We did actually have some rain last week. It was enough to offer some reprieve from watering but it was showery rather than the prolonged period of rain that the ground really needs but hopefully it will have done some good.
Unfortunately the temperatures dropped considerably and the winds paid us a visit too.
Despite the rain we managed to get some work done on the allotment.
Although we Grow onions through weed control fabric, weeds still grow along the channels in which the onions are planted, so some weeding is necessary. One of last week's jobs was to tidy the onion beds before the weeds grew large. Pulling out large weeds can uproot the onions too.
Peas are growing quickly and were in need of support. Fortunately, as we have been giving the peas plenty of water, the twiggy supports pushed in without too much trouble.
We have lots of young brassica plants, waiting in the wings, ready for planting and so, although the conditions weren't exactly good for planting, we prepared a couple of beds in readiness. Video here
We have lots of young brassica plants, waiting in the wings, ready for planting and so, although the conditions weren't exactly good for planting, we prepared a couple of beds in readiness. Video here
The dust was hoed to clear the weed seedlings that seem to manage to grow in the most inhospitable conditions. The parched earth was treated to a copious amount of water and covered with weed control fabric.
Tunnels of enviromesh were then constructed. This acts as protection from multiple pests, ever present wood pigeons, white butterflies, to some extent whitefly and hopefully cabbage root fly.
Also in need of protection were our strawberries which were showing signs of ripening. The netting was in place just in time as a day or two later there were berries ready to pick.
We made sure the ends of the netting were well tucked in and held down so any adventurous blackbirds were kept out. Not only does this protect our crop but also avoids unfortunate birds being trapped in the netting. Sadly the netting is no protection from slugs - which last week's damp conditions tempted to the surface. One way to avoid too many berries being nibbled, is to leave attacked berries in place. Slugs tend to return and browse on berries that they have already nibbled rather than starting on a new berry. If spoiled berries are removed the hungry molluscs will choose another victim.
We decided that a cool, showery day was a good time to prepare our plot greenhouse for tomato planting. This greenhouse doubles as a shed during winter so this was going to be a big job and not one to be undertaken in hot sunny weather.
Last year we grew our tomatoes in Grow Bags and the tomatoes in half of the bags showed symptoms of weedkiller contamination. Despite the grow bag manufacturer insisting that the compost was free from weedkiller residue, we are loathe to use grow bags again. As well as avoiding grow bags we decided that we would like a method that conserved moisture a bit more effectively.
In the plot greenhouse we decided to use some air pots that we had previously bought in which to grow fruit trees. This didn't prove very successful as the holes in the sides meant they were difficult to keep watered.
In order to overcome this problem we decided to sink the pots into the ground.
Once the greenhouse was cleared and the weed control fabric removed, holes were dug and the pots minus the bottoms were buried. The ground was watered well and the weed control fabric replaced.
The fabric was then cut to reveal the pots and the cut sections tucked around the rims of the pots. Each pot will be filled with a compost that is free of green waste. The tomato plant roots will be free to venture into the surrounding soil if they need more space.
The focus was very much on brassicas last week. As well as preparing for the next planting, we harvested the first of our early brassicas - an Aquilles calabrese and a Regency cabbage. It looks like it's time to get some brassica recipes sorted out.
We also harvested salad ingredients and herbs from the garden as we needed them.
A video of last week's potato reveal is posted here featuring Ruby making a cameo appearance.
Stay safe and let's hope the events at the weekend don't push us back to stage one in an effort to controlling this dreadful virus.
Stay safe and let's hope the events at the weekend don't push us back to stage one in an effort to controlling this dreadful virus.
This week I am linking to harvest Monday hosted on
Dave's blog Our Happy Acres
