Clairesallotment's Blog

What a lovely weekend it’s been. I spent most of this afternoon in the greenhouse sowing yet more seeds. Today a planted a variety of Courgettes and Squashes some I’ve never grown before, so that’ll be interesting to see how they turn out. Some Sprouting Broccoli, normal and baby Sweetcorn, Butternut Squash, Coriander and Okra, which I’m starting on the window sill and then transferring to the greenhouse when it’s much warmer. I’ve also been having a sort out of various other plants that needed to be potted on. The 12 Atlantic Giant Pumpkin seeds that I sowed a while back are growing well, so far 8 have popped through. I hope the others don’t grow as I haven’t a clue where they’ll go. I’m sure I’ll find space though.

What a lovely way to spend my birthday. It’s a beautiful day today, blue sky with a little cloud, perfect for going to the allotment. I was down there for nearly 3 hours this morning. Would have spent longer there, but I got very hungry. I’ve planted all my seed potatoes, and in the process managed to break my long handled bulb planter. I sowed a few more Radish, all my Parsnips and all my Spring Onions. Whilst digging over the soil to plant some potatoes I found 4 more Parsnips from last year that I missed, so they’ve come home and I expect George and I’ll have them this Sunday with the roast. Apparently the rest of the week is supposed to be lovely as well, so I’ll be there again to finish off what I couldn’t get done today.

I’m determined to grow at least one huge Atlantic Giant Pumpkins this year. I started them off today putting 1 seed in a 3 inch pot. I’ve got 12 seeds in the packet so the odds on having a few plants is quite high. I’ve put them in multi purpose compost and they’re on the kitchen window sill. The window faces SW so loads of sun all day. I’ll keep you posted on how they’re growing. Beautiful day again today, woke up to frost though, but that’s a small price to pay for a lovely sunny day.

What a beautiful day it was today. Blue sky and sun all day. Woke up to frost this morning and will again tomorrow, but that’s a small price to pay for a wonderful sunny day. Made a film about Elephant Garlic today, goodness the cloves are huge.

Yes I know it’s 2 blogs in 1 day, but I’ve been very busy this afternoon. I’ve spent most of the afternoon in the greenhouse pricking out some tomatoes that are ready to go into 3 inch pots. They’re growing very well, and are just large enough to move onto the next stage. I also re-potted a load of sweet peas. I love sweet peas don’t you? Maybe you don’t, but I think they look beautiful. Especially when they fall over the edges of hanging baskets, and they attract bumble bees which must be a good thing as they’re slowly decreasing in numbers. Also my sister planted a whole packet of cauliflowers and pricked out what she needed and gave the rest to me. I’ve pricked out about 40 odd, and have now passed them onto a friend. They’ll do the rounds until they’re all gone. My sister and I tend to do this with left over plants. Sibling sharing, must remind my kids that it’s a good thing. Typing is hard as my fingers are cold from being outside, must warm them up with a cup of tea.

Just watched the new TV programme. Mark did laugh when I mentioned about the toilet rolls. Thanks to everyone for everything they did for it, especially Sean. Hope you all enjoy it. We’ve recorded it on the sky box so my parents can see it when they come over in a weeks time.

Just come in from sowing some Jumbley Tomato seeds. They were sent to my from the very lovely people at Victoriana Nursery Gardens. They sent me some last year and they grew beautifully. It’s not a specific type of tomato, just a mixture of various ones, so you don’t know exactly which ones you’ve grown until they fruit. I like surprises like that, don’t you? Had a quick look at the other bits in the greenhouse and they’re growing well. I’ll get in there tomorrow to have a sort out. After I’ve watched the new gardening programme of course.

Just made a little film about something very exciting happening this Sunday (6th March). I’m not going to tell you any more you’ll have to wait for Mark to edit the film, which hopefully he’ll be able to do very soon.