Clairesallotment's Blog

Another hot day today (I’m not complaining). Planted out my dwarf french beans today. When I opened the packets they all had a mouldy film across them, I had 3 packets and only 6 plants germinated. I keep all my seed packets exactly the same way every year, in an old shoe box on the kitchen shelf. Never mind. Planted more tomatoes and made sure I watered in well. If you want to put some flowers on the plot I suggest Foxgloves. They last for several years and attract bumble bees. I love them.

Very hot up there today, so lots of drinking water was needed. Sorting out the last few bits to plant that were left from the fair. Put in the last of the nasturtiums and leeks (not much room to plant these as I’m supposed to, so planted 5 together in a large hole. Hopefully they’ll be ok). I know I said I’d never plant tomatoes outside this year, as the last few years they’ve all got blight. But, I’ve got so many and can’t fit them all in the greenhouse. Hopefully the weather will be kind this year, and blight will be kept at bay. Fingers crossed. This afternoon I did 2 more films, potting up cape gooseberries and strawberries. Hopefully they’ll be up next week. Also harvested the first of the mangetout. Very yummy, I had to try 1 just to make sure they were good and then another just incase.

Went up the allotment today, haven’t been up their for 10 days, getting withdrawal symptoms. Everything’s growing well. Planted a few nasturtiums (to keep the bees happy), a few boccoli, and kohl rabi that were left from the school summer fair plant sale. Was only able to be there for 1 and a half hours as I had to work this afternoon. The weeds are also growing well, so we all must make sure we keep on top of those. Can’t wait to go again tomorrow. Had a great time at Gardener’s World, make sure you watch the video.
Happy gardening,
Claire

Didn’t go to the allotment today because of the weather, but sorted more plants for the Summer Fair.
I’m going to Gardeners World Live at the Birmingham NEC on Wednesday 16th June, so if you’re there and you see me come and say “Hi”. I’d love to put faces to those who comment on my You Tube site. I’ll be wondering round the Good Food Show as well nibbling at lots of samples.

Up the allotment for another 2 hours today. Rain held off this morning, but I took my waterproof just incase. Planted the rest of the runner beans, those that were too small at the beginning of June. Weeding is much easier at the moment because of all the rain, but the soil is still so dry. Took some new photos to put on the home page of the blog. Mark and I’ll decide which is the best one. Made 2 more films today, planting out Kohl Rabi and Fennel. Hopefully they’ll be up next week. This afternoon I sorted more plants out for the school Summer Fair. Another busy day, don’t know if I’ll be able to get to the allotment tomorrow the weather looks awful.

No worries of showers this morning, bit cloudy and I took my waterproof just in case. Planted more leeks, (still got more to put in), I’m sure I’ll find somewhere for them. Also planted 20 Early Sprouting Broccoli. Took some photos to put on the blog. I’ll have to get Mark to put these on for me, too technical for me. Spent the afternoon in the greenhouse at home sorting out plants for the school’s Summer Fair. The rain poured down, so I hid in the greenhouse and closed the door. Very snug and cosy. I love my greenhouse.

Managed to dodge the really hard down pours today. The allotment’s coming on very well, the beds are filling up nicely. Today I planted Kohl Rabi, Fennel and Rainbow Cauliflowers. Make sure you net them otherwise the birds will have a feast. When I got to the allotment I was the only one there, then 2 others turned up, only the most hardy of gardeners turned up.

Had about 1 and a half hours up the allotment today between bellringing and going out for the day. Got lots done in a short time. Planted pumpkins in tyres, lolla rossa lettuce and rocket in clumps, a few peas that I planted in the cardboard packaging for Mark’s ipad, and half of the leeks. Everything is growing really well. I was very pleased to see the jerusalem artichokes coming up. Ground was very dry even though we had quite a lot of rain during the night.

Potted up all my tomatoes. Why did I plant so many? 6 different varieties about 200 plants in all – Orange Berry, Costoluto, Red Pear, San Marzano. Ildi, Tigerella, Purple Calabash and Jumbley (mixture on various ones). Let’s hope they grow well and I’ll have a loads of colourful toms. I’ll let you know how they get on.
Happy gardening,

Claire’s allotment

I spent all of this afternoon in the greenhouse potting up plants. Some have got really quite large. The tomatoes are brilliant this year (long may they last and not get blight). I’ve got 1 tray so far of bits to go down the allotment next time I’m there. Hopefully I’ll be there on Sunday morning before we go out. Green courgettes are fine this year, but none of my squashes or yellow courgettes have come up. Was it a bad packet or the weather? Brassicas are looking great, so loads of broccoli and cauliflower this year. I planted a few more pumpkin seeds, not too late if you get them in now.
Happy gardening,

Claire’s allotment