tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56469016668236643672024-02-07T02:30:34.404+00:00Souper allotmentHello, welcome to my blog. It is all about getting started with an allotment and using soup to deal with those glutsAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-17328282904357841832013-02-24T14:00:00.002+00:002013-02-24T14:00:35.507+00:00And so it beginsLast year turned out to be a little hectic. The terrible weather meant surviving at the allotment, trying to grow what you could rather than enjoying the summer days. Perhaps unsurprisingly this meant few posts for the blog.
Now as the days lengthen and the temperatures increase it's time to start growing once again. Hopefully this year will be more like the summer I dream of.
As always the first thing to start the year is the potatoes being laid out to chit. I'm going to try them in the shed this year in the hope they'll stay a little warmer in the still freezing temperatures.
This year I'm going to be growing:
- Charlotte, always successful and always delicious.
- Sarpo Mira, blight resistant and grew well last year. I'm enjoying using the stored tubers for roast potatoes
- Mayan Gold, new to me. I'm hoping for some excellent roast potato from this one.
- Vitelotte, another new one for me. Known as the truffle potato in Germany, I'm very excited to sample this one.
For the first time I have bought all my potato seeds from Otter Farm. The seeds look excellent so I'm hopeful for another good year of potatoes (more on this later but I had an excellent potato year in 2012, despite the rain).
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-13533743746267589162012-05-13T15:55:00.001+01:002012-05-13T15:55:31.689+01:00Keeping smilingSo 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.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-25559130416875055512012-03-15T14:09:00.002+00:002012-03-15T14:17:36.357+00:00Things 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!).<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Weekend plans include taking photos, planting onions and ordering those final packets of seeds. I love spring :)Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-31285249351760322322012-01-02T16:36:00.004+00:002012-01-02T16:45:22.996+00:002011 - A RecapWow, 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:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Winning fruit</span> - Raspberries. They started fruiting early and keep me fed with a regular supply of delicious fruits right through until September. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Winning Veg</span> - Difficult to choose just 1, it was a great year for leeks, potatoes and carrots. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Best Newcomer</span> - Brussel Sprouts - an unexpected success!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Never again</span> - Sweetcorn - it takes up loads of room and never seems to pollinate properly. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Most over-grown</span> - French beans, after accidently sowing 2 packets of seed I was overrun with the things (and the freezer is full of them too)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sadly missed</span> - Broccoli, I failed to germinate and keep alive any of my sprouting or calabrese Broccoli. Maybe next year. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Happy New Year!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-20941873444845657152011-08-07T17:21:00.003+01:002011-08-07T17:26:20.040+01:00Last chance to sowThe allotment is now running at full speed and every visit results in a bounty of veg - just today I came home with the first cucumber, a slightly over-large courgette, new potatoes, raspeberries, onions and more french beans than I know what to do with.<br /><br />Evenings are drawing in but there is still plenty left to do, there are still a couple more weeks in which to sow seeds, and in fact seed germination was so poor this spring that you might find it easier to get things growing now. Today I put in more fennel, lettuce, chinese greens and a slightly optimistic Japanese Kale which can also be used as a green leaf. Hopefully these will come through to fill the gaps left by the finished peas and completly disasterous spinach. <br /><br />Now I'm just waiting for that first ripe tomoato.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-48093638424236881372011-06-20T15:13:00.003+01:002011-06-20T15:26:49.642+01:00In Praise of...The HoeSo it appears my last post was in March, ahem. Sorry about that. Despite appearances I have been busy digging and planting, the allotment has battled through the dry weather and it at last starting to produce food. This year has turned out to be incredibly busy; I changed jobs, went to Manchester, went to Dudley, went to Croatia, saw numerous friends and even managed to fit in a few concerts but despite this my allotment is relatively weed free. The reason is simple; my hoe. <br /><br />Rarely mentioned, my hoe is quite simply my can't live without allotment tool (well ok, I need my fork and spade too, oh and I use my watering can a fair bit as well). Coming quite late in my purchases I finally had my "Ah Ha" moment a few weeks ago when a fellow allotmenter kindly offered to "Hoe up" a weedy area for me, I finally realised that waiting until I had time to dig the ground and clear the weeds properly was exactly where I was going wrong, everyone else is simply hoeing them down. <br /><br />Oh course they come back, if it's hot and wet they'll be back before the day's out but it doesn't matter, clearing an area with a hoe is so quick and easy that you can whizz round and clear the worst of the weeds* in half an hour and if you persist, the weeds not only don't self-seed everywhere but are also weakened so when you do finally get around to digging them up the tangle of roots stands no chance. <br /><br />So next time the ground is so dry you can't get a fork into it, or you're rushing to get home in time to feed to family reach for the hoe and enjoy the beautiful, if temporary, weed free allotment**.<br /><br /><br />* - Couch grass remains annoyingly resistant to my hoe<br />** - obviously I still have some weeds but compared to last year...well lets just say it's <i>much</i> better.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-69985908075765391432011-03-27T18:02:00.002+01:002011-03-27T18:09:12.902+01:00First sowingsThis year seems to be taking on a life of its own, and sadly there is only limited time for gardening hence my posts being very few and far-between. I don't think you need me to say that I am woefully behind but really I'm already at least a month behind and it's only March! <br /><br />I have managed to sow some peppers, aubergines and chillis but, so far at least, only the chillis seem to be thriving. I expect I'll try another sowing next week. Today I put in some assorted lettuce seed and some beetroot but there is still plenty to do. <br /><br />My potatoes are chitting but things seem to be going very slowly which is concerning. Hopefully they'll be ready to put into the ground soon, mind you I'll have to finish digging the potato bed first...<br /><br />On a positive note the garlic is doing really well and I'm still harvesting leeks from last year which is impressive. <br /><br />Here's hoping for a sunny weekend next week so I can actually get some stuff done!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-21744272653901110902011-01-12T16:38:00.001+00:002011-01-12T16:38:52.442+00:00Seedy start to the yearThis year's seeds have arrived! I love this time of year when everything is still in the planning stage, the allotment is half dug and I can sit inside with a cup of tea and dream of the bumper harvests. Sadly we all know that not everything will go smoothly but part of the fun is seeing just what will thrive this year. <br /><br />I will be growing 'True and Tender' parsnips, 'Giant Red' red carrots and having another try with the 'Diamond' aubergines. After last year's success I am repeating the 'Wautoma' cucumbers but this time I'm going to follow the instructions and try and save some seed! In fact, all of my seeds are from 'Real Seeds' so in theory, since none are F1 varieties, I'll be able to save seed from all my vegetables. Watch this space...<br /><br />Tomato wise I'm going to risk growing a few plants on the allotment so alongside 'Latah' and 'Gardener's Delight' I'll be growing 'Galina' and 'Solanum Spontaneum' which is an intriguing orange currant variety. <br /><br />Also going into the new category are some blue 'Azur' khol rabi and a brocolli raab. All of these will join the usual brassicas, salads, beans, potatoes and leeks that I have seed left over from. <br /><br />Now I just need to finalise a planting plan and quickly work out where the seed gaps are. How is your planning going?Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-21161366867564983702011-01-02T12:07:00.002+00:002011-01-02T12:19:19.438+00:00Happy New YearThe last few months of 2010 went a little mental so sorry for the lack of posts. I did manage to get my sister through a wedding, and of course give her a proper send off with a rather boozy hen night, and then there was some craziness at work which doesn't look like it will be fully sorted until February. <br /><br />All of that and the terrible weather has meant considerably less time was spent at the allotment. As a result the allotment is looking very weedy, even with all the snow and ice there are lots of things growing and it's just a shame they're not things I can eat. I have managed a couple of recent visits so the digging has at least begun but once your feet have doubled in size and the spade is twice as heavy with wet mud I start to wish for a cup of tea and a warm sofa. <br /><br />Late in November I found time to plant 'Sicilian Red' and 'Lautrec Wight' garlic in the raised beds at home, where they will hopefully avoid the rust I have had trouble with at the allotment. Since then I have been given some garlic bulbs by a kind neighbour so I will be putting in a couple of rows on the allotment too. <br /><br />I still have kale, cabbages, brocolli, celeriac, parnips and leeks growing but annoyingly now that my rabbit proofing has stopped the rabbits eating everything it has given the pigeons a good chance. It looks like next year will see the purchase of some proper netting for the brassicas. <br /><br />Now I just need to get my seed order placed before the VAT rise. <br /><br />Happy New Year!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-35398613383178184112010-10-24T20:43:00.003+01:002010-10-24T20:56:38.379+01:00Rain, weeds and the first frostI spent Saturday battling the cold and the rain to try and get some of the weeds cleared. Luckily at this time of year most things are dying down and weeding becomes more of a simple digging task, the wet soil helping the long tap roots to slide out satisfyingly. I managed to dodge the first few rain showers and enjoyed a cup of tea huddled inside my shed but after a while I decided to face up to the fact that real gardeners just get on with things (well I have seen it raining during Gardener's world <span style="font-style:italic;">and</span> during River cottage...). A few hours later I had made some progress and had also succeeded in completely coating myself, and all my clothes in a thick layer of mud. In fact I think I might have caused some alarm for my neighbours as I trudged back!<br /><br />We had out first frost last week and more are expected in the coming days so it was time to pull up all the remaining carrots, mostly small but hopefully still tasty. I also pulled the first of many celeriac and we enjoyed eating it alongside some stored potatoes. Annoyingly I haven't managed to get all the potatoes up yet but a wet weekend isn't the right time to try and do this so I'll have to wait for drier conditions. <br /><br />Most of the allotments on my site are already being put to sleep for the winter, everyone seems to live at the allotments for 6 months of the year and then vanish completely during the winter months. I think this is a missed opportunity and will still be there nurturing my cabbages, perpetual spinach, parsnips, celeriac, Brussels sprouts, leeks and of course the sprouting broccoli. Hopefully I'll have plenty to keep me going until spring. <br /><br />Finally don't forget to buy your garlic, I have ordered Lautrec Wight and Sicilian Red, both are Autumn planting and should store well. I love knowing that even on the coldest and darkest days there is something slowly growing beneath the soil.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-38750944468501459192010-09-27T20:43:00.008+01:002010-09-27T21:04:52.428+01:00A long overdue plot visitIn the weeks where I have been enjoying events such as Duxford airshow, yes the parking was awful; London Open House, queues were pretty bad; and several visits from family members, the weeds have been playing havoc with my allotment. Finally this weekend was free so I managed to get down to the plot twice, although to be fair I could have done a lot more work whilst I was there...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKPezt9yOgfVuvlyhBUGI0mdAlmEcDegiCKs8-43pPm0f5XaPxommAAALjVHgm9zStOSrEKkdOs_rld8ZjyZxqAkRKFOgtZtWqrpovCmwq_T1F7jsSGvKG6rES2FIz7WhwkyMufEK5_As/s1600/Cabbage+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKPezt9yOgfVuvlyhBUGI0mdAlmEcDegiCKs8-43pPm0f5XaPxommAAALjVHgm9zStOSrEKkdOs_rld8ZjyZxqAkRKFOgtZtWqrpovCmwq_T1F7jsSGvKG6rES2FIz7WhwkyMufEK5_As/s400/Cabbage+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521684152941308354" /></a><br />The brassicas are growing incredibly well despite the weed competition. The white fly were so bad earlier in the year that I though all my brassicas would be sucked dry but it did have the unexpected effect of giving me my first cabbage white free year and that was without covering them. On Saturday I picked a few of the larger kale leaves and we enjoyed them baked and salted. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINIz051n-zV_5SY2CB0LL38EdqCD2vJZvUopUMW6MyZpOyIvKJf4EJ1hBOdwDffbyFzEsQa7d6JGYL2Y9eskoSpc7yM8g8XeUDwbo4AUN0FkEulW4kisA6n9DpzwKsRJ6l78yTAhx1X4J/s1600/Leeks+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINIz051n-zV_5SY2CB0LL38EdqCD2vJZvUopUMW6MyZpOyIvKJf4EJ1hBOdwDffbyFzEsQa7d6JGYL2Y9eskoSpc7yM8g8XeUDwbo4AUN0FkEulW4kisA6n9DpzwKsRJ6l78yTAhx1X4J/s320/Leeks+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521685146090498674" /></a><br />The leeks are looking very good (again there are a few weeds...), I am growing my usual 'Musselburgh' which are a very late variety along with 'Monstrueux de Charentan' which are almost ready. I used the dib a hole, drop leek in and fill with water and it has been very successful. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9Vjocz-yhGUNWJj0UgbVrMrkiRv8KjrBLIYSEfKxwB0XdbLAaB9UA9qWxgw5XnxAAae9MqbxzRmMrUB8kWctLt-1mG3PyaohMRwExjK6Lox_xNCeabcsmQioohBfZhA8w2MvTNuiSxaw/s1600/Fennel+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9Vjocz-yhGUNWJj0UgbVrMrkiRv8KjrBLIYSEfKxwB0XdbLAaB9UA9qWxgw5XnxAAae9MqbxzRmMrUB8kWctLt-1mG3PyaohMRwExjK6Lox_xNCeabcsmQioohBfZhA8w2MvTNuiSxaw/s320/Fennel+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521686006390512946" /></a><br />Quite a few of my early, and mid, sowings failed to germinate but the rain and sun we have been having for the last 6 weeks has done wonders for my late sowings. Hopefully the fennel will have time to bulb up before the cold weather really hits, but if not I'll use the leaves as seasoning. <br /><br />Finally, the very odd fungi that appears on my allotment, it is about the size of a football and seems to grow and grow. Anyone got any ideas what sort it might be?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMGkRLkp4xJT8ypN1vwFWBdgrKtExbdT3zDHFn8YLGg8FH5VXI4JbMOlweV0uUefm9yFz3EnpDID3xADQJvYnl1w3rh7adET9QoNig6uI2qwSsK6OySd7mRcRdgTZBmuIVdkpeX_zzZpc/s1600/Funghi+-+small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMGkRLkp4xJT8ypN1vwFWBdgrKtExbdT3zDHFn8YLGg8FH5VXI4JbMOlweV0uUefm9yFz3EnpDID3xADQJvYnl1w3rh7adET9QoNig6uI2qwSsK6OySd7mRcRdgTZBmuIVdkpeX_zzZpc/s400/Funghi+-+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521685424875380370" /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-73084904434783675992010-09-16T05:51:00.003+01:002010-09-16T06:04:11.594+01:00GoodiesLast night I arrived home to this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhAWnjat6pVjmT32hkCp3AH04Zln9AqgFP2gWw7S7sCVbhegXfkOeIcQUYqwe3g1UJXJ-OPYkPTnlZHNVo8R_yA_WQaByZqVB-mMcd7d-OL6sBK69TMKSou2ylwKrhItcdPVAhybB9Z_x/s1600/IMG_1532.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhAWnjat6pVjmT32hkCp3AH04Zln9AqgFP2gWw7S7sCVbhegXfkOeIcQUYqwe3g1UJXJ-OPYkPTnlZHNVo8R_yA_WQaByZqVB-mMcd7d-OL6sBK69TMKSou2ylwKrhItcdPVAhybB9Z_x/s320/IMG_1532.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372470256246226" /></a><br />So thanks to <a href="http://www.landsend.co.uk/">Lands' End</a> for the seeds and thanks to <a href="http://www.twochancesvegplot.co.uk/">Damo</a> for hosting the giveaway. I think next year is looking like a colourful one!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-33893974327230393872010-09-14T21:02:00.005+01:002010-09-14T21:18:23.681+01:00The end of summerNow that we are mid way through September you really notice the dark mornings and the dark evenings not to mention the cool breeze and regular rain but when I see the sweetcorn ripening and the pumpkings swelling I remember that I love this time of year. Soon will be the time for hearty soups and stews and soon the whole plot will be dug over so I can ignore the weeds for a while yet.<br /><br />A Potimorron squash<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRA0T0kxmdsTYR9A2iFMaYQcbSusymq6t4YvhDbtRj_VTF4UDPdcu7nf7f97Il5yP3cG9USkQ9B1WpWdQQmBizKcwfoE7TNeZ5aXZNd-1k7sLTvgXV6IqX7xtEQflxTXIwpCeek_bQSSr/s1600/Potimorron+Squash+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRA0T0kxmdsTYR9A2iFMaYQcbSusymq6t4YvhDbtRj_VTF4UDPdcu7nf7f97Il5yP3cG9USkQ9B1WpWdQQmBizKcwfoE7TNeZ5aXZNd-1k7sLTvgXV6IqX7xtEQflxTXIwpCeek_bQSSr/s320/Potimorron+Squash+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516864170817899378" /></a><br /><br />The giant pumpkin plant has decided to fruit<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnGCIFhVACxRqBFvLpjL9NpXqWf6yYalYgmuwklWeDQs8AWLcoNxxtkLWCX1xI6mwI8anz7_x2l6hG1hb8aVkNfX0gpgVfHvRVXkTUXnCV9IEoFZz-kUGEOvbEt78xDSkb2mx6FW3MZZE/s1600/Pumpkin+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnGCIFhVACxRqBFvLpjL9NpXqWf6yYalYgmuwklWeDQs8AWLcoNxxtkLWCX1xI6mwI8anz7_x2l6hG1hb8aVkNfX0gpgVfHvRVXkTUXnCV9IEoFZz-kUGEOvbEt78xDSkb2mx6FW3MZZE/s320/Pumpkin+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516863991203019154" /></a><br /><br />One of the many small aubergines ripening on a tiny plant<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hkQZ5WKczHptHLeEogK_3W9svFHTVKY9B4uHy0tZZGxbbHZh7DL3jgXdZocdtcydUPFb6nhqAI7JgJ7KanCdaI6G-AszYsRv5nFZDepSZovyga2EhDf9GGEQmfcvJR-qc9_RLMks3zDW/s1600/Aubergine+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hkQZ5WKczHptHLeEogK_3W9svFHTVKY9B4uHy0tZZGxbbHZh7DL3jgXdZocdtcydUPFb6nhqAI7JgJ7KanCdaI6G-AszYsRv5nFZDepSZovyga2EhDf9GGEQmfcvJR-qc9_RLMks3zDW/s320/Aubergine+-+Sept+2010+-+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516863788323589410" /></a><br /><br />The warm weather and rain has made late sowings possible, but here come the weeds<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS0A_WZormfpDXQ3d2m8wGL3MfpPL-Zk4Vd6CNMsDqbyYvrStOW68p5jiCvAopdblTQwVjG22LHS7cczVK7cb4tbecsuu0J34WgXiqyzzYoP5I5fbHAwPZblj1Fpn0sN_kDpS3_fiXtpw/s1600/Seeds+and+Weeds+-+Sept+2010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS0A_WZormfpDXQ3d2m8wGL3MfpPL-Zk4Vd6CNMsDqbyYvrStOW68p5jiCvAopdblTQwVjG22LHS7cczVK7cb4tbecsuu0J34WgXiqyzzYoP5I5fbHAwPZblj1Fpn0sN_kDpS3_fiXtpw/s320/Seeds+and+Weeds+-+Sept+2010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516862724061530562" /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-55249829632393424412010-08-27T19:42:00.004+01:002010-08-27T19:54:22.473+01:00Tomato tart<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5ekfAcea9HNSECtSGTJUVDMUZ72H8KTTtjhmSMJ7ACJpoEJjv55UU-Lt-OMVKJ4q04C96CHvFT-mQgHkN-vQVPXKICO67tSXLwjgHpp0IzkgfsYYckW_HyL_wlgiAbNNTm2QZrC9PSLV/s1600/tomato+tart.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5ekfAcea9HNSECtSGTJUVDMUZ72H8KTTtjhmSMJ7ACJpoEJjv55UU-Lt-OMVKJ4q04C96CHvFT-mQgHkN-vQVPXKICO67tSXLwjgHpp0IzkgfsYYckW_HyL_wlgiAbNNTm2QZrC9PSLV/s400/tomato+tart.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510164407706857506" /></a><br />Hopefully you're all wallowing in delicious home-grown tomatoes and are in need of a quick and easy recipe to put them centre stage. Or if, like me, that hasn't exactly gone to plan then I would recommend buying some ripe tomaotoes just so you can enjoy one of the tastiest tomato dishes I ever tried.<br /><br />I followed the recipe to the tee using pre-rolled puff pastry to save time and effort. Do make sure you use good quality goats cheese to complement your lovely tomatoes and don't worry if you don't have a food processor, mushing the paste ingredients together worked for me. <br /><br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/aug/14/tomato-galette-recipe-vegetarian-ottolenghiAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-16075389624204343042010-08-08T17:23:00.005+01:002010-08-08T17:56:26.818+01:00The beginning and the end<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTkqkbVGDCpPa7OI0kMeAyG2B8iR5mQyvh7nYztBV7Zys-KJJLRp8XCqbxDaeyipcY3PKQoxBhcdf1teUQSeRlM8ePnYR7dtD2a5hngshlX0vf_bcM_W4yXL2Gvv-9MKpO3S-9BeB_6TX/s1600/Tomatoes+-+Aug+2010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTkqkbVGDCpPa7OI0kMeAyG2B8iR5mQyvh7nYztBV7Zys-KJJLRp8XCqbxDaeyipcY3PKQoxBhcdf1teUQSeRlM8ePnYR7dtD2a5hngshlX0vf_bcM_W4yXL2Gvv-9MKpO3S-9BeB_6TX/s320/Tomatoes+-+Aug+2010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503083507731023106" /></a><br />Today I picked my first tomato, it was a 'Latah' which is an early ripening variety from Real Seeds, warmed from the sun it was delicious. Sadly today was also the end of my tomato bed because all the plants are showing the dreaded signs of blight, I had hoped that evening waterings and the blistering hot heat would delay the inevitable but sadly not. The are plenty of also ripe and unripe fruits which will be turned into sauces and chutneys; the bed will be used for some over-wintering kale and next year I will be growing blight resistant varieties.<br /><br />The hot and wet weather should hopefully provide perfect seed germination conditions so I have sown Pak Choi, Mizuna, Fennel, Swede, Endive and Mispoona to hopefully provide crops in the coming months and over winter. <br /><br />The new potatoes are continuing to delight, 'Charlotte' has proved to be an excellent masher so we are enjoying plenty of potatoes in all forms. The courgettes have started to go mad, I returned home today with 1 marrow, 1 very borderline marrow and a baby courgette as well as 6 cucumbers and another pot of raspberries. Now I'm off to dig out my stash of courgette recipes to turn these beauties into something truly delicious. <br /><br />Enjoy your plots.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-595481989658738222010-08-01T17:31:00.001+01:002010-08-01T17:32:51.462+01:00Fruits of July<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TDPMaHmZNbi1uRfQijLZdTIMbFrSwjmIxoQmRnVIsT8N4ZiaodkEUVamfgsx6vTkI-AJaEx4cUOWvq6LSFEy6TWatK0psLXUra5q1joTFmLFpVKJZFlFGBLPjvbAk76f-XIcO10VTCFp/s1600/July.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TDPMaHmZNbi1uRfQijLZdTIMbFrSwjmIxoQmRnVIsT8N4ZiaodkEUVamfgsx6vTkI-AJaEx4cUOWvq6LSFEy6TWatK0psLXUra5q1joTFmLFpVKJZFlFGBLPjvbAk76f-XIcO10VTCFp/s400/July.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500480151379076994" /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-31901778980473790302010-07-25T15:04:00.004+01:002010-07-25T15:36:26.775+01:00The first cucumbers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeK5UUXkhCUvW6TcgFulgFd7Bjjf4sJsmJB0PmWp69K-Yj3EDXkGQNdV2X1bh0EC2WO3to2_2tjqdW2S_EQWdlb3f2krmCHdzdF3XspgjPoQ3zgq0zwD36sh9M6-bg0UP14CCyiQBYc-du/s1600/Cucumbers+-+July+2010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeK5UUXkhCUvW6TcgFulgFd7Bjjf4sJsmJB0PmWp69K-Yj3EDXkGQNdV2X1bh0EC2WO3to2_2tjqdW2S_EQWdlb3f2krmCHdzdF3XspgjPoQ3zgq0zwD36sh9M6-bg0UP14CCyiQBYc-du/s320/Cucumbers+-+July+2010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497852551119056994" /></a><br />The hot weather has made germination very difficult so despite the plot being much clearer than in previous years I have far fewer crops growing. It looks like I'm going to have to try again and then keep my fingers crossed if I'm going to see any swede, pak choi or endive this year. <br /><br />I have lots of healthy plants sitting in pots at home but it seems to shock them when they get planted out at the allotment; I think it must be the increased heat and strong wind which causes the problems. The courgettes have finally found their feet, hopefully I'll be picking my first 'Black Beauty' next weekend and the squash are starting to stretch out and produce flowers, maybe they'll decide to take on the weedy patch which is growing next to them and save me a job. 8 of the aubergine plants are planted out and I have another 6 waiting at home, this is my first year of growing aubergines so I'm not sure how this is going to turn out but it feels like I'm running very late! <br /><br />On the plus side the cucumbers are making up for everything! This is a new one for me but my four 'Wautoma' plants are all growing very happily and today I picked my first two cucumbers, I think they'll join the 'Reine des Glaces' lettuce to make a homegrown salad; I just wish there were some tomatoes to join it! Interestingly the plant I kept in the cold frame the longest and which got planted out last has produced the first fruits so it just goes to show that you should wait until the plants are ready and the conditions are good before planting out. <br /><br />Now that we are almost at August it's time to start thinking about winter crops, I'm going to sow some more cabbages and lots more kale ready to plant out in a couple of months, if you're very lucky late sowings will miss the cabbage whites whilst still having enough warm weather to establish before winter really sets in.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-44813025332451145312010-07-11T18:19:00.005+01:002010-07-18T16:56:21.527+01:00Journeys, fruit and the first potatoesThe last few weeks have been very hectic; we have spent 2 weekends away visiting friends and family, I have been training for and then running in several races and then the rest of the time I have been flopped from the heat! Luckily I have managed to fit in a few morning visits to the allotment to keep things ticking along. <br /><br />This year there has been a bumper crop of berries, first with the strawberries and now with the raspberries. Today I picked the first of the gooseberries, hopefully the rest will be ready soon, and also a glut of blackcurrants from just from 1 shrub. Strangely I have some raspberries growing under the apple tree and about 4 metres away from the actual raspberry bed, I have no idea how they got there but they seem happy enough and are fruiting already; I just wish I had cut the nettles back before I started picking the fruits!<br /><br />The potatoes are flowering which is a relief after the poor chitting and then the late frosts, we enjoyed a few of the Charlottes last night but they were a little small. The peas were delicious but a little sparse and are already nearing their end; I grew Karina with were very early and then 2nd Early which did lengthen the picking season a little but from reading your blogs it seems this just wasn't the year of the pea.<br /><br />I have followed Toby Buckland's advice regarding sweetcorn and them into modules a month apart, sadly the 2nd batch were planted out just as the weather started to get really hot but also when there was a very cold wind so they decided to give up the ghost. The first batch are now about a foot tall and look very sturdy, and I actually have quite a few plants anyway because Toby also said that sweetcorn is quite happy growing close together so you can sow 2 seeds to a module, I hope he's right.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-80464075027952963912010-06-21T20:54:00.003+01:002010-06-21T20:57:18.867+01:00The end of the asparagus seasonSummer solstice marks the end of the asparagus cropping. Now you should let the spears grow into lovely wispy leaf stems to feed the crowns ready for next year's crop. The leaves are really pretty but I am sad that there will be no more asparagus for at least 9 months.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-51905483862869851872010-06-19T16:35:00.004+01:002010-06-19T16:53:58.246+01:00Rhubarb RelishAround this time I year I start to get bored of eating stewed rhubarb which is a shame because the plants are still producing loads of juicy stems. This year's solution is Rhubarb Relish from the River Cottage Handbook No2:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtFzMl3r_nG49cioFLDbKaZL2mTzBByxgGyefzL3J7I08baNmiJxQb-BMTvgomklfNtV461AornZCK7QUCY0UjPyv7EPYQDUC2SZk52AmFu0nijc_T2iwjPrNZ1fCuY5lUVy07JPhyphenhyphenQ-Y/s1600/IMG_1222.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtFzMl3r_nG49cioFLDbKaZL2mTzBByxgGyefzL3J7I08baNmiJxQb-BMTvgomklfNtV461AornZCK7QUCY0UjPyv7EPYQDUC2SZk52AmFu0nijc_T2iwjPrNZ1fCuY5lUVy07JPhyphenhyphenQ-Y/s320/IMG_1222.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484512282369841426" /></a><br />Ingredients:<br />500g granulated sugar<br />100ml cider vinegar<br />1kg rhubarb (untrimmed weight)<br />125g raisins<br />50g fresh root ginger<br />2 cinnamon sticks<br />6 cloves<br /><br />First bruise the ginger with a blunt object, I used a rolling pin, and tie into a spice bag with the cloves and the snapped cinnamon sticks.<br /><br />Put the sugar, vinegar, 100ml water and the spice bag into a preserving pan. Heat gently to dissolve the sugar and then remove from the heat and allow to infuse for 20 minutes. <br /><br />Meanwhile, trim the rhubarb and chop into 2-2.5cm chunks.<br /><br />Add the rhubarb and raisins to the sugar syrup and cook gently for 15-20 minutes until the mixture is thick, but the rhubarb still discernible as soft chunks. Remove from the heat and pour into sterilised jars and seal with vinegar proof lids. Use within 12 months. <br /><br />This was my first recipe from the River Cottage Handbook and I was very impressed, it has been complementing my mackerel pate all week. Somehow I don't think I'll have any trouble using it within 12 months.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-75614298604057470892010-06-15T21:18:00.003+01:002010-06-15T21:34:46.258+01:00Weeding, Seeding and trying to keep up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKuCb_0V9RjUcuDD6qEXKQ0WtLaiw8B-4aSPDFEhnizh2BkJVfXqXuIwd5LcYCj_c99tHKKM_legUGr4Q2ZkE2K5IQRCC_TA2RfHR9UDfrQvAbS_mQXcUkUaUPO_v2qoWXFL68GjJpLHK/s1600/Allotment+-+June+2010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKuCb_0V9RjUcuDD6qEXKQ0WtLaiw8B-4aSPDFEhnizh2BkJVfXqXuIwd5LcYCj_c99tHKKM_legUGr4Q2ZkE2K5IQRCC_TA2RfHR9UDfrQvAbS_mQXcUkUaUPO_v2qoWXFL68GjJpLHK/s400/Allotment+-+June+2010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483100514494031234" /></a><br /><br />Wow things have been rather hectic over the last few weeks; work has turned manic and the hot and wet weather is making everything, including the weeds, grow like mad. I had a week off work and we spent a few days down in Dorset which was lovely but what with all the eating, drinking and of course walking also quite tiring. <br /><br />Still, this is the wrong time of year to rest so I finally got round to shearing down the long grass and nettles around the front, sides and back of the plot. I also discovered where the bumble bees were nesting this year, this time it is right next to the shed but being more docile than the honey bee I don't usually have any trouble with them. Apparently the colony splits up every winter and then they re-nest the next year which explains why they keep moving around. <br /><br />I also re-located my raspberries, gooseberries and blackcurrants from within the weeds. All are fruiting up very nicely and with a bit of luck (and sun) the gooseberries will be ready in just a few weeks. At home the strawberries have lots of fruit but none is yet ripe, sadly my attempts to stagger the crop by planting some early plants seem to have failed so I think there will be a short glut and then nothing. Well there will be a glut if I get around to putting out the nets and beer traps...<br /><br />In amongst all this I managed to sow some swede, carrots, fennel and more radish as well as planting out the remaining cucumbers and several rows of cabbages. There is still lots of potting on and planting out that needs to happen over the next few weeks but finally it seems like things are going. Don't you just love this time of year?Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-84904478661506714272010-06-04T08:26:00.003+01:002010-06-04T08:31:44.986+01:00Celeriac is planted outYesterday I swapped my daily commute for several hours on the allotment, strangely the allotment visit was much more enjoyable than my commute ever is! <br /><br />I had a pressing task to get the celeriac planted out as they had started to yellow in the modules. After an hour of digging bindweed roots out of what looked like clear ground I was able to start planting. It quickly became clear that my seed sowing might have been a little enthusiastic and after putting in 3 rows I decided to call it a day. The remaining plants will be passed on to friends and family this weekend. <br /><br />Next week I'm on holiday which means a long weekend in Dorset followed by a long weekend on the allotment. Just as well really as I urgently need to do some weeding, the shed is almost lost to weeds and I haven't seen my raspberry plants for weeks. Have a great weekend.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-76130076589284779782010-05-31T18:17:00.003+01:002010-05-31T18:34:29.841+01:00Rabbit proofing and ParsnipsThe rabbits are increasingly becoming a problem on the allotment; after munching their way through most of my winter veg they have seriously stunted the growth of the onions and the shallots. Since neither of my allotment neighbours seem to be putting in much work this year, both have far more weeds than veg and it turns out that rabbits like veg far more than weeds. So before the planting really kicked off I decided to invest in some chicken wire and build a protective fence around some of my allotment. Version 1 is now complete and features 40 meters of wire fencing with a slight ground cover to stop them digging under. Over the next few months I'll try to increase the supports and cut some gates into the sides but hopefully it'll be enough to protect the young plants that need to start moving outside. <br /><br />The coldframe has become a logistical nightmare because although the days have been hot, the nights are still dropping down just low enough to make me nervous. Today I planted out the first of the cucumber plants, 2 more are spending the night outside in the garden and 1 gets to spend all day outside before returning to the coldframe overnight. Hopefully all 4 will survive the next few weeks but if not then at least 1 should pull through. Now I need to start moving the aubergines outside too.<br /><br />A trip to London with friends as well as the fence building has put me behind with seed sowing. I have managed to get some beans into the ground as well as some more peas to fill the gaps on the row that germinated a few weeks ago. I sowed a tray of sweetcorn at the beginning of May and have followed it up with another tray today, hopefully this will extend the cropping season for me. The second sowing of brassicas unfortunately had to replace the first lot which cooked inside the propagator on a particularly hot day. I'm hoping this batch has a longer an happier life. <br /><br />Finally the parsnips, 1 seed out of the 4 rows has germinated on the allotment, 1 more than last year anyway. Today I also planted out a full row of seedlings which were chitted seeds sown into compost filled rolls of newspaper. If they survive the next week they should have an excellent chance of turning into tasty parsnips. I think I'll chit some more just in case.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-54194836046696949262010-05-16T17:00:00.002+01:002010-05-16T17:16:15.995+01:00Potting on<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupJID3l62ZMC_pMg34_uweh_Xyv-O092-0A1OOhq1JSpNoacgEXqoak0CgM0cEXE_g6U4bqZSturCyM0SMCsAPUtnO_OBlbyAmHOCxdlNqvcxAGVjjd-YL8B3PK-7QWkConbpHM7WoWZZ/s1600/Coldframe+-+May+2010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupJID3l62ZMC_pMg34_uweh_Xyv-O092-0A1OOhq1JSpNoacgEXqoak0CgM0cEXE_g6U4bqZSturCyM0SMCsAPUtnO_OBlbyAmHOCxdlNqvcxAGVjjd-YL8B3PK-7QWkConbpHM7WoWZZ/s400/Coldframe+-+May+2010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471902409054998802" /></a><br /><br />Not much plot action this weekend because I've just run 10k for Cancer Research, a worthy cause but unfortunately one that highlights how incompatible my love of running is with my love of veg growing! I'll explain how I ended up pursuing both another day. <br /><br />So with the need to rest prevalent I have spent the weekend sowing seeds and potting things on. The seed sowing guide is still in use and it does seem to be working; now when I have 10 minutes spare I can quickly consult my spreadsheet and get some seeds sown rather than wasting all the time sifting through my mess of seeds. 2 trays of leeks have joined the 2 sown a few weeks ago, this year I am attempting to have a decent crop of leeks, something which didn't seem important in previous years because we hardly ever ate them. The discovery of Sarah Raven's creamy leek recipe has completely changed that and we are now buying leeks on a regular basis.<br /><br />The courgettes and squash have all been sown, I might follow them up with some later sown courgettes to make sure I have a supply right through the summer. Alys Fowler has been giving some tips on how to store courgettes for the winter in her "The Edible Garden" programme on BBC (still available on the iPlayer if you've missed it) so I'm not feeling quite so worried about the courgette glut as I normally would. Normally I grow 'Crown Prince' as my Squash variety but the F1 seeds are very expensive so this year I'm experimenting with a variety called 'Potimarron' which is meant to be excellent for roasting as well as being a French heirloom variety so I'll have a chance of saving the seeds. <br /><br />The aubergines were in desperate need of potting on, as were the chillis but annoyingly the weather is still far too cold for either to move outside so I have completely filled my coldframe. The aubergines are from Real Seeds and should fruit outside provided we have a decent summer, they have certainly been excellent in germination and growth so far so I'm starting to worry about an aubergine glut - well I can dream can't I?Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5646901666823664367.post-72534497275788005312010-05-12T18:55:00.001+01:002010-05-12T18:58:22.671+01:00Getting organised<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BVZOrjarX0q6IAK3ck5Nkv2bC-aepN_c3sxkcnpoPD9S9fDKta6AxE2T_LqDoSS2grit0vVOzmDwjW5zNpfOFTzsbhdKmtnb14Gagke-WvOkcRg7R5-JBLmETN08cJ_wB7pIo6u3tPHo/s1600/Seed+sowing+guide.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BVZOrjarX0q6IAK3ck5Nkv2bC-aepN_c3sxkcnpoPD9S9fDKta6AxE2T_LqDoSS2grit0vVOzmDwjW5zNpfOFTzsbhdKmtnb14Gagke-WvOkcRg7R5-JBLmETN08cJ_wB7pIo6u3tPHo/s400/Seed+sowing+guide.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470444232823595090" /></a><br />A few weeks ago I met Sandra, one of the allotment newcommers, she is doing simply stunning things with her allotment, mostly involving lots of digging and sifting to remove the weed roots. In amongst our conversation she mentioned that she has all her seeds organised in an index card box so that she knows exactly what to sow and when. So despite her lack of experience Sandra is more likely that me to have successional crops and a year round supply of veg.<br /><br />You see, I love buying seeds and I love raising as many of my plants from seed as possible but one thing I am terrible at is the organisation of it all. It isn't uncommon for me to rummage through my seed box in Septermber and find several packets of seed which should have been sown in Spring or early Summer, just sitting there un-opened. Last year I completly forgot to sow my winter brassicas, the seeds were there but they just slipped my mind until it was too late and I was forced to buy some plants from the garden centre. <br /><br />I have a lot of seeds so I know an Index Card box won't work, and anyway I tend to leave packets of seed in my pockets and scattered around the shed so I needed another way. The recent cold and rainy weather drove me to my computer and I am now the proud owner of a seed sowing guide. Each packet of seeds is listed on my spreadsheet and then placed into sowing groups for each weekend. As they are sown I mark them off so that I know what I did and didn't manage to sow each weekend. The idea is that any missed sowings can easily be moved to the next sowing weekend and successional sowings are scheduled in throughout the year. So far things are going well and despite running out of seed compost (schoolboy error at this time of year) the sowings are mostly on target. <br /><br />So my geeky solution seems to be working for me, but how to you manage your seeds?Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697974525750938880noreply@blogger.com4