Over winter, if the weather is co-operative we like to get some jobs done that we just don't have a chance of doing when we are busy planting, watering, harvesting and generally busy with other things. Some we manage to complete and others just move on to the next year's plans.
In an earlier post I mentioned that we have reposted our raspberry cane framework. Last week we managed a couple more winter tasks.
Can you spot what is missing in the photo below.
Back in 2014, when we bought some new cold frames for the garden, we moved the metal frames, that we used previously, to the allotment.
Unfortunately the glass side panels were loose so that they could be slid on top of one another to gain access, I say unfortunately as this design did not stand up to the winds that, at times, pound our plot. As a temporary measure we wrapped the frame in enviromesh to protect the glass which was being broken when the wind rattled the panes.
As often happens, we were busy with other things and the temporary measure became increasingly permanent and various pernicious weeds took advantage of the cosy environment, flourished and entangled themselves in the mesh. It desperately needed sorting out but we kept trying to ignore it. That was until we took the proverbial bull by the horns last week.
The photo on the left where the mesh has almost been removed doesn't show the worst state, as at this stage the mesh had almost been untangled and the brambles etc growing through it had been hacked back. Believe it or not, the ground under the frame was covered by two layers of weed control fabric. Weeds will eventually grow though the fabric if it is left in place for too long, so not only did the mesh need reclaiming but weeds needed removing from the weed control too so it could be reused. The glass from the frame has been popped into the greenhouse for storage and the frame placed on another part of the plot until we decide where its new home will be and how to reglaze it.
Now the bed has been dug over, and as many of the weed roots as possible have been removed, leaving us with a new planting area.
I must admit this task took less time to complete than we had anticipated. Whilst, Martyn was digging over this area, I set to emptying some growing bags. These hadn't performed very well, maybe due to the shade cast by the fruit trees, so we need to pop on our thinking caps to decide where they can be used to better effect.
When emptying the bags, I shifted eight barrow loads of compost that was spread on one of the rougher beds.
This only thinly and partially covered one third of one of the beds. You can imagine how much we would need to produce if we were to try no dig gardening. On the right of the photos you can just see part of the pile of weed roots taken from the cold frame bed and waiting to be burned.
Some rhubarb is beginning to sprout, although no doubt this will soon be checked by the winter weather. I tidied it up though.
Of course we couldn't come away from the plot without some vegetables.
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| i January |
The parsnips harvested last week were a really good size. The cabbages although small were really solid and produced far more that it looked as though they would. The varieties were savoy - Sabrosa and Kilaton.
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| 3 January |
We didn't manage to eat a bucketful of carrots by 3 January. One lot was given to my sister. The varieties of carrots were Autumn King and Flakkee and the parsnips are Gladiator.
This week I am linking to Harvest Monday which this month is being hosted on
Michelles's blog From Seed to Table
Michelles's blog From Seed to Table
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Well done on getting that cold frame and bed sorted, it's satisfying getting that sort of thing done isn't it. It's been very dry here too, a good opportunity to get things into shape as you say. I have a couple of raised beds that need replacing, although I think I'll wait until nearer the time I'll be using them to keep the new wood out of the rain as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is, CJ. I hope that we get a few more things ticked off too.
DeleteI think every gardener has at least one of those tasks that seems monumental and is avoided until it can't be ignored anymore. I know I do! Now you have a lovely new space in which to grow more good things. How wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWe have an even larger job pending, Michelle. It’s needed tackling for over a couple of winters and may get done this year if the weather holds.
DeleteIt always feels good to tackle a task that has been put off for a long time. It would be nice to have a "down" season where we could still work in the garden.
ReplyDeleteI just hope the weather stays good enough to get more done, Margaret.
DeleteGreat blog.
ReplyDeleteI just started out as a new Allotmenteer in June 2018.
here is my Youtube Channel documenting my progress from day 1 if you are interested. I wish you all the best of luck on your allotment journey. All my Organic Love from Nathan at Allotment 5W.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA3UItUEGuzlQ5DfJHeLovA
I’ll certainly take a look at your channel, Nathan. My husband, Martyn and I have a channel each with most of our videos posted on our vlog. Two Gardners One Video Diary - the link is on the sidebar.
DeleteThat is a massive task, and what a wonderful result, a beautifully prepared planting area. I have so many huge jobs to do....sighs....love seeing the rhubarb already.xxx
ReplyDeleteI hope that we both manage to tick off more winter tasks, Dina
DeleteEnvious of your bright red rhubarb stalks. In our climate they only have a hint of red at the base. Doesn't make for beautifully colored compote, pies or jam. I've taken to add my strawberry guava puree to it which gives a flavor boost and turns it a lovely color.
ReplyDeleteWe have several varieties of rhubarb eg52, some have red stems and others don't.
DeleteOh, my, Sue you 'shifted eight barrow loads of compost' - it's a hard work. Take care! Nice bin with carrots, I cooked carrot cream soup yesterday, it turned out tasty one.
ReplyDeleteIt was hard work, Nadezda but it keeps me fit.
DeleteYour cabbage looks so healthy, mine have rotten and died during this rainy season.
ReplyDeleteThat must be so frustrating, Endah
Deleteagain you shame me - you two are allotment wizards :) We aren't allowed glass on our site only that ribbed plastic stuff that's so brittle the wind snaps bits off it. I am super impressed at your work, wow.
ReplyDeleteNot much work done last week, Carrie.
Delete