We've been making the most of the good weather while it lasts and have had four very busy afternoons on the plot.
At last we feel as though we are getting somewhere. The weed control fabric has really helped as beds which have been kept covered have been much quicker to clear.
The ground at last is drying out enough to turn over and start planting.
We have planted all the onions and shallots that have been growing in modules. They didn't quite fill the allotted beds and so extra sets were used to fill up.
The cabbages, calabrese and cauliflower plants that had been languishing in the cold frames are now in the ground and protected from becoming a food source for both wood pigeons and the caterpillars of the large and small white butterflies.
We sowed two rows of peas. We buy the seeds in large bags as we like to sow plenty. No neatly spaced seeds here. The seeds will need to be kept well watered. The twiggy sticks help protect the bed from cat and fox paws and also seem the deter some nibblers.
The early planted potatoes are at last starting to poke through.
We have only just planted the bulk of our potatoes.
On the other side of the plot we have also planted the broad beans. We sow two seeds in a small pot. If both seeds germinate we leave them to grow on together and plant them out as twins. They don't seem to mind their siblings presence. We never stake our beans so maybe the two plants offer some support to each other.
We have also sown our parsnips. We always plant in a shallow trench of compost which we need to keep well watered until the seedlings become established.
Now we just need this good spell of weather to hang on as there is plenty more to do.
Now we just need this good spell of weather to hang on as there is plenty more to do.
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All those beds are looking nice and neat (and satisfyingly full?) now. We have had a few days of fine sunny weather too, but now I have problem that you probably don't have - everything is drying out rapidly as we have had no significant rain for quite a while. My water-butt is almost empty because April was really dry round our way. Looks like some rain coming our way tomorrow and Tuesday though.
ReplyDeleteRaised beds do dry out quicker don't they, Mark. At least you are in hand to water as necessary. It's seedlings in the top layer that suffers in our case and I dare say they will need a good soaking today.
DeleteLooks as if you've been hard at work Sue. I like your twin broad bean planting - might borrow that idea in the future:) I've been working at the plot in the mornings as it's too hot for me come the afternoon. Having a day off today but will be back tomorrow. It looks as if we've got some heavy rain coming our way mid week which will be good for growing.
ReplyDeleteI think rain is forecast for us too, Anna. We didn't go to the plot yesterday which was just as well as it was very hot.
DeleteEverything looks wonderful with you and I'm sure in a few months you will be reaping the rewards of all your hard work again.
ReplyDeleteStill very chilly here and the wind kept blowing my hat off yesterday and today as I'm still trying to clean my plot, but as I'm primarily growing pumpkins this year I don't mind being a little behind.
It was hot here yesterday, Deborah so we pottered around the garden.
DeleteIt's all looking brilliant, I can see how hard you've been working. Good tips on the broad beans and sowing of parsnips. I tried sowing parsnips in containers to start them off and not a single one germinated. I really need to have another go, every year I mean to grow them. I had terrible germination on my runner beans this year - only five out of twenty-four.
ReplyDeleteOur runner and French beans were sown yesterday CJ - we start ours in pots as we would have no chance against the slugs or other things if we planted direct.
DeleteMy, but you have been busy. It looks wonderful!!--neat as a pin.
ReplyDeleteStill olts to do, Sue and it isn't all as tidy.
DeleteThe soil looks so good...
ReplyDeleteThat's the soil at its best Endah. When it is wet it is soggy and like pure clay and when it is dry it cracks and is like concrete.
DeleteLooks really great sue. My plot is like Mark's garden...very dry now. The sparrows have been enjoying dust baths in my broad beans and onion beds....it's very cute to watch but I don't think it's done the beetroot seeds I sowed between the rows of beans any good. I shall have to come up with an alternative location!
ReplyDeleteOh dear those sparrows have no shame.
DeleteThis is really look great plot! Hope you get a lot of harvest Sue!
ReplyDeleteSo do I, Malar
DeleteWell, I am really impressed! That's a great deal of work in a short time. It looks splendid.
ReplyDeleteI meant to comment some days ago when you had the all clear after waiting to hear the results of tests: I was very pleased to hear that your concerns were laid to rest:)
By the way, I am about to begin to use some weed control fabric for my potatoes and round my raspberries and was looking at the 100 g from Harrod Horticultural. Do have any experience of this particular fabric, especially how good it is at allowing water to permeate through? I would be grateful to hear how it performs before I buy it. Many thanks.
Thanks for your comments Sweffling. We haven't had weed control fabric from Harrods Horticultural but we do by the 100gms weight as the 50gms is to then we usually buy our fabric from either Amazon or eBay which ever is the cheapest usually Amazon and we go for the quite wide with as that seems to fit our large beds. The one we buy also has a green grid marking on it which makes it easier to space out your plants.
DeleteThat's great, thanks. I'll check out the other suppliers, I rarely think of ebay for such things which is silly really!
DeleteThose early potatoes look great! It's interesting to hear how you plant out the broad beans in pairs, mine haven't germinated this year which is a shame. I'll have to buy some.xxx
ReplyDeleteWe do the same with French and runners, Dina - and sweet peas.
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