Keeping smiling

So far it has been a slow growing year, you've probably noticed the rain and maybe you've even noticed that the temperatures seems rather colder than usual for May. This weekend was a rare treat with 2 whole days of sunshine. I have finally got all my potatoes in the ground and the Charlotte's are already peaking through. The asparagus is just starting to come through and it won't be long before the blackcurrants start to ripen. Sadly though not everyone is happy, my allotment neighbour is proving to be an expert in allotment moaning, the work, the weeds, the state of everything is not to her liking. So remember people, an allotment is a hobby, it won't always go to plan but it shouldn't be a chore. Keep smiling, one day the rain will surely stop.

Things are getting started!

So I have been neglecting my poor blog a little but the allotment is still going strong, happyily all the allotments are finally being cultivated so I'm hoping for a lot less weeds this year. I have some new alltoment neighbours which is lovely after years of being alone on the weedy end of the site (although that was lovely when things went a little wild on my own plot!).

Digging is still ongoing so I'm not quite ready to begin the mad sowing period that seems to always mark my spring but things aren't looking too bad (photos to come, I promise). I have a couple of meals of leeks left and the kale is almost over but has kept me well fed right through the winter. Against the odds my Perpetual Spinach survived the winter and is putting on some lovely growth which will hopefully take me through to May when it usually bolts.

I have my potatoes chitting in the coldframe, this year all my potatoes are from Alan Roman, expensive postage but the quality is amazing and this year he started selling them in bags of numbers rather than weight which was much easier for me to estimate. I'll be going with my tried and trusted Charlotte but also trying some Premier and Harlequin for the first time.

Weekend plans include taking photos, planting onions and ordering those final packets of seeds. I love spring :)

2011 - A Recap

Wow, what happened to the second half of 2011? Despite NO posts since August (resolving to do better this year) I did manage to keep up with the allotment so here is a recap of 2011:

Winning fruit - Raspberries. They started fruiting early and keep me fed with a regular supply of delicious fruits right through until September.

Winning Veg - Difficult to choose just 1, it was a great year for leeks, potatoes and carrots.

Best Newcomer - Brussel Sprouts - an unexpected success!

Never again - Sweetcorn - it takes up loads of room and never seems to pollinate properly.

Most over-grown - French beans, after accidently sowing 2 packets of seed I was overrun with the things (and the freezer is full of them too)

Sadly missed - Broccoli, I failed to germinate and keep alive any of my sprouting or calabrese Broccoli. Maybe next year.

2012 is off to a great start, I finally have guttering on my shed so watering should be much easier this year. Despite the very wet wethaer I have managed to dig over most of the plot, and clear some nasty weeds in the process. Hopefully I'll soon get a chance to get some garlic planted and the broadbeans sown.

Happy New Year!