Allotment Sue
Latest Blog - Monday 20th May
Well, so far last week’s weather has allowed plenty of opportunities in the garden and the plot and I’ve tried as much as I can to maximise that. At the moment there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I’m away on holiday in two weeks and I want to get as much as possible planted up at the plot. I’m trying to get it as weed free as possible so that when I come back I won’t have to spend all my time weeding.
Anyway after weeks of sowing, digging and planting I’m now starting to get a harvest. My salad leaves and lettuces are coming on beautifully. The leaves are really large and healthy looking and taste great. Spacing them out in the raised bed has given them space to grow and they are flourishing. We’ve had quite a lot of salads and the radishes are now ready as well. 
In addition to my raised beds I planted up son’s metal lampshade which became redundant when we decorated. I thought it would be perfect as it obviously had a hole for the light. I put some crocks in the bottom and compost and I was away. It just by the back door so it’s really handy to grab some leaves when making a sandwich. I think it looks great.
When I start harvesting a few things it feels really worthwhile and above all it definitely tastes better than buying shop bought. I’ve grown salad for many years and it’s so easy. I’ve grown it in many different containers, there are no boundaries and it looks great in the garden. If you only grow one thing grow salad leaves, they are so easy and reward well in a short time and much cheaper!
My wildflower meadow is starting to come alive. Rightly or wrongly I spent quite a while weeding out an abundance of grass to give the seedlings a chance. There’s plenty of activity there. I’m unsure how it will pan out as it’s my second year and it’s all new to me but there does seem to be life. I think it just needs a bit of sunshine and it will take off. Last year it was a real delight and I’m hoping it will be this year too.
Up at the plot I’ve planted a whole bed of brassicas. I’ve got cauliflower, red cabbage and numerous varieties of cabbage. Last year I underestimated how much veg we eat and combined with a high percentage of loss due to the bad weather I didn’t have enough, so I’ve upped the numbers this year. My peas are also in along with the hazel canes to support them.
Everything is still on my patio hardening enough so it’s pretty much ready to go. It’s just working through it and getting it in.
Of course there is a huge distraction this week in “Chelsea”! I love watching it on the telly and record everything. The coverage is always excellent and well presented. It’s going to be a busy week again but hopefully I can put my feet up and watch some!