Friday 23 February 2018

Quick mid-week allotment attack

Andrew usually gets home from work after dark and at the weekends, as you know, we are hiking and then recovering and doing house stuff. Naively we always hope we'll get good weather for more than one weekend afternoon but this has yet to happen. So all this has lead to a slightly neglected plot. But *insert triumphant laugh here* no more my friends...

plot 24a - Carrie Gault 2018

This week we were very lucky that Andrew could make it home a little bit earlier on Wednesday and we used the time to attack the plot. 40 mins of furious weeding and covering a bed in black weed suppressing membrane, tackling some of the paths, lifting produce and buying our new rhubarb crowns = an overwhelming feeling of success. So much so that as the sun disappeared we could be found in a local cafe with a coffee and a bun to celebrate getting stuff done.

new rhubarb for plot 24a - Carrie Gault 2018

Rhubarb
There wasn't time to move any of our rhubarb from the other plot (14b) that we gave up last year, sad times as whatever variety is was, it was thriving. This time round we have 2 varieties and we know their names, so we can be geeks and test out which one gives a better yield, ha ha; science.

 * Glaskins Perpetual  -  Sadly I can't find any information about Glaskins on the RHS website, anyone out there got it? Is it fabulous? I forgot to bring the plant tag home with me so I can't even read what the supplier says about it.

 * Victoria - Is mentioned on the RHS rhubarb page, phew. The information reads - 'Late, cardinal red stalks with flecking at top. Red flesh tinged green. Very thick stalks. Popular old variety.' 

Let's just hope that in time they give us lots of lovely rhubarb for crumbles and compotes and to share with loved ones - that's what it's really all about, right?

Beetroots
I also lifted all the remaining beetroots (boltardy) and brought them home, yummy! Obviously this photo is not 'in the field' as it were but today, when I thoroughly washed them. In the process of which I found two, yes 2 New Zealand Flatworms getting intimate, argh. Andrew 'dealt' with them quickly and let's just say, they are no more.

We also still have a huge supply of leeks in the ground.

Beetroot from plot 24a - Carrie Gault 2018

So here's the 'after' photo and I look forward to clearing all the other beds. It's beginning to feel a bit Spring-y here (dare I say it) and we're starting to think about what seeds we need and where everything will grow this year. Walking around the field just a little we saw that many of the abandoned plots have been taken over and people have started to lay down plastic (including the one next door). Though it's sad to see some people we really liked give up, we welcome the newcomers and hope they know what they're in for!

plot 24a - Carrie Gault 2018


sunset at plot 24a - Carrie Gault 2018

Hugs
Carrie xx

9 comments:

  1. The plot looks good after it's 40 minute make over :) have a look here for your rhubarb ... https://www.quickcrop.co.uk/blog/our-favourite-rhubarb-varieties/

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  2. Ohh thank you, I shall give it a read.

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  3. Well done for making the most of an hour like that. Google the rhubarb names and you'll find lots of information about them. You're doing well with the beetroot and leeks by the look and sound of it.
    Take care, keep warm and hugs. xx

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    1. I have googled the rhubarb lots but don't really like citing anyone but the RHS for my blog - to me they hold the bible of plant information. Hoping to go back today and weed and cover more, maybe get those rhubarbs in the ground - eek! xx

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  4. Days of allotment type weather coinciding to days when we can get to the plot are at a premium for us. Your plot is looking great and good luck with the neighbours.

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    1. So you know how we feel, it's a wee bit frustrating isn't it. Thank you for saying it looks good, it's in need of a face lift but the bones are good. Wonder who our neighbours are?? xx

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  5. Hello Carrie girl ! .. you guys did an amazing job in 40 minutes .. the plot is looking VERY good and wow ! you guys are really getting organized with the projects. It went up to 8 today and we have just a tiny taste of Spring to tease us with ... we KNOW more snow is to come but I am day dreaming right now of the garden LOL ... well done you !

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  6. Delighted to hear you doing so well

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  7. Oh, I do sympathise with the no-time-for-gardening thing! But I rejoice with you for the mad weeding session and dreams and plans to put in place. And hope that you get great plot neighbors!

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