28 July 2007 - Good fences; good neighbours

The corner plot beside us - one of the few remaining available plots - has been snatched up. Hence we have new neighbours, Jan & Pat, who we met when we ambled up early afternoon. Very friendly, and we shared tools and advice. Once more struck by the casual friendliness of local people.

They had already dug a trench for our shared boundary and generously agreed that should be that - which means that at least one side of the plot is now fenced. This shamed Nicholas into making a start on our fence, which remains the one thing we can do which will make a considerable difference to who gets to eat our produce (ie us or the rabbits). He completed the trench for our western boundary. Interestingly (although not for our readers, obviously), the soil down there is clay-ey and stone-free, unlike the upper reaches, which is a nightmare of stones and pebbles. Incidentally, the apparent curve in my trench is an optical illusion. There's also a video.

Kim got busy with our new manual mower (from The Argos £29.99), keeping the undergrowth under control. We also brought up our rotating composter thingy from the house, full of good kitchen compost, and put it in a disused compost bin from the back of the garden. We had of course to take the rotating composter thingy back afterwards to keep the Karmic Cycle going. We'll be digging that into the beds during the autumn.

Rabbit droppings on the tarpaulin taunt us. Also scant progress on the seedling front, except for the peas and we think we can see some speedy leeks coming up. A few carrots have shown their tops. The line of raddichio seedlings observed last week has completely disappeared. This makes us think that we need to do more to condition our soil. Celery continue to thrive and something is eating the potatoes.

We stop by the much-admired next-but-one plot, which is still thriving. It's their first year (they got the top layer of grass taken off from their plot), and much discussion ensues - with a guest appearance by Mr and Sue Getly - about the September produce show. There's a novice category. Our most likely entry is the pumpkin on our compost pile. Its leaves now stretch around eight feet, with one bright yellow pumpkin waiting to burst into action. Many other flowers, none of which have yet produce budding pumpkins. Apparently we have to nip these off so that the pumpkin's energy goes into one or two fruits.

Over a delightful hummus and pita lunch, we pondered priotiries for next year, based on things we like to eat. Postive consensus on courgettes, corn, potatoes, onions, carrots, raspberries, broccoli, peas, leeks. Also easy things like radishes. Mixed views on beans and lettuce. Need Gantt chart. Also need to prepare the soil properly over the autumn.

Harvest: several radishes.

Injuries: small blister on N's left ankle.

Took 'panoramic' shots from the potato bed, so you know what their perspective on the world is.

Home, to be greeted by our (house) Neighbours, celebrating a birthday and bearing sparkling wine. A fine end to an afternoon at the plot.