Last week we spent as much time at the allotment as we could. We wanted to complete as much tidying and digging as possible before the weather turned wet.
One of the priorities was to burn a large pile of dried prunings. If persistent rain came before this was done, burning wet material would take far longer and be far more smoky.
Not only did we manage to quickly burn the huge pile of debris, Martyn also managed to dig over the bed where the prunings had been stacked. It was one of the beds that couldn't be dug over last year due to the ground becoming rock hard before we got around to it.
We dug over quite a few other beds last week.
Martyn, worked on one bed that had been neglected for a few years. The clods of soil wouldn't break down so we hope that the winter weather will help with this. It's likely that we will grow potatoes here next year.
The beds that I dug over were smaller and not as hard going, which is only fair as I am a lot smaller(and weedier) than, Martyn. The bed above housed peas and once dug over was recovered with weed control fabric and wood chippings. I did have to barrow six loads of chippings from our communal pile and so wasn't slacking.
This part of the plot has mainly fruit trees and our 'perennial' flower border. This leaves only the four beds above for cropping. The two beds on the right are sown with green manure and the bed in the background on the left had already been dug which means this area is ready for its winter rest.
I also dug over also this year's broad bean bed shown on the right above. The bed on the left was a joint effort, I got out the weeds and, Martyn dug it over.
Many beds in the area covered by plot 30 were very neglected last year. It was the last part of the plot on the list for digging over and by the time we got round to it the ground was unworkable. At first it was too soggy and wet and then quickly became like concrete. We've managed to get most of the area sorted out this year.
Just out of shot, behind me when I took the above photo is the only part that needs attention.
It's another part of the plot that has been neglected over the years. Hopefully weather permitting, this will be the year that it is rescued.
There are still quite a few beds that need digging over and it will depend on how kind the weather is as to how many we manage to complete. Compared to last year, however, when illness prevented us from getting to the allotment during September and October we are happy with what we have achieved so far.
We didn't really harvest very much last week. This is mainly as we are at the stage where we harvest as we need.
I dug some leeks on Monday and also, whilst generally tidying the autumn raspberry bed, I noticed a few berries good enough to pick.
Friday I dug more leeks, this time for my sister, and also picked more autumn raspberries. The statice had produced more flowers so I picked these for drying.
The temperature fell quite a bit at the weekend and there was even snow in some higher parts of Yorkshire so it looks as though it won't be much longer before we can discover whether our parsnips are all top growth or whether they have rewarded us for all the work watering and produced some good roots - can't wait!
Many beds in the area covered by plot 30 were very neglected last year. It was the last part of the plot on the list for digging over and by the time we got round to it the ground was unworkable. At first it was too soggy and wet and then quickly became like concrete. We've managed to get most of the area sorted out this year.
There are still quite a few beds that need digging over and it will depend on how kind the weather is as to how many we manage to complete. Compared to last year, however, when illness prevented us from getting to the allotment during September and October we are happy with what we have achieved so far.
We didn't really harvest very much last week. This is mainly as we are at the stage where we harvest as we need.
 |
| 22 October |
 |
| 26 October |
The temperature fell quite a bit at the weekend and there was even snow in some higher parts of Yorkshire so it looks as though it won't be much longer before we can discover whether our parsnips are all top growth or whether they have rewarded us for all the work watering and produced some good roots - can't wait!
Posts
It always feels so good when you finally get to something that's been overdue for a while - I thoroughly enjoy the satisfaction of cleaning up garden beds. Hope that those parsnips are what you hope for!
ReplyDeleteWe dug one parsnip today, Margaret and it was large enough for us both to have for dinner.
DeleteIt's amazing you still have berries coming on. All that digging sounds like you got a good workout! I've been doing some cleanup work here too, and it always feels good to get it behind me.
ReplyDeleteI did more digging today as well, Dave.
DeleteIt's feels good to get jobs done which have been hanging around for a while. I hope the weather holds out so that you can get everything finished off before winter settles in.
ReplyDeleteWe are now hoping that the frosty weather doesn’t stick around, Jo. Although digging isn’t too bad in cold weather as long as the soil is workable.
DeleteHow great it's all looking, have to say though, digging all that heavy clay soil has me in need of a lie down just thinking about it! Saw your contributions to the ebook and loved it. Well done you!!! xxx
ReplyDeleteYou have to do something to work off the calories from all the winter stews, Dina, I only had a quick look at the ebook. There were lots of familiar names listed as contributors.
DeleteYour last picture remind me into my Statice flower patch. I grew it for dried flowers.
ReplyDeleteThat’s why I have grown them too, Endah although they have made a pretty display too.
DeleteSue, the weather is getting colder, it's here as well. I like your leeks, lovely for soup:-) I also love statice for dry bouquet goes well.
ReplyDeleteTo dig is a hard work, take care!
I don’t think our definition of cold would match yours, Nadezda. Although the frosts have come early this year.
DeleteOoh you're doing well with your prep for next year! As usual, we aren't!
ReplyDeleteWe haven’t had to get involved in site clearance parties though, Belinda. We did go down the line of having an association at one point, but a handful of tenants were exceptionally unpleasant so the whole thing folded, Just s few can sour things for everyone else. It just wasn’t worth the upset that they caused, We are trying to get on top of things this year as last year we didn’t get much winter prep done. It made spring very busy with things to plants and no bed ready to plant in.
DeleteEnjoyed reading your journal today . I have a stinking rotten cold and no energy to do anything:( Anyway you have reminded me about beautiful Statice..I haven't grown that for years , I must get some for next year, they are such cheery crispy flowers :)
ReplyDelete