Friday's weather forecast promised that the rain would ease up and it did. We actually managed a fairly full afternoon on the plot. Part of me wished that we hadn't made it as to see the amount of weed growth courtesy of all this wet weather was a bit depressing. We were getting on so well and had only a couple of beds to clear and then the bad weather descended and has managed to create conditions which have allowed nature to undo all our work. I didn't take a photo of all the weeds as that woud have been rubbing salt into the wound but suffice to say the weeds including self sown poppies are flourishing. If we left all the poppies in situ we would rival the poppy fields of the Middle East.
Unfortunately we just couldn't spare the time to do any weeding as there was some urgent planting that needed doing.
The broad beans that have been desperately in need of planting out - they were nearly starting to produce flowers - have been planted. The poor things are taller that they would usually be when planted out. I've tried to set them in a little deeper and will now have to hope that we don't get any strong winds before they gain a bit of strength.
Unfortunately we just couldn't spare the time to do any weeding as there was some urgent planting that needed doing.
The broad beans that have been desperately in need of planting out - they were nearly starting to produce flowers - have been planted. The poor things are taller that they would usually be when planted out. I've tried to set them in a little deeper and will now have to hope that we don't get any strong winds before they gain a bit of strength.
We didn't even have time to tidy up the edges of the beds as we just wanted to spend as much time as possible planting.
As well as the broad beans we managed to plant about half of the potatoes. Details of which varieties are available in the sowing and planting for April list.
We're hoping for more fine weather as there is still so much more to do!
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the broad beans are looking good, i am dreading going up plot on monday, the weeds are going to be EVERYWHERE! will end up being all i do i bet.
ReplyDeleteWe prioritised that it was more important to get things planted at this stage, Stacy and the beds we wanted to plant in weren't too bad as they had been weeded more recently
DeleteAre your allotment beds edged with something to keep the grass from getting into them. They look so neat. The soil looks fantastic as do the broad beans. As you know, I have a few in the raised bed and this is our first year for them. Can't wait!!
ReplyDeleteThe weeds can wait!! You did a load of work to be sure.
No Bren we don't edge the beds. Each year about now any growth is cut back with a spade as we plant up the bed. Then we edge sometimes with edging shears but more often with a strimmer.
DeleteYour beds are looking great - the hard work is working so to speak.
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz - allotment gardening is hard work but worth it. Much more productive and less boring than going to a gym!
DeleteWell, at least you won't need to water the Broad Beans for a while... Mine were sown straight into the soil and they are short and stocky - "hardened" maybe?. Planning to erect their support system today - weather permitting.
ReplyDeleteI guess the cold temperatures will mean that they didn't grow as quickly Mark. We don't support broad beans they have to look after themselves but there again ours are on a plot where they can lean over without offending the eye!
DeleteI am as desperate as you are to get stuff planted - if we wait for good weather it will never get done - as for the weeds, well let's just say that the plot is looking very green. At least you have managed to get something in the ground and it's lookin' good!
ReplyDeleteYes we felt a bit better having got something planted Elaine.
DeleteI also started my Broad Beans (favas) inside since the area at the plots wasn't ready. Then it got too hot and they were taller then yours when I finally got them planted. I sure hope they survive. Mine look ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteThe weather sure has been crazy everywhere. We were in a drought situation with hot weather until last night.
I'm sure you were happy to get some potatoes in! The plots look good. You can share your weeds with us at a later date!
I'm hoping the beans will sort themselves out too, Robin and yes we we relieved to get the potatoes planted
DeleteIt's all about prioritising. It was important to get things planted up, the weeds will wait for another time.
ReplyDeleteYes I am afraid the weeds will wait and no doubt grow and grow Jo
DeleteLooking very neat and tidy. Hail showers this afternoon here so have retreated inside for a while.
ReplyDeleteHail - now that is something we can do without Damo. Theose bits look neat as they have just been sorted.
DeleteWell I think it's looking great...and your soil looks lovely and manageable...our is so wet at the moment it's more like trying to take a mud bath than plant seedlings!!
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping those beans strengthen up before any winds come!
The soil on the plot varies Tanya - it just had the right amount of moisture for tilling, however more rain and it will become a muddy claggy mess and if it is too dry unless I keep the hoe active it becomes rock hard.
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