Monday, November 25

Winter just couldn't wait

Winter just couldn't wait its turn and arrived early last week. The temperature plummeted. We couldn't get to the plot at all. Maybe that isn't strictly true. It would be more accurate to say we didn't want to go. We had done quite a lot the previous week so there was nothing that couldn't wait. We could have done to have harvested some leeks but a quick change of menu sorted that out.


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Monday, November 18

Renovating our fruit area

Last week the sun shone. The sun was low and dazzling rather than providing warmth but at least it made things feel more cheerful. The temperature is dropping as winter draws ever closer.

We wrapped up warmly and I donned sunglasses to head for the allotment. My eyes don't tolerate brightness at the best of times so the conditions were particularly challenging.

We completed a lot of work on the plot.




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Monday, November 11

First Parsnips

Last week we didn't have any weather. I don't suppose that is scientifically possible but that would be my description. There was no rain, no wind, no sun, no frost nor any other weather condition you could name. Instead, we woke every morning to gloom and dullness. It hardly managed to become light throughout the day.



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Wednesday, November 6

October in pictures






NB: Sometimes comments made here rather than on my main blog often are overlooked and languish in a moderation list. Sorry if this happens - I'm honestly not ignoring you

Monday, November 4

Central Bark at Clumber Park


Last week, was a busy week. Humans had a visit from the hairdresser and Ruby had a visit from the groomer. We showered her the day before she was clipped. The groomer would do that but Ruby is used to us showering her as she needs a good wash between grooming visits. We end up almost as wet as Ruby as she has plenty of vigorous shakes during the process. Once out of the shower and toweled down there follows a cracker dog session before we can start up the hairdryer.  It's always sad to see the teddy bear look disappear. On the plus side, the daily brush is easier, and the highlight for Ruby is that both the hairdresser and groomer come with treats. What was even better, last week was that Ruby's favourite delivery man also came with a treat.


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Monday, October 28

Autumn toghtens its grip

It's been more of the same this week We have had a mixed bag of weather again, although not as much rain. Despite this everywhere is wet and soggy. Heavy morning dew coats the grass making everywhere squelchy underfoot.
On top of this, the clocks have been turned back an hour, so the nights are drawing in confusing our body clocks, and cutting short any afternoon activity.
Despite this, we have continued working on the allotment.



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Monday, October 14

Ruby's fourth stamp

Last week we never knew what type of weather we would wake up to, as the weather forecasts changed almost hourly. Most days started gloomy and wet but, on the days that we were lucky, the sun broke through the clouds during the afternoon. On other days the gloom hung around and mist descended.




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The colour of autumn

It was another mixed weather week. We had quite a bit of rain, dull and gloomy, mornings and some bouts of sunshine  At times it was also very cold so layers of clothing were called for 

We managed to complete one or two jobs at the allotment.



NB: Sometimes comments made here rather than on my main blog often are overlooked and languish in a moderation list. Sorry if this happens - I'm honestly not ignoring you

Wednesday, October 9

September in Pictures






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Monday, October 7

Down to the roots

At the allotment, I actually did some planting. We had some small brocolli and cauliflower plants in the greenhouse which we decided to plant out. They are very small and I know it's late to be planting them but there are two chances as to whether or not they grow. The brassicas planted at a more optimum time failed as the roots were eaten.



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Monday, September 30

Do your research!

Autumn is definitely strengthening its grip. The leaves are beginning to turn colour, evenings and mornings are darker and there is a definite chill in the air. We have had some rain but nothing like the downpours being experienced in some parts of the country.



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Monday, September 23

Autumn is pushing in

It's official now - autumn is upon us. Nights are noticeably drawing in and other than the occasional blip, the temperatures are falling. I don't know about you but I feel cheated by the lack of summer.

Some areas have had lots of rainfall but for us it has remained resolutely dry and more often than not gloomy.

The pace of activity at the allotment has slowed although there remains lots of tidying and winter preparatory work to occupy us.




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Monday, September 16

Too Happy?

We have had some rain. Whether it satisfies the needs of the allotment remains to be seen but I very much doubt it. That said every little helps.

We only managed to visit the allotment on Tuesday afternoon when we managed to prepare the bed where we will plant garlic and over-wintering onions.




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Monday, September 9

The rain is teasing us

It was a mixed bag weatherwise last week. There were some summery spells, some cold days, some gloomy days and some drizzly days. Fortunately, the strong winds didn't return. The weather forecast kept threatening or promising - depending on your viewpoint - heavy rain but none of the rain clouds decided to position themselves over our garden or allotment. Maybe they were teaching us a lesson for complaining about all the rain earlier in the year.


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Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Wednesday, September 4

August in pictures

Monday, September 2

More of the same

The allotment doesn't stay full for long. Gradually beds are emptying as crops are harvested.

Our efforts are now focused on clearing beds of remnants of plants and the inevitable weeds. A plot neighbour mentioned that if only some clever person could hybridise the vigour of weeds and their ability to thrive in inhospitable conditions with the plants that we choose to grow, gardening would be so easy, I guess that would mean that we wouldn't have the challenge and the satisfaction of overcoming the obstacles that are placed in our way.


Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, August 26

Battered


Last week our weather threw yet another curved ball.

This time gale force winds hit us, courtesy of storm Lilian. Martyn's weather station recorded the strongest August gusts since he set up his kit fifteen years ago. It couldn't have come at a worse time with the trees in full leaf

After the winds had died down, it was with some trepidation that we set off for the allotment.



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, August 19

Turning Point?

We have reached a turning point as far as the allotment is concerned. Beds are now being emptied and we are squirreling food to last us through winter. We now need some rain to soften the ground so that soil can be dug over. It always gives us a good start in the following growing season if we have some beds ready to plant up. 


Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, August 12

Keeping up woth the harvests

Last week the weather was varied and often we didn't really know how conditions would change throughout the day. Mornings often started dull but gradually the sun made an appearance after having had a lie-in. There was frequently an accompanying breeze so the temperature varied depending on whether we were in shade or sunshine. We had some drizzly rain but nothing that would dampen the soil so we had plenty of watering to do.

Other than watering, jobs on the allotment were weeding, strimming and harvesting. 


Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Wednesday, August 7

July in pictures

Monday, August 5

Dandelion and burdock

Summer finally arrived last week. It was often too hot to spend too much time working on the allotment. Trips were mainly to harvest or water.

Courgettes are stepping up a gear so I am visiting neighbours with armfuls to share. So far they are answering the doors rather than hiding as I approach.




Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, July 29

Weeding, watering and harvesting

Last week on the allotment was in general terms, a repeat of the previous week. The beds are beginning to empty; no sooner have the beds filled up than we start emptying them again. It's also amazing how quickly our sodden soil dries out after a few sunny, warm and dry days. It means that we have to spend time watering. At least we are getting something back from our exorbitant water charge.

When weeding we have to make sure that we don't overlook beds hidden under covers.

Onions are still growing despite some of the tops being blown over in recent gales.



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, July 22

Has summer finally arrived?


At long last summer arrived last week and we enjoyed some sunshine and warmer temperatures. One day it was actually too hot to stay at the allotment. After harvesting a few things and watering tomatoes in the greenhouse we headed home.

We didn't feel the need to do any general watering as we have had plenty of rain recently and last week the showers didn't stay away completely.

Some beds, such as those containing potatoes, are now emptying but elsewhere plants are growing at speed.



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Sunday, July 14

Where is summer?

Times running out. If summer is going to make an appearance this year, it had better get a move on. So far, July has been very wet. We've had heavy rain and thunderstorms which I usually associate with the breakdown of a warm spell. This must be a misconception on my part as we hadn't had any warm temperatures. The rest of the time we have had fine drizzle. The sort that tempts you out and you end up wet before you realise that it is actually raining.

We have managed some time at the allotment. We're now into the stage where keeping things tidy and harvesting is the order of the day.




Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, July 8

Where's the buzz?

The battle with the elements recommenced after the previous week when we were given a taste of what summer should be like. This time our assailant was gale-force winds.

On Friday it was with some trepidation that we headed for the allotment. Our site is fairly exposed and the worst time for strong winds is when trees are in full leaf.


Read more


Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Wednesday, July 3

June in pictures

Monday, July 1

Growth spurt

The weather continues to vacillate. It seems to have become confused as to what season it is, so it keeps trying out different ones, seemingly trying to decide on the best fit.

During the period of summery weather, the plants kicked their heels and sprung into action. This is what they had been waiting for.



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, June 24

Dastardly wood pigeons


We had a taste of summer this week. Jumpers were cast in favour of tee shirts. However, in order not to tempt fate whenever we went out we had a supply of clothing ready for whatever weather we were likely to encounter.

Plants have responded to the improved temperatures and put in a welcome growth spurt.

Last week, I stated that I hoped that, as the first lot of peas had grown taller and were staked, the wood pigeons would leave them alone. I hoped in vain, the wood pigeons persisted in eating the leaves. As a result, we have had to drape netting back over them. A plot neighbour told us that he even caught pigeons stripping the flowers off his peas. We're not sure where we go from here as the peas will end up tangling with the netting. The only option seems to be to build some sort of cage.




Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, June 17

Well behind

Summer is obstinately still refusing to put in more than a fleeting appearance. No activities are planned without consulting various weather radars,  models and forecasts. The problem is that most seem no wiser than we are. The forecasts seem to change quickly and an expected dryish day often turns out to be just the opposite.

Martyn looked back on our harvesting records for last June. The strawberries are on cue but, in just over a week, we should be looking towards harvesting, courgettes, peas and broad beans.

Courgette. plants still have lots of growing to do before they start producing flowers let alone fruit.



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, June 10

Jumpers in June

When we made the flippant comment, "That was probably our summer", after the one summery week in May, we were hoping that it wouldn't turn out to be prophetic. According to weather 'experts' May was the hottest on record. Really? That certainly wasn't our experience. Plants didn't think much of the dull weather either. As for June, so far there hasn't been much improvement. Any sunshine that we have had, has been negated by the cold winds.  It's not tee-shirt weather. We are still in jumpers and fleeces. Plants are growing slowly and being battered by the winds. The phrase 'grass frost' is making our ears prick up. So far that hasn't affected us - whew!

At least the roses seem to acknowledge the fact that it is summer.




Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Wednesday, June 5

May in pictures

Monday, June 3

It's a battlefield

When we first started allotmenting, it seemed to be a more peaceful way to spend time. We planted and, as long as we weeded and watered, things tended to grow. Tomatoes were grown outside but blight never affected them. As plots all around us were head-high with weeds maybe we had a protective barrier.


Whatever the reason, as allotments became more popular and plots filled up pests and diseases moved in.

Read more


Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, May 27

Short and sweet


Our spell of lovely summery weather was short-lived and we are back to dodging the rain.

Despite the weather, we have managed to get on with work on the allotment. In the plot greenhouse, Martyn planted up the tomatoes  There only remains the plants that will live outside at the plot to plant out.



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, May 20

Spring into summer


Last week the sunshine stuck around and we enjoyed summery weather. We seem to have skipped spring and jumped forward into summer. Will it last?

At the allotment, we are even having to water. The soil is still wet below the surface which is fine for potatoes and anything that is fairly well established but the surface is dry so seeds and young plants with shallow roots need a helping hand.

We are a bit concerned about our first sowing of peas. They don't seem to be growing fast enough and the weevils are chomping some shoots into oblivion. The row is very patchy.

As well as general plot maintenance, I also sowed a mixture of annual flowers and picked the first small posy of sweet peas.


 Read more



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, May 13

Carrots, peas and T-shirts

Last week the weather took a rather dramatic turn for the better. The sun shone and the temperatures felt summery. There's nothing more fickle than the weather here in the UK. This week it's just as likely that it will turn wintery.

The hedgerows are now covered in hawthorn or May blossom. The old saying, "Cast not a clout 'til May is out", was very appropriate. The May blossom is out and clouts - or articles of clothing - were duly cast. It was T-shirt weather but just to be on the safe side sweaters were kept close by.

Things were spurred into action at the allotment. The potatoes are growing quickly. All the potatoes have now pushed through the soil. Hopefully, damp conditions below ground with warmth and sunshine above will provide ideal growing conditions. We have to hope that our weather hasn't a sting in its tail and throws a late frost into the mix.




Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Wednesday, May 8

April in pictures

Monday, May 6

A taste of spring

The weather is gradually improving with some spells of sunshine lifting the mood. The rain hasn't totally left the stage and continues to have a co-starring role.

The first potatoes are through so fingers crossed that we don't have a late frost.



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, April 29

Seas of bluebells

Our weather continues to be unsettled so we are having to fit in visits to the allotment and walking with Ruby around whatever the weather throws at us. When it isn't actually raining it is often bitterly cold making it seem more like winter than spring.

We managed a couple of trips to the allotment. Much time was spent weeding and tilling beds that had been too wet earlier. Really, some beds are still rather soggy, but we have to do the best we can as we need to get on with planting.

We sowed two rows of early peas. We sow these thickly into a shallow trench. It's nothing like the recommended way but it works for us and provides us with a good crop. We buy a big bag of seeds so can afford to sow generously and this means there are plenty of seeds to share with any hungry mice. Enivromesh was laid over the bed to deter any animal disturbance. Once the seeds start to shoot this will be removed.



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, April 22

Spring green and blue


Our weather continues to be unsettled. I guess that we should see that as a bonus as now it just rains some of the time.

We have had some hail and rain accompanied by bitingly cold wind. We have had some sunshine but this hasn't meant that the temperature crept up although at times we have been tempted to shed one of our layers of clothing.

At the beginning of the week, the forecast was promising that the weather would improve, but of course, that changed, although the weekend was relatively pleasant.

At least, we have continued to make progress at the allotment. We planted a second bed of onions, shallots and garlic. The shallots were seedlings and so will only each produce one shallot each but last year the individual shallots were huge. Mal informed me that if I replanted a shallot the following year it would produce a cluster. Two of last year's shallots have shooted so I have planted them to see what happens. You may be able to spot these at the end of the far row, they may be too far gone but we'll see what happens.


Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, April 15

Some progress


The weather has continued to tease. Some days have been positively spring-like but dark water-laden clouds suddenly appear in the sky threatening and often delivering more rain.

We made the most of the rain-free periods to work on the plot and in the garden as well as fitting in Ruby's walks.

One job was to plant more potatoes. One of our favourite potatoes is Elfe. For the last couple of years, we haven't been able to source any seed potatoes so last year we planted some of the ones we had stored over winter. We did wonder whether they would produce a harvest and it turned out that we had a better harvest from them than most of the other varieties planted. As a result, we will be planting our stored Elfe again. Last week we planted a couple of short rows.



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, April 8

A start to planting

We did have some glimpses of spring last week. Unfortunately, the rain hasn't completely given up the assault. Just when we feel as if there may be a chance for the soil to dry out a little, another downpour takes us back to square one. On part of the allotment, the paths are even more squelchy, so much so that we are trying to avoid walking on them. The rain doesn't even come as short showers, some days it lasts most of the night. As if that wasn't bad enough we have been battered by strong winds. Looking on the bright side at least the winds should help dry the soil a little, hopefully at least to the point where any weeding that we attempt isn't accompanied by a slurping soundtrack.

Despite the weather, we really did need to start planting. Onion sets were in danger of spoiling, one variety had, in fact, started to grow. The ones grown from seed were outgrowing the cells that they were sown in.

As usual, we plant onion sets and seedlings in shallow trenches filled with multipurpose compost. Fortunately, the bed planned for the onions was prepared last autumn and had been covered with weed-control fabric. It was also relatively workable.


 



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Wednesday, April 3

March in Pictures

Monday, April 1

Daffodils and blossom

Saturday was a lovely day. The sun shone, it was warm enough to be at the allotment without multiple layers of clothes and it didn't even rain.

Earlier in the week, Martyn tilled the long bed that was due to rehome some raspberry canes.

Other raspberries will be moved but we are leaving them in position until after they have fruited.


Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, March 25

A battle between the wind and the sun

Our weather continues to set us a challenge. We have had glimpses of brightness but these are usually accompanied by strong, bitterly cold winds. It's reminiscent of the Aesop's fable which tells the argument between the wind and the sun. As far as we are concerned the wind is winning,

At the allotment, we had an increasingly huge pile of debris that was due to be burned in November, The wet weather put paid to that plan and the pile continued to grow. Last week after a couple of dryish days and the threat that more wet weather was forecast, we decided to try to have a fire. 



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, March 18

Give me sunshine

Last week, we did have some sunshine but, most days, it tended to be in the morning and by the afternoon it had clouded over and sometimes given way to drizzle or rain. It was also quite cold.

We still managed our weekly long walks with Ruby and, at the weekend, we had a couple of afternoons at the allotment. We continued tidying which didn't provide many photo opportunities. All the grass paths were strimmed and are looking much neater.

We have a couple of gooseberry plants which are trained onto a support. I spent one afternoon trimming them. I know that I haven't pruned them correctly but this doesn't seem to affect fruiting and that is what really matters.




Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Wednesday, March 13

February in Pictures

Monday, March 11

Nature into spring mode

We had glimpses of better weather last week but also had days that were predominantly gloomy and drizzly.

The number of bright, dry days needs to increase if our soil is going to be fit for working. Maybe I'll look back on this time in summer when we are lugging watering cans or maybe we will still be waiting for things to dry out. Who knows what our weather will bring? Weather forecasts seem to change by the hour so it is difficult to make any definite plans.



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, March 4

More of the same

We have tiptoed into meteological spring but nothing has changed as far as the weather is concerned. It's still very wet and at times also very cold.

See Martyn's blog for more details on the weather

Two afternoons saw us venturing to the allotment. On the first afternoon, the work that was more or less the same as on our previous visit. Martyn emptied another compost bay

I concentrated on a raspberry bed. This bed was planted a few years ago. We planted several varieties but only two grew to produce a berry harvest. The row is planted through weed control fabric but we are going to remove the strip along the front so that we can improve the soil. The canes that I dug up the week before will be planted here and we will probably plant some annual flowers - maybe calendula - along the front.

Read more



Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett

Monday, February 26

Webbed feet anyone?

The rain doesn't let up. When it isn't actually raining and the sun makes an appearance there is little warmth, in fact, we have had some frosty mornings despite the lovely blue, sunny sky.  Martyn's blog gives more details about the weather.



The conditions are such that the sodden ground isn't likely to become dry enough for gardening any time soon. Last February's blog post shows Martyn was tilling the beds to get them ready for planting.

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Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett