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The last 2 weekends have been warm, and sunny, and the days in between mild if overcast so does that mean Spring is finally here? I have seen snowdrops and crocuses but not yet a daffodil so things are certainly running late this year.
On the plus side the long harsh winter has really helped me to clear the allotment, as you can see in the picture I have been working my way down the right hand side of the plot. Previously there was a horrific nettle patch which had become so well established it was impossible to even get a fork into the ground but by covering it for about 6 months and then leaving it to suffer the snow and the frost the roots were finally weakened enough to be cleared. I had the left hand side of the allotment fully cleared and planted last year so it just needs a going over before the planting begins but I am feeling very satisfied to finally, for the first time, have a full allotment available for growing.
The rhubarb has started to show so I have selected the strongest crown for forcing under my as yet un-occupied water butt, so far the longest stem is about 3 inches so I think I am free to start dreaming of rhubarb crumble, rhubarb creme brulee, rhubarb flapjacks...ahem.
The overwintered onions and garlic are growing well, this is my own garlic saved from last year so I am hoping everything goes smoothly. So far I have almost 100% germination rate and relatively little damage from birds and rabbits, I think I'll have a couple more rows of garlic to plant out due to some of my stored garlic shooting but I'm going to try not to end up with quite as much as I did last year!
The sight of the first leaves on the blackcurrant bush have allowed me to think that things might finally be warming up so I have sowed my Celeriac (which is actually several weeks late this year) and also my aubergine and chilli seeds. I think there might be something slightly ironic about Celeriac needing a cool wet summer and Aubergine and Chilli needing a long hot summer. Maybe I'll just say I'm hedging my bets or something.
5 comments:
Looks like you've been working hard on the digging, hope it all pays off for you.
Just stumbled accross your blog. Looking at the pictures as it was when you inherited it, seems as if you've done a grand job.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I have just been reading back through your previous posts, you've got a great blog. Good luck for the coming season, I will be following your progress.
We too have got our whole allotment available for growing this year for the first time. What a good feeling it is!
Thanks Simon, I have certainly been quite grateful for the harsh winter, it has really helped me gain control.
Welcome Mark and Jo, nice to hear from you both. I read all my blogs on Google reader which makes commenting more difficult but I'll make sure I drop by and leave you some comments every once in a while!
Nome, great to have you back! I am already dreaming of a plot packed with veg...think that could be ambitious though
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