2009 is here!!!!

Well 2008 was a bit of a write-off - almost.

The courgettes and squashes did badly and it was pretty cool and damp - just aweful.

So here we are again - a new year with new hope!

p.s. I didn't get such great brussel sprouts.

Sorry for not posting

Yes I can see what date it is - but really- nothing has been happening this summer - the weather was terrible (cold and gloomy).

The courgettes didn't grow much and most things bolted. But looks like I might have some decent brussel sprouts!

Here's a pic of the new layout - been building (again)!

Back from holiday!

Sorry for not posting for a while have been otherwise distracted (sorry lotty). Anways, the weather has been rubbish - prob the worst weather for a decade (IMHO). It has been hovering near late teens but nothing too hot - which is very poor for growing.

The cold plays havoc with my caulis!

Seems the cool / bordering on cold (yes heating has been on a couple of times) - this has caused many plants to bolt - esp. the caulis - they were getting nice round heads, but now they have turned into bolted flower heads.

Bloody slugs and snails

And to add insult to injury - all the snails and slugs are having a rare old time - munch everything in sight!!

Oh well - I must say my peas and broad bean have been a good harvest so far - so not all bad

Will post photos at the weekend - happy days.

Rainy, humid but nearly there!

Well it's the end of June - but tell the weather that - it's been cool/cold at night - fairly rainy and warm(ish) during the day. Anyway - I have cropped a bolting cauliflower and spinach - also some first strawberries and raspberries - all nearly there - including the peas and beans!

Here are some photos to enjoy:

What's with the weather?

Summer has not appeared this week - so everything is a bit - well flat. Take today for example, it was only 12 degrees - rubbish - and the overnight temp a pants 8 degrees. Oh well - at least there is a lot of rain. Oh - and it is windy!!! Very windy!!! Will post more photos asap - when something is ready to crop.

Allotments VS The Olympics

Thought i would post this - very interesting and concerning

Potatoes & Spinach a-go-go!

Have been busy digging up my spuds this weekend - yes I know a bit early - but I wanted some new potatoes and I needed to take the space over for my courgettes. The broad beans are going next - for my pumpkins.

Anyway - the spuds are lovely and extremely tasty. Think I will have to improve the soil a lot more next year as the soil is still quite poor and dry. I do have some main crops, which I am growing in pots in my back yard - much better soil you see.

I also cropped lots of spinach and rocket - I boiled this down to make Aloo Sag - basically fried onion, olive oil, butter and a bit of cheese. Absolutely delicious!!!

Anyway - the weather is cool again - around 18 degress max - but sunny with some rain. The beans and peas are doing well - and the next crop to come through is peas and broad beans - I should get a glut there!!

The salad crops are going well - with the exception of radishes (they have been rubbish this year) - but have had round lettuce and spring onions. Very good!

Will keep you posted with photos very soon - have been very busy lately - but will be posting at least weekly. Laters!

New Updates

Apologies for the lack of posting - have had a busy time recenty. Anyway - it has been very warm - about 25 degrees, sunny and with some rain. Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure:

And then the rain came down

Had some really soggy days over the last week - which is a blessing. No more endless watering. Need to post some new picks cos everything is getting nice and green.
Weather last 24 hrs (where has summer gone?)
Max = 13.6 ℃ Min = 9.7℃

Let's do the rain dance

This is getting silly - no rain for ages - oh well it's not as bad as last year (finger's crossed). Have picked my first crop - a nice batch of Pak Choi - see photo.

Weather last 24 hrs (not bad but not blazin')
Max = 18.3 ℃ Min = 11.4℃