Well we waited for long enough didn't we? The last day of April was just the sort of day for putting in another afternoon on the plot!
It would have been improved if the soil hadn't been quite as soggy as it was in parts but I don't suppose we can have everything! The grass paths had certainly loved the cool moist conditions and grown very long and the dandelions that decorate them had also relished the recent weather. So whilst Martyn set to with the strimmer, I managed at last to plant up our second strawberry bed. We couldn't really spare as much space for this second unplanned bed so, although this second bed has as many plants as the one planted last year, the plants have been planted closer together. This year I really must, must, must refrain from rooting any runners, otherwise we will look like one of those pick your own growers!
You can see how lumpy the soil is now. Unfortunately I had to stand on the soil to plant which didn't help matters. I added fish blood and bonemeal to give the plants a good start but they definitely didn't need to be watered in!
Down the right and left edges of the bed are borders of alpine strawberries that were already planted there.
The early Marshmarvel strawberries planted last year already have flowers but I'm not holding my breath and expecting any fruit. The frosts predicted for this week will no doubt blackened the centres of the flowers and put paid to any possible early fruit. If the plants were in the garden I could give them some overnight protection but on the plot they really have to fend for themselves.
I might have known that the frosts would descend as the kiwis are leafing up and so far for as long as we have grown them the leaves have been knocked back by frost.
I wonder whether this year the male plant will make an effort to produce some pollen laden flowers so that we have a small chance of fruit!
Whilst I was busy planting and weeding, besides being on grass cutting duty, Martyn also managed to sow parsnip seeds. This was well overdue and now all we need is a bit of warmth to germinate them.
We even managed to sit outside the shed and enjoy a coffee and a chat with one of our plot neighbours.
There's still lots more to catch up with so come on May - give us a break!
I've a completed April diary entry with lots of photos on my website here
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