We were intending to spend more time at the allotment last week but once again the weather kept us indoors. This time it was strong winds that made working on the plot an unattractive proposition.
We did, however manage a couple of afternoons at the beginning of the week. After having emptied a couple of our compost bays, Martyn finished renovating the front of the bays using some old fence panels that our plot neighbour, Jan had acquired for us.
We also moved and recovered the old coldframe - which is more like a mini greenhouse. This will house some tomato plants later. We're hoping that it is still in place after being subject to the gales.
To one side, the sheltered side of the coldframe we have planted out the dahlias that had overwintered in the garage. The question is will the coldframe have offered them some protection or flattened them?
We have continued to carry out routine jobs such as tidying, weeding and cutting grass but we are having to devote far too much time watering the parched earth. The warm days and then the strong winds have not helped and we still haven't had any rain.
Whilst we were kept away from the allotment we did manage to work in the garden greenhouse, sowing seeds, pricking out seedlings and potting young plants on. Some plants will soon need planting out so we desperately need some rain to moisten the soil.
Our greenhouse activity is listed here - just scroll down to the appropriate week
With the greenhouse filling up, young brassica plants have been moved outside to hardened off. These have been covered with netting and fortunately are in a sheltered area of the garden.
With the greenhouse filling up, young brassica plants have been moved outside to hardened off. These have been covered with netting and fortunately are in a sheltered area of the garden.
As for this week's harvest - if we can call it a harvest - we have continued to pick lettuce leaves as we need them and have also picked our first strawberry - just one but it's a start. I didn't manage a photo as, Martyn had already cut it in two ready to share.
I really don't think this modest picking qualifies me for inclusion to Dave's harvest Monday post but you can see how much better others have done here at Dave's blog Our Happy Acres
One other things we managed to do was to put together a video tour of our plot - if you are interested you can view it here.
One other things we managed to do was to put together a video tour of our plot - if you are interested you can view it here.
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Great job on the compost bays, I love how allotments are so full of things being reused and repurposed. My tomatoes were sown very late this year, I'm not sure how much of a crop I'll get. I usually sow seeds in Feburary, but it was April this year I think. Maybe they'll catch up a bit. It really is dry isn't it, and no rain forecast that I can see. Lovely to have a strawberry in May. I have Malwina and they are just opening the first few flowers. Fingers crossed your cold frame has stayed put.
ReplyDeleteWe always sow our tomatoes late and they catch up, CJ so,I’m sure yours will catch up. I think Malwina is a later variety so hopefully your strawberries will appear later.
DeleteWe had a tiny shower but the gales and sunshine dried the ground as soon as the clouds moved on. It's been a beautiful Spring but definitely too dry for gardeners!
ReplyDeleteIt seems as far as rain goes it seems all or nothing, Belinda.
DeleteWe were forecast rain this weekend but it didn't materialise, none in this week's forecast. It's been nice to have some lovely weather during lockdown but we really do need some rain.
ReplyDeleteIf it would pour down during the night, Jo that would be just perfect.
DeleteWe had very light rain, almost nothing, and overnight; it only saved watering for one day. I can't help wondering how long before the words hosepipe ban start to loom? Still, you have some good things coming on there, Sue. I, on the other hand, am still sowing seeds!
ReplyDeleteAt least I guess the very wet winter must have filled the reservoirs, Deborah. Not too long ago I was passing flooded fields.
DeleteTwo waterbutts at the school drained empty. Filled them up from the mains today (while planting out bedding plants). As ever you have caught up on my early start with tomatoes and cucurbits!
ReplyDeleteNow we need to be able to plant out, Mal but we’re too busy watering!!
DeleteEverything looks neat and tidy.Hard to believe that you haven't had rain at this time of the year. I hope you get some soon. You have a huge compost area. It must be nice to have so much compost.
ReplyDeleteIt’s surprising how little compost we end up with, Lisa - it doesn’t seem to go far.
DeleteIt is all looking marvelous, good to see all those young plants. It's the same here, so much needs potting on. We have barely a drop of rain in weeks now, and as for those winds....what a mess they made, even walking the dogs was a nightmare.xxx
ReplyDeleteThe winds were horrendous, Dina. The cold frame was blown over onto the dahlias but fortunately they didn’t snap just looked a little squashed.
DeleteI'm glad we have access to an outdoor tap in our garden! Although the sunshine has been great for BBQs, I'm not enjoying having to get the hose out pretty much every day!
ReplyDeleteWatering on our allotment can be a problem DQ if several people are watering at the same time/ we have several taps but water pressure is poor.
DeleteOh what a contrast between today and last Saturday Sue when that hooley was still blowing! I hope that your garden and allotment were spared any damage. Like you we are desperate for some rain. Your squashes and courgettes are coming on nicely 😄
ReplyDelete