germinate but I'm not worried about them as they will take alot of time.
Not planted any lettuce outside yet but in the g'house got lots of plants growing so wont be long. Sowed some cucumbers but it's my first time trying to grow them so not sure how I'll get on.
Next task is a difficult one, have to clear enough room for 5 rows of main crop potatoes, which may sound easy but in fact it's ground that has not been dug for 7 months and is now sprouting nettles and docks. Will be hard work and not much time to do it in. One hour per week day after work should make a nice dent in this.
The nice man next door lottie is going to bring me 3 compost bins from an old lady he knows who doesn't want them anymore. Result.
Click on the pics to see full size.
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