Monday 10 June 2013

Glad to grow comfrey

I planted a row of comfrey seeds at the lottie last year, mainly as I'd heard that the leaves are a good compost activator.
I'm so glad I did. They are beautiful plants, covered in deep purple flowers. The bees seem to enjoy them too.
Some of these may be finding their way into the garden...

Monday 20 May 2013

Note to self

Just past the rhubarb on the left hand side...this is where I sowed the last of the broad beans. As usual I forgot to bring plant labels. Clearly having another half-baked day! Perhaps this photo will help me remember.
I was doing so well otherwise...I remembered to return two honey jars for recycling and money for a new jar; I looked for and found the gardening glove I lost last time I was at the lottie (the story of my life); and I even remembered to leave in time to pick the girls up at 3.30 (just)!
Clearly it was only a matter of time before I had the next senior moment, and I didn't have to wait long...

Thursday 16 May 2013

The comfrey is back

The comfrey in the foreground has just about doubled is size in a fortnight, and is now covered in flowers.
It disappeared entirely over winter and whilst I was hopeful it would re-emerge, I wasn't convinced. I carefully marked each spot with a plant label to ensure I didn't hoe anything which appeared in spring into oblivion, and it worked. Here they are!
Great for compost, and the bees seem to like the flowers too.

May growth

There's been an amazing amount of growth in the past couple of weeks. This photo was early May, and it all looks a bit sparse. Since then all 3 rows of tates have broken through and are earthed up, the onions and garlic are swelling, and the PSB and rhubarb have gone mad. A current photo will follow in the next post.

Out with the old.

Time to clear the PSB which has now gone to seed. We've had masses this year. Will be eating the last of it for supper tonight.

Started clearing it out this morning. It has been lovely after heavy rain earlier in the week. Soil much more workable than it was last week, when it was like trying to chip away at concrete. Lesson learned: chill out and wait for conditions to turn in your favour.

When I have finished broad beans will go in their place. A bit late but never mind. Also planted today: borlotti and dwarf French beans.

Sunday 28 April 2013

Purple Sprouting Broccoli time!

My allotment blog didn't get much attention last year as it was starting to feel a bit repetitive, and I had less time for blogging. Today, however, there is something worth reporting.... it's Purple Sprouting Broccoli time!
Purple Sprouting Broccoli, or PSB as it is known in our house, was one of my most successful crops in the first year of the allotment. But every year since then there has been a problem with it resulting in no crop. I told last year's seedlings that this was their last chance, and it seems to have done the trick!
The fridge is full of it. Leeks too as I also lifted the last of these. I had PSB spears with fried egg & chorizo for lunch, listening to birds singing. Would have had a glass of red too but I have to drive to the dentist later, more's the pity. More PSB for supper though so there's a chance to make up for that later.

Sent from my iPhone

Lincolnshire Sky

Lincolnshire Sky