FRIDAY 17^TH FEBRUARY

I’ve had a really productive week, made easier by the lovely weather we’ve had. Been up to allotment quite a bit and managed to completely finish off six of the ten beds. I’ve dug over (again!) all six and marked out the centre and side paths. I’ve “hoed” all the six beds so the soil is lovely and fine.

In the top bed I moved my six “Baldwin” Blackcurrant bushes and then moved and planted five rows of autumn fruiting raspberries. Fortunately we’ve still got plenty of manure in a pile, with kind regards from our farmer, so with my wheelbarrow, which I’ve just recently taken up there (that really made life easier… last year I carried it in a trug and nearly broke my back!). I’m hoping all of them will fare well and produce a nice little harvest.

In the other five beds there are just the remains of my Cavolo de Nero Kale and a bit of curly kale. Both have been amazing producers and I’ve used them in so many ways. I’ve picked some Cavolo tonight to add to a curry I’m making. Both kales are at their end and I will need to remove them soon. I’ve also managed to freeze it really well, and will do more of that this year.

The only other veg left in is some chard and spinach, again been harvesting all the way through the winter. They will have to come out soon as they are looking a bit ragged and I’ll plant some new. One of the things that I need to improve upon this year and with that in mind I’ve been reading a fab book called “Winter Vegetables” by Charles Dowding. It guides you through the process of planning for winter so that you do not have a gap in production, as I have now. One of the things that I need to think about is that most of the winter vegetable will be planted in August, so with that in mind I need to ensure that I earmark space to do that. Think will need to have another look at the plan as reading this has book is bringing things to light I hadn’t really thought of.

So I’ve got four beds left to sort out. I’ve already dug them over but I need to go over with a hoe. In one bed I planted before Xmas lots of rows of strawberry plants. I had planted them too close last year so I’ve re-spaced them, which I think they can only benefit from. I had a great strawberry harvest last year, which was enjoyed by all the family. Of course once you have strawberry plants you’ll never want for more plants as they produce loads of runners. I gave quite a few plants to my neighbours! Not sure what variety they are as they were given to me by a friend. So weather permitting I’ll finish off the last beds so that I’m ready for planting. March is going to be hectic in the greenhouse so I need to be ready.

Yesterday I topped up all the raised beds and my new herb section with my homemade compost. I literally spread it on the top. I’ve never seen so many worms! They’ll start working on it. So they are ready to go as well. I bought a small rosemary and thyme plant which I’ll plant over the weekend. I’ve already got a few sections of parsley which is growing beautifully at the moment I’ve already picked quite a few handfuls for cooking. I’ve found with herbs the more you cut them for cooking, the more they keep coming. I’ll need to make a little plan of what I’m growing to grow and where. I’ve got a great book by Jekka McVicar, who is an authority on herbs. I’ll consult that too.

In the greenhouse, the garlic I planted a few weeks ago is looking really good. I planted them in biodegradable pots so they’ll be able to be planted straight in the ground once I’ve hardened them off.

The leeks I’ve pricked out and transplanted into cells and likewise they are coming on really well. The sweet peas in the rootrainers I had in the conservatory but I was a bit concerned they were getting a bit “leggy”, so I’ve moved them and the other sweet peas into the greenhouse. I’ve planted the others in ordinary pots.

About a week ago I planted two trays of Broad beans. I’ve grown broad beans for three years now but in the first and second year the harsh winters wiped them out from the autumn sowing, so last year I planted them in pots at the end of March when I acquired the allotment and planted out in April. I had the most fantastic crop ever after two failed years! This year I’m a little ahead of myself so they’re in. The winter hasn’t been so harsh this year and those on the allotment who planted in the autumn seem to be faring well.

Changing the subject slightly but very much related, I’ve been watching Sarah Raven’s Television series Bees, Butterflies and Blooms. There have been two episodes to date, with the final one next week. She is championing a subject that is very much close to my heart. She is trying to get us all to think more about the types of plants we put in our gardens, with the purpose of attracting more bees and insects into our gardens. The bee population is seriously threatened due to a decline in bee friendly nectar rich plants. She has undertaken a nationwide campaign to promote the topic.

With this very thought I redesigned the whole of my back border in my garden at home about five years ago. It was a very established deep shrub border. I removed the whole thing and instead and planted up two beautiful borders one with pinks, lilacs and white and the other in contrasting oranges, reds and yellows. They were initially predominately perennials but in the last two years I’ve grown half -hardy and hardy annuals from seed. It is indeed a labour of love as it takes a lot of hard work, but the rewards have been many, mainly the bee and insect population has been increased amazingly along with the beautiful flower show. For me it has been worthwhile and although I may curse sometimes that “Why can’t I take the easy option”, I would still do it again.

In addition about five years ago I decided not use any chemicals in my garden or raised beds. I’ve attempted to encourage more birds into the garden and over a period of time nature seems to take care of itself. I have all sorts of birds and especially love the finches that visit.

With this also in mind I’m going to dedicate a whole bed at the allotment to flowers to encourage the bees and the vegetables can only but benefit in the process. I’ll also benefit by having plenty of cut flowers to fill up my vases in the house.

Let’s hope the weather stays nice, as I’ve also started cutting back my perennials. If not I’ll be in the greenhouse planting seeds. Happy gardening!