15 February 2009 - Picture special!

This weekend most of the snow was gone, but many of our neighbouring plots downhill were still waterlogged.


A few final touches were made to the new bed (now known as Bed 7), almost all of which has been constructed from a former chest of drawers.




Also completed were two sets of trenches in Bed 6 (pictured) and Bed 5, filled with kitchen compost, for the summer's peas and beans.


Unfortunately, the alleged sprouting broccoli - uncovered last weekend to prevent snowdrifts weighing down the netting and crushing them - have been feasted upon, presumably by pigeons.


The seedbed in the Fruitcage welcomed sowings of Broccoli Sprouting (Calabrese) Green Magic F1, Leek Autumn Giant 3 Albana and Carrot Amsterdam Forcing 3.

8 Feb 2009 - Brrrrrrrr

Very quick blog. Just wanted to record before I forgot that we planted 32 shallots variety Pikant. Also N finished constructing the carrot bed. Autumn raspberries now cut down and purple sprouting broccoli beginning to show purple bits. Very cold and snow covered. Snow and rain and ice all previous week.

(N adds: The good news is that although there are rabbit tracks aplenty over the allotment, there are none within the confines of our plot.)

2 February 2009 - Snow long

England is once more paralysed by snow. Granted, it is 4-5 inches, but get over it. (KS note: N originates from Canada where snow is a far more regular and copious event.)

Up first thing to the plot, mindful that the last time we had heavy snowfall quite a few fruit cages and other structures crumpled.

To my lasting relief, the Fruit Cage stands proud. (The key is in the design.) Who knows how the leeks, kale, cabbage and any of the plantings that have been brave enough to peek through the earth will have fared.

31 January 2009 – Enough shed

Up to the allotment to help our neighbour ladies shift their shed and greenhouse. The working party, as well as the chatting party, were rewarded with tasty sausage and bacon rolls. We are sad to lose neighbours who have been such good friends, but pleased that they are settled where they are less vulnerable.

Now, a quick picture tour of our allotment (that K gets around, doesn't she):