tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17680660890077887922024-03-13T03:03:59.394+00:0094a - The O'Kill AllotmentDigging for Victory...One man, one plot and lots of ideas.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-70895558985211701112012-06-10T11:45:00.001+01:002012-06-10T11:45:32.905+01:002012 and Strawberries already.........It has been some time since I last had a chance to update my blog. To be fair I tend to post photos and short info on facebook and/or twitter, but for those of you not on them, here's a few photo's of the allotment.<br />
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Lots and lots of fruit coming and I've just had to cover some of the strawberries as they are already starting to ripen. First lot brought home yesterday. I have more netting to put up and that will be a job for the coming week or so.<br />
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The tomato and sweetcorn are settling in and the potatoes are coming through. In addition, the recent purchase of a battery powered strimmer is proving really useful in keeping the grass and weeds down a bit. Well, here are some of the photo's, so see what you think..........<br />
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The netting on the strawberries and strimmed path....<br />
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First batch of strawberries....delicious !!!!!<br />
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Potatoes, tomatoes & sweetcorn around the kids wigwam tent they made.....<br />
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More potatoes and strawberries, with the raspberries in front of the shed. Note the strimmed path!<br />
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Dug, cleared and ready for some planting.........<br />
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A close up of the sweetcorn and tent...might be fun when they grow as I left a little path for the kids to get into it......this was taken a week or two ago.<br />
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OK, that's just about it. I will keep you posted as the Summer progresses!!</div>Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-43890350466512389322011-12-08T14:18:00.005+00:002011-12-08T14:49:02.089+00:00Just in timeAmazingly, I've just realised my last blog was all the way back in July when we were picking the strawberries as I've barely had a chance to get down to the plot and get things all cleared up ready for winter.<br /><br />Well, taking the chance to 'work from home', with the weather being kind, I set out to tidy all the strawberries, which had provided such a massive crop this year. I had so many runners and new plants that the original section of rows had become a massive clump. Not one to want to throw much away and knowing we love the strawberries so much, I set about rescuing as many as I could and replanting them in other parts of the plot. In addition, as there were plenty of wood chippings, I covered most of the established area to help protect them over the winter and keep the weeds down.<br /><br />As you can see from the photo's I have now extended the original strawberry plot on one side, as well as an almost identical sized area on the other side and although you can't see them, I also have some right down the bottom near the compost bins.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npDJ0fXufiQ/TuDK7w6iK_I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/9KcsHDZurpI/s1600/dec2011allotment%2B008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npDJ0fXufiQ/TuDK7w6iK_I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/9KcsHDZurpI/s320/dec2011allotment%2B008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683765857833069554" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OXD275sB6Kk/TuDK8Qn4NNI/AAAAAAAAAYg/SpC_-VyPhrw/s1600/dec2011allotment%2B007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OXD275sB6Kk/TuDK8Qn4NNI/AAAAAAAAAYg/SpC_-VyPhrw/s320/dec2011allotment%2B007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683765866344756434" border="0" /></a><br />In addition, I've cut down my summer fruiting raspberries, dug over some of the plot and cleared away all the remains of the tomato plants and cabbages, as well as tons and tons of weeding. I do still have some potatoes in the ground, but as we've so many at home already, I think I'll leave them there for the time being.<br /><br />I was there fairly early on and even found time to use my Kelly Kettle, which brewed up nicely and gave me a great cup of tea. It was so windy I had to shelter in the shed with it and my treats.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZCEHf7r7u4/TuDLlojegFI/AAAAAAAAAYo/sATOn4FsuVc/s1600/dec2011allotment%2B002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZCEHf7r7u4/TuDLlojegFI/AAAAAAAAAYo/sATOn4FsuVc/s320/dec2011allotment%2B002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683766577143382098" border="0" /></a><br />So now with some awful weather on it's way and no doubt plenty of cold temperatures, I've done enough to keep me going until the Spring. I've only got about a third of the plot to dig and the soil is in pretty good condition still, so it wont be too hard. I even dug over the raised bed, as next year, I'm actually going to grow something in that, for once!<br /><br />One final photo looking back up from the bottom of the plot. Even the scarecrow has managed to survive...just. He'll be needing some new clothes for next year!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vyQIk9NUKw/TuDMMetBWHI/AAAAAAAAAY0/1Aut89RUxG4/s1600/dec2011allotment%2B009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vyQIk9NUKw/TuDMMetBWHI/AAAAAAAAAY0/1Aut89RUxG4/s320/dec2011allotment%2B009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683767244513958002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Have a great Christmas all.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-31133790195567481112011-07-07T12:00:00.003+01:002011-07-07T12:15:30.769+01:00What a lot!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0r9-D0WBgM/ThWSc06MVUI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Pv5MVfiMaxM/s1600/June2011Fruit%2526TomsBirthday%2B003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0r9-D0WBgM/ThWSc06MVUI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Pv5MVfiMaxM/s320/June2011Fruit%2526TomsBirthday%2B003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626564333406016834" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZE6yJjqz8Y/ThWSdwAJmnI/AAAAAAAAAYI/SuzfiZ0F8bM/s1600/June2011Fruit%2526TomsBirthday%2B002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZE6yJjqz8Y/ThWSdwAJmnI/AAAAAAAAAYI/SuzfiZ0F8bM/s320/June2011Fruit%2526TomsBirthday%2B002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626564349268695666" border="0" /></a><br />I think the photo's tell the story. We have been really lucky this year with the strawberries and raspberries. This was just from one of our picking trips to the allotment over the last few weeks and although the strawberries seem pretty much done, the raspberries continue to ripen nicely. We've tried all sorts of recipes too with them, including raspberry cheesecake (well Karen did this one!) and raspberry and custard cake!<br /><br />I caught up with the weeding this last week or so and as you can see the sweetcorn and tomatoes have established themselves and are starting to make some headway.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nem85zR-J8o/ThWSMTdn8CI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/h3GiGCPkSU8/s1600/July2011allotment%2B001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nem85zR-J8o/ThWSMTdn8CI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/h3GiGCPkSU8/s320/July2011allotment%2B001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626564049549914146" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13i692ZPWbc/ThWSLpZBXMI/AAAAAAAAAXI/FPMvsAwlgUk/s1600/July2011allotment%2B002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13i692ZPWbc/ThWSLpZBXMI/AAAAAAAAAXI/FPMvsAwlgUk/s320/July2011allotment%2B002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626564038256319682" border="0" /></a><br />Also, all of the seeds I planted have really come on well. I picked my first lot of lettuce and have been digging up the new potatoes. I tried a different variety this year, not that I can remember the name, but they seem pretty good. The carrots, peas, dwarf beans and spinach all look good. Bit of trouble with the black fly, but hopefully it wont get too bad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_IcUxEaoMU/ThWScA-1CBI/AAAAAAAAAX4/JhP1gq23w_E/s1600/July2011allotment%2B006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_IcUxEaoMU/ThWScA-1CBI/AAAAAAAAAX4/JhP1gq23w_E/s320/July2011allotment%2B006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626564319466817554" border="0" /></a>The courgettes are doing well too..........<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Ztz-_ohTcw/ThWSOezl_kI/AAAAAAAAAXo/IDQ3Of7yP-Q/s1600/July2011allotment%2B005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Ztz-_ohTcw/ThWSOezl_kI/AAAAAAAAAXo/IDQ3Of7yP-Q/s320/July2011allotment%2B005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626564086954589762" border="0" /></a>Here's the view from the bottom of the allotment from the new potatoes up to the shed and raspberries at the top.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OR69MOF1-so/ThWSbh0ZP0I/AAAAAAAAAXw/JTB6_URLWrs/s1600/July2011allotment%2B007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OR69MOF1-so/ThWSbh0ZP0I/AAAAAAAAAXw/JTB6_URLWrs/s320/July2011allotment%2B007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626564311101554498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZE6yJjqz8Y/ThWSdwAJmnI/AAAAAAAAAYI/SuzfiZ0F8bM/s1600/June2011Fruit%2526TomsBirthday%2B002.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A88TL-Ei114/ThWSNpbR0ZI/AAAAAAAAAXg/Z0oyrqYFlmk/s1600/July2011allotment%2B006.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPNh2oCeT2Y/ThWSNC2PkTI/AAAAAAAAAXY/z5ZYIZHKZ0g/s1600/July2011allotment%2B003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPNh2oCeT2Y/ThWSNC2PkTI/AAAAAAAAAXY/z5ZYIZHKZ0g/s320/July2011allotment%2B003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626564062269641010" border="0" /></a><br />Here's Ricky looking out for the cabbages. Not that he was doing a great job, so I have now covered them with netting and with luck they'll stop getting eaten.<br /><br />With the lavender starting to come into flower on the site, it all looks really good and with the mixture of sun and rain, I expect to continue to have a fairly good crop of most things.<br /><br />All good. Long may it continue.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nem85zR-J8o/ThWSMTdn8CI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/h3GiGCPkSU8/s1600/July2011allotment%2B001.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13i692ZPWbc/ThWSLpZBXMI/AAAAAAAAAXI/FPMvsAwlgUk/s1600/July2011allotment%2B002.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Ztz-_ohTcw/ThWSOezl_kI/AAAAAAAAAXo/IDQ3Of7yP-Q/s1600/July2011allotment%2B005.jpg"><br /></a>Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-85130602695164381632011-06-07T10:24:00.003+01:002011-06-07T10:39:47.242+01:00Strawberries, Strawberries everywhere.Strawberries looking good.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0QfNcXgve3Y/Te3wqwMgCAI/AAAAAAAAAW4/L5RA2TmKumE/s1600/020611allotment%2B008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0QfNcXgve3Y/Te3wqwMgCAI/AAAAAAAAAW4/L5RA2TmKumE/s320/020611allotment%2B008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615408927683381250" border="0" /></a>Wow, that's the best description I have. So far a bumper crop of strawberries, full of flavour. They smell just amazing and when you are working on the plot, it's great to smell them on the breeze. I've picked loads and if it hadn't rained so hard on Sunday, I would have got even more. Looking forward to getting down there one night this week.<br /><br />Following my last post, we've been away for a couple of weeks, so thank you to Ali for kindly watering my plot during the dry spell. Thank you!! All seems well and as soon as we returned, we dashed to my parents and my Dad gave me the plants he had been bringing along in his greenhouse. It's little late, but what with going away and it being so dry, I didn't want to risk putting them in before we went away. I've planted sweetcorn, tomatoes, cabbage and some courgette.<br /><br />You can see all of the plants I have put in below and from the other photo you can also see them behind the peas which are coming along well too.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KT2dhnEWHmk/Te3wp16rFMI/AAAAAAAAAWg/h_sKc2bpi1U/s1600/020611allotment%2B003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KT2dhnEWHmk/Te3wp16rFMI/AAAAAAAAAWg/h_sKc2bpi1U/s320/020611allotment%2B003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615408912039351490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtAZOI4n4zo/Te3wqmsbnwI/AAAAAAAAAWw/DjQ6WS-NMtM/s1600/020611allotment%2B006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtAZOI4n4zo/Te3wqmsbnwI/AAAAAAAAAWw/DjQ6WS-NMtM/s320/020611allotment%2B006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615408925132955394" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlZhIUS9iGY/Te3wqZxc-8I/AAAAAAAAAWo/EKqxptEPY1w/s1600/020611allotment%2B005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlZhIUS9iGY/Te3wqZxc-8I/AAAAAAAAAWo/EKqxptEPY1w/s320/020611allotment%2B005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615408921664355266" border="0" /></a><br />Ricky is keeping the birds away from the cabbages!!!<br /><br />The plot is filling up nicely and I still have a little more room for some additional planting, which is great.<br /><br />The recent heavy downpour on Sunday and Monday should really help these plants and no doubt the weeds will love it too....gggrrrrrrrr. I'll see how it all looks this week some time and get down at the weekend to tidy it up and cover the raspberries with netting as they are starting to ripen too.<br /><br />So all looking good and I expect to dig up a few new potatoes over the coming week or two as well. All good news. Long may it continue and hopefully this year the sweetcorn wont be ruined. I've put canes next to each one and as they grow, I'll support them. Lesson learned there.<br /><br />Happy Days.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-2652129308454490842011-05-09T10:24:00.003+01:002011-05-09T10:35:05.288+01:00The strawberries are comingWith our recent good fortune of the beautiful sunny days these last few weeks, followed by some nice showers over the last couple of days, I wanted to get down to the plot and see how the seeds were coming along and get on top of any weeds.<br /><br />I was amazed to see 2 red strawberries, as you can see below and as a result dug out the netting I used last year and have now covered the strawberry patch, otherwise those birds will enjoy all of that tasty fruit. This took a little while in the wind, but got there in the end and with a little weeding, this is looking great. I hope we get a bumper crop this year.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiNgM7n-bwM/Tce0n3cVmsI/AAAAAAAAAV8/94QPXImrUoU/s1600/080511allotment%2B002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiNgM7n-bwM/Tce0n3cVmsI/AAAAAAAAAV8/94QPXImrUoU/s320/080511allotment%2B002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604646858276575938" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXKW14Vdodk/Tce0ohoy4QI/AAAAAAAAAWU/BCy1ikCMtcY/s1600/080511allotment%2B006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXKW14Vdodk/Tce0ohoy4QI/AAAAAAAAAWU/BCy1ikCMtcY/s320/080511allotment%2B006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604646869603115266" border="0" /></a><br />In addition, I cut down some more of the grass on the paths edging the plot and will continue this next week, to get it looking respectable.<br /><br />Other than that, I weeded around the peas and dwarf beans that have shot up in this last week, earthed up the Earlies and planted the last of my Mains. I was going to plant some other veg, but ran out of time, so will try that next week.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cI2ffLWtPiI/Tce0oTg8gPI/AAAAAAAAAWM/4OwSGsMuWZ8/s1600/080511allotment%2B004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cI2ffLWtPiI/Tce0oTg8gPI/AAAAAAAAAWM/4OwSGsMuWZ8/s320/080511allotment%2B004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604646865812095218" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwaMI3Rqi4Y/Tce0oACLhQI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Eyuhe0ulVkc/s1600/080511allotment%2B003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwaMI3Rqi4Y/Tce0oACLhQI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Eyuhe0ulVkc/s320/080511allotment%2B003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604646860582782210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />All in all, the effort I put in over the last few weeks has paid off and we are looking good, ready for the season. After a quick tidy of the shed, I then set off home to watch the Grand Prix. Excellent stuff.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-44848906228114825002011-05-03T13:14:00.003+01:002011-05-03T13:28:32.593+01:00Early May and it's looking good....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2X2KKDeIZc/Tb_yB92WX3I/AAAAAAAAAVs/wgKuwFWn34Y/s1600/010511allotment%2B006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2X2KKDeIZc/Tb_yB92WX3I/AAAAAAAAAVs/wgKuwFWn34Y/s320/010511allotment%2B006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602462577068498802" border="0" /></a>As you can see from the photo above, I've really succeeded in catching up on the plot over the last couple of weeks and we are starting to make headway for this years growing season. <br /><br />To summarise, having dug all the plot and spread 6 bags of manure over some of it, I planted the Early Pots and have now done most of the Mains too. Weeded and mulched the strawberries and raspberries and planted out over 12 new strawberry plants from the shoots to extend the strawberry patch. Cleared the grass and weeds from the shed and area outside, as well as some of the path, put down weed cover and used the shredded wood to cover the ground, so with luck this will keep the weeds and grass down a bit. On the growing front, I put in peas, dwarf beans and carrots and the kids came with me on Sunday to plant some of their plants and seeds in the raised bed, so with luck this will be full of colour over the summer.<br /><br />Here's the raised bed with some netting and wire to try and stop the birds getting their beaks on the seeds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl67wP0QKi8/Tb_yBqKJ1tI/AAAAAAAAAVk/Pn_c1FOg2Cc/s1600/010511allotment%2B004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl67wP0QKi8/Tb_yBqKJ1tI/AAAAAAAAAVk/Pn_c1FOg2Cc/s320/010511allotment%2B004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602462571782854354" border="0" /></a><br />Lots and lots of strawberry flowers and new fruits starting to grow. Once all the flowers have gone, I'll cover them with the netting and wait for those lovely red fruits to show themselves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wajCuxreWd4/Tb_yBUvGCoI/AAAAAAAAAVc/O__3sZ4eL-0/s1600/010511allotment%2B003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wajCuxreWd4/Tb_yBUvGCoI/AAAAAAAAAVc/O__3sZ4eL-0/s320/010511allotment%2B003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602462566032214658" border="0" /></a><br />Ricky stayed up, even in all the wind, so we pushed him down a bit more. You can see the rows of potatoes behind him and the Earlies, which I had to start earthing up are behind him to the left. (his right)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VILx4pB82rM/Tb_yBOZ12FI/AAAAAAAAAVU/iF7-KgR7wHI/s1600/010511allotment%2B001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VILx4pB82rM/Tb_yBOZ12FI/AAAAAAAAAVU/iF7-KgR7wHI/s320/010511allotment%2B001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602462564332460114" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, here are my two helpers, happy to be out and about on their bikes, racing each other down the tracks.....luckily no accidents.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfjM3QJq7k8/Tb_yCU3FIHI/AAAAAAAAAV0/ERuKNDR2uBY/s1600/010511allotment%2B010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfjM3QJq7k8/Tb_yCU3FIHI/AAAAAAAAAV0/ERuKNDR2uBY/s320/010511allotment%2B010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602462583245578354" border="0" /></a>Next step is a little more planting, cut down the grass paths, stain the shed and sort the guttering out, all before I (hopefully) get some gifts from my Dad.<br /><br />Happy Growing.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-32314949484564293322011-04-21T13:38:00.003+01:002011-04-21T13:45:40.393+01:00Ricky is on guard!Had an opportunity to go to the plot again on Wednesday, so managed to get a little bit more done, ahead of the Easter weekend. Also, 'Ricky', my scarecrow that we made last weekend was keen to get out in the fields and start having a go at the birds, so I took him down with me too.<br /><br />Here he is!!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORtvmmbd4kQ/TbAmiXGeg2I/AAAAAAAAAU0/FNqnuufiSQ8/s1600/200411allotment%2B004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORtvmmbd4kQ/TbAmiXGeg2I/AAAAAAAAAU0/FNqnuufiSQ8/s320/200411allotment%2B004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598016708580115298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cleared all around the shed and laid down some plastic sheeting and also covered some of it with the wood chips, so this is starting to take shape. The water butt has been moved to the rear of the shed in preparation for the guttering.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb3pBgUIi-E/TbAmiqUQFxI/AAAAAAAAAU8/UWKhvu278So/s1600/200411allotment%2B001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb3pBgUIi-E/TbAmiqUQFxI/AAAAAAAAAU8/UWKhvu278So/s320/200411allotment%2B001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598016713738163986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Finally, spent some time weeding and clearing the strawberries, as well as mulching them and also, doing the same for the last row of raspberries.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jJ50y_r-KI/TbAmi6DkWjI/AAAAAAAAAVE/2Lim64oJy6U/s1600/200411allotment%2B002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jJ50y_r-KI/TbAmi6DkWjI/AAAAAAAAAVE/2Lim64oJy6U/s320/200411allotment%2B002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598016717963156018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This leaves me to complete the strawberries, plant the potatoes and also some peas and dwarf beans at the weekend. I'll also try to finish off the area by the shed and weed the raised bed too. Lots to do, but we are getting there!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqVMOLiQICY/TbAmjKrmrOI/AAAAAAAAAVM/bCHW44ez6SE/s1600/200411allotment%2B003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqVMOLiQICY/TbAmjKrmrOI/AAAAAAAAAVM/bCHW44ez6SE/s320/200411allotment%2B003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598016722426047714" border="0" /></a>Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-36984821997317232522011-04-18T12:08:00.002+01:002011-04-18T13:26:46.656+01:00Back in the saddle.....finally<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eW_h0-DkwX4/TawsSp1hUiI/AAAAAAAAAUk/90S5dgFTbd8/s1600/16-17APRIL2011weekendallotmentscarecrow%2B004.jpg"><br /></a>View of my plot, facing West from the side of the shed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2VTCiXS-_w/TawsSr64ECI/AAAAAAAAAUc/tTBZMGlSQiQ/s1600/16-17APRIL2011weekendallotmentscarecrow%2B003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2VTCiXS-_w/TawsSr64ECI/AAAAAAAAAUc/tTBZMGlSQiQ/s320/16-17APRIL2011weekendallotmentscarecrow%2B003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596897136453619746" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well I'll be honest, I just haven't had the time over the winter the prepare the plot for the coming season and with the knowledge that I needed to catch up and quickly, I set about digging, weeding and clearing up over the last few weeks, to finally get to a point where I'm just about ready.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jk0giwdxlDA/TawsSYkoV-I/AAAAAAAAAUU/yAH0s-KdjFA/s1600/16-17APRIL2011weekendallotmentscarecrow%2B002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jk0giwdxlDA/TawsSYkoV-I/AAAAAAAAAUU/yAH0s-KdjFA/s320/16-17APRIL2011weekendallotmentscarecrow%2B002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596897131260041186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm now at the point where I've dug over the majority of the plot and improved one half of the plot with the top quality manure provided by Nigel in the Trading Hut, to help the soil along. In addition, although I also failed to order my potatoes last autumn, there were extras for sale and I purchased some Early and Mains. My first time for Rooster's. I planted out 3 rows of Earlies the other week and will continue to do so as April turns to May.....<br /><br />My strawberries and raspberries were getting out of hand and having sorted out the raspberries and cut down the old canes, I weeded and have mulched around the bases as I'm sure they'll need that this year too. The strawberries also need the same amount of work and there are plenty of new plants, which I am transplanting in the extra section I have finally got around to digging. This will increase the size of my fruit area, but as they are very popular, then I'm more than happy.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iS2Qguc5Kuc/TawsSBw7WDI/AAAAAAAAAUM/WSjr9g4V3uA/s1600/16-17APRIL2011weekendallotmentscarecrow%2B001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iS2Qguc5Kuc/TawsSBw7WDI/AAAAAAAAAUM/WSjr9g4V3uA/s320/16-17APRIL2011weekendallotmentscarecrow%2B001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596897125137602610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Over the coming week or so, I will complete this and mulch in and around these too.<br /><br />I have a real problem with the grass, especially couch grass, which just takes over. I had hoped to avoid it growing around the shed area, but no luck, so I've had to completely clear this area again and am putting plastic sheeting and weed cover down, which I'll then cover with wood chips. With luck this will work a little better and stop it intruding on everything. Once this is completed, I'll put my water butt at the rear of the shed, buy and set up my guttering to collect some water.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eW_h0-DkwX4/TawsSp1hUiI/AAAAAAAAAUk/90S5dgFTbd8/s1600/16-17APRIL2011weekendallotmentscarecrow%2B004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eW_h0-DkwX4/TawsSp1hUiI/AAAAAAAAAUk/90S5dgFTbd8/s320/16-17APRIL2011weekendallotmentscarecrow%2B004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596897135894286882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I can then cut down the grass to a reasonable level on the paths around the plot, as I always take down my shears, but never get time to do this. Once day I will!<br /><br />Anyway, feeling a little better about the situation now and am also looking forward to planting some lettuce, carrots, peas and dwarf beans over the coming weeks too. Oh and one last thing. Last year for my 40th Birthday, I was given a scarecrow kit and finally yesterday afternoon in the beautiful sunshine, I made it. (with a little help from my daughter). His name is Ricky.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5S7Op28OXo/TawsTGOgsmI/AAAAAAAAAUs/X8rM8yiOhLs/s1600/16-17APRIL2011weekendallotmentscarecrow%2B007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5S7Op28OXo/TawsTGOgsmI/AAAAAAAAAUs/X8rM8yiOhLs/s320/16-17APRIL2011weekendallotmentscarecrow%2B007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596897143515296354" border="0" /></a>Happy Growing.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-21058842422100929672010-10-11T10:43:00.003+01:002010-10-11T10:55:55.617+01:00Preparing for winterI haven't had a great deal of time, of late, to spend some time at the allotment and begin preparations for winter. However, having taken my Uncle down to have a look during his visit from Canada, I realised there was some urgent work to do.<br /><br />With the weather improving, I took a day off and spent the morning, weeding the entire area previously occupied by the potatoes and around the remaining carrots. Also, I took all of the netting off the strawberries and raspberries weeded around the strawberries and lastly weeded the raised bed area by the shed.<br /><br />So a good start, but still about the same amount to be done over the coming weeks.<br /><br />Here's how it looked before I started;-<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TLLcpgoGcrI/AAAAAAAAATc/8TIXrO91PN8/s1600/allotment071010+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TLLcpgoGcrI/AAAAAAAAATc/8TIXrO91PN8/s320/allotment071010+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526722298427896498" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TLLcpw_fCnI/AAAAAAAAATk/vUnCo8jKucs/s1600/allotment071010+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TLLcpw_fCnI/AAAAAAAAATk/vUnCo8jKucs/s320/allotment071010+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526722302820944498" border="0" /></a><br />...and a couple of hours later, here's the result... oh and I got bitten by something too, so now have marks on my chest....a rabid spider or snake....well, something wanting a meal and not happy about being disturbed.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TLLcqNjDymI/AAAAAAAAATs/X_rSr77oKQg/s1600/allotment071010+005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TLLcqNjDymI/AAAAAAAAATs/X_rSr77oKQg/s320/allotment071010+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526722310486346338" border="0" /></a><br />Now the strawberry bed. There are lots of tubers, so I will split them over the coming weeks too and put more of them elsewhere. There are some more coming too, so we'll see if they survive if the weather changes.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TLLcqdg11UI/AAAAAAAAAT0/uRigbAny97g/s1600/allotment071010+007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TLLcqdg11UI/AAAAAAAAAT0/uRigbAny97g/s320/allotment071010+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526722314772010306" border="0" /></a>...and the final photo looking back at all of my hard work.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TLLcqmwlkwI/AAAAAAAAAT8/XKbyX5wwxkQ/s1600/allotment071010+014.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TLLcqmwlkwI/AAAAAAAAAT8/XKbyX5wwxkQ/s320/allotment071010+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526722317253972738" border="0" /></a><br />Looking a lot better, but still work to be done. With luck over the coming weeks, I'll get all of the clearing up and weeding done. I shall then sort out the strawberries, stain the shed (which I still haven't done), find some guttering to collect water for next year in my new butt and dig over the remaining grassed area to extend the strawberries. Let's hope we have a few more pleasant days or even a day or two off work to help me achieve all this.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-61788689224486275442010-08-09T15:31:00.004+01:002010-08-09T15:46:18.554+01:00Back from holiday....how's it been?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGATif9S6KI/AAAAAAAAATM/sqj3_5Tuyw4/s1600/iphonephotosaug2010+034.jpg"><br /></a>After an excellent week away in Devon, I came back to see how the plot had fared, with some good and some bad news.<br /><br />Unfortunately and much to my disappointment, all of the sweetcorn had either blown over or been pushed and were all sodden, destroyed and dead as you can see form the photo. It's a real shame as they were growing really well, but have now been ruined. Sorry Dad.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGATgvoEvFI/AAAAAAAAASs/hOiY2ZC4Dm0/s1600/iphonephotosaug2010+030.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGATgvoEvFI/AAAAAAAAASs/hOiY2ZC4Dm0/s320/iphonephotosaug2010+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503420197908036690" border="0" /></a><br />On the plus side all of the tomatoes have continued to grow and I was able to pick a tupperware tub full of a mixture of normal and cherry tomatoes and they taste delicious. with plenty more on the plants they should be good over the coming weeks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGATgzcM6VI/AAAAAAAAAS0/3VeJsREaoxM/s1600/iphonephotosaug2010+031.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGATgzcM6VI/AAAAAAAAAS0/3VeJsREaoxM/s320/iphonephotosaug2010+031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503420198931982674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The peas and dwarf beans have also had a really tough time of it with the peas drying out entirely and the beans under attack from the black flies, although I noticed the ladybirds were quite happy to be feasting on them. The slugs and snails ate their way through the young plants and now the flies...arrghhh. Once again a real shame as last year these were really good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGAThkcKdHI/AAAAAAAAAS8/cY_nAA6fAJM/s1600/iphonephotosaug2010+033.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGAThkcKdHI/AAAAAAAAAS8/cY_nAA6fAJM/s320/iphonephotosaug2010+033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503420212085159026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The lettuces were growing well, so I picked a couple and also weeded the whole area and generally tidied up.<br /><br />Also, dug up some of my main crop of potatoes and we enjoyed these with our Sunday Dinner, along with the few dwarf beans that survived and nice sized carrots...so all is not lost.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGATif9S6KI/AAAAAAAAATM/sqj3_5Tuyw4/s1600/iphonephotosaug2010+034.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGATif9S6KI/AAAAAAAAATM/sqj3_5Tuyw4/s320/iphonephotosaug2010+034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503420228061816994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I anticipate digging up the remaining potatoes over the coming weeks, for storage, plating a few things for over the winter and continuing with the tomato picking. Also, there are still the Autumn raspberries, but the dry weather hasn't helped them too much, but there are a few at least.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGATif9S6KI/AAAAAAAAATM/sqj3_5Tuyw4/s1600/iphonephotosaug2010+034.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGATh5AtC7I/AAAAAAAAATE/gYMHbOJjWaw/s1600/iphonephotosaug2010+032.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TGATh5AtC7I/AAAAAAAAATE/gYMHbOJjWaw/s320/iphonephotosaug2010+032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503420217607130034" border="0" /></a><br />It seems to me that this year has been very tricky with the weather and as I don't get the chance to come down each night to water, I do tend to leave the plants to the elements and this year, they've not done too well.....but there are some successes and I think I shall continue with the fruit and will look much more closely at companion planting for the peas and beans to see if I can help them. I have a great book to help me.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-80058114423724430002010-06-09T10:12:00.003+01:002010-06-09T10:33:30.378+01:00A little belated, but here's where we are nowOriginally, I had intended to update the blog a few weeks ago, following a lot of planting and preparation, but alas, then best laid plans of mice and men and all that.<br /><br />However, to give you a guide and with a big thank you to my Dad once again, I was lucky enough to receive some sweetcorn, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumber and marigolds, which I planted just prior to our 2 week holiday. In addition, I had to spend some money on wood to make up a fruit cage for the strawberries and also supports for the autumn raspberries, which I'd also made up, so I was going to do a 'before and after' to see if they survived, etc.<br /><br />Well, with once again a big thank you to Ali for helping with the watering while we were away, everything is looking just fine and after a few long hours of weeding, I also uncovered some good looking peas, spinach and lettuce and although the carrots, dwarf french beans and all year round lettuce grown from seed in the ground hadn't amounted to much, there were a few coming through, so with additional planting in the gaps, I'm still hopeful.<br /><br />Also, the potatoes continue to do well, although some of my Earlies were affected by the frost, but I covered them with soil and will leave them to see what happens.<br /><br />In addition to the weeding, my Dad also let me have a bag full of netting, which I fixed up on the frame to cover the strawberries as I already have a few turning red and I want to try and make sure the birds don't get to them first this year.<br /><br />OK, so here's the photo's <br /><br />1. Potatoes.<br />2. Sweetcorn, cucumber and marigolds on newly dug and cleared area I spent hours on this year.<br />3. Tomatoes and sweet peas in the foreground, with lettuce and spinach in the background. Also just see the sweetcorn on rear right.<br />4. Peas, carrots and dwarf french beans.<br />5. Strawberry fruit frame and netting, with raspberries in the background.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TA9eikREx_I/AAAAAAAAASk/7ayU9wN86cY/s1600/allotmentmayjune2010+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TA9eikREx_I/AAAAAAAAASk/7ayU9wN86cY/s320/allotmentmayjune2010+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480703219477039090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TA9eh0cViFI/AAAAAAAAASc/RdqJk_Q1cYg/s1600/allotmentmayjune2010+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TA9eh0cViFI/AAAAAAAAASc/RdqJk_Q1cYg/s320/allotmentmayjune2010+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480703206639372370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TA9ehfxD4rI/AAAAAAAAASU/rsNpE6dOrsE/s1600/allotmentmayjune2010+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TA9ehfxD4rI/AAAAAAAAASU/rsNpE6dOrsE/s320/allotmentmayjune2010+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480703201089151666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TA9egePSR-I/AAAAAAAAASM/07uSms3u5TQ/s1600/allotmentmayjune2010+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TA9egePSR-I/AAAAAAAAASM/07uSms3u5TQ/s320/allotmentmayjune2010+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480703183499184098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TA9eesmrJVI/AAAAAAAAASE/zEr2YKsYEOQ/s1600/allotmentmayjune2010+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/TA9eesmrJVI/AAAAAAAAASE/zEr2YKsYEOQ/s320/allotmentmayjune2010+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480703152995640658" /></a>Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-38603351098753019962010-04-29T10:17:00.006+01:002010-04-29T10:39:44.582+01:00What a difference a day makesConscious of the work that I needed to do and that time was moving on, yesterday I took the day off and spent it on the allotment getting those important jobs I really wanted to get done.....and what a pleasant day to choose. Not sure it turned out to be the warmest day this year, but it was warm and sunny, particularly in the afternoon, but thankfully I didn't get burnt.<br /><br />My plan was to finally dig the area to the bottom of the plot, next to the compost bins, double dig it, get rid of all the roots and level it off a bit so that I could use it for planting this year. Well, finally after 4-5 hours of hard work, I managed to get it done...phhheeewwwww. My back is killing me now!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lP5QpDafI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/LefHTprY9Zc/s1600/allotment280410+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lP5QpDafI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/LefHTprY9Zc/s320/allotment280410+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465487467929102834" /></a><br /><br />I'm so glad to get this done, as in my first year, I cleared the majority of the plot and this area was where all the turf, roots and rubbish was piled up in a mound and I now have a few bags to take to the tip. Great news.<br /><br />Having got this done, I then cleared away the leftover cabbages and started my seed planting for this year. Yesterday, I planted the following;-<br /><br />Peas (around the wire mesh, much like last year)<br />1 row of dwarf french beans ( we like those, so will plant more)<br />1/2 row each of Broccoli, Purple Sprouting Broccoli and Savoy Cabbage<br />1 Row of All Year Round Lettuce<br />1 row of Cos Lettuce<br />1 row of Tetona Spinach<br />1 row of Spinach Beet<br /><br />I have plenty of room now and as I mentioned before, my Dad is busy growing a number of plants too, so if these seeds come on then they can supplement those I get from my Dad.<br /><br />I repaired the Sweet Pea frame and was going to plant them too, but then realised I didn't have any....oooopps. <br /><br />You can see all the planting in the following photo's.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lRw5yIYWI/AAAAAAAAARU/A6qcI1LJwJI/s1600/allotment280410+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lRw5yIYWI/AAAAAAAAARU/A6qcI1LJwJI/s320/allotment280410+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465489523377463650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lRwR5VWNI/AAAAAAAAARM/p6LtPWcuW-g/s1600/allotment280410+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lRwR5VWNI/AAAAAAAAARM/p6LtPWcuW-g/s320/allotment280410+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465489512670255314" /></a><br /><br />Finally, I cut some of the grass and positioned my new blue water barrel, so thanks Dad, yet again, next to the shed and as you can see the strawberries are flowering nicely and the raspberries are shooting up. Excellent. Next job is to build the frames and get the netting to protect the fruit, so we can actually enjoy it this year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lSUk9ekWI/AAAAAAAAARk/E7OpQj3dKeU/s1600/allotment280410+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lSUk9ekWI/AAAAAAAAARk/E7OpQj3dKeU/s320/allotment280410+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465490136263201122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lSUXUC4fI/AAAAAAAAARc/gpQmp7usW1Y/s1600/allotment280410+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lSUXUC4fI/AAAAAAAAARc/gpQmp7usW1Y/s320/allotment280410+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465490132599759346" /></a><br /><br />So along with the frame, I'll continue planting and weeding, try to find some guttering for the water collection and stain the shed too. It's amazing when I look at the plot now to how it was at the start and the photo on the blog just makes me appreciate how much I've done, along with help from my family, so thank you. The last 2 photo's just show the plot from the top looking down. Oh, it's going to be a great year this year....I hope.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lTCNP3YII/AAAAAAAAAR8/YEX5hQDZATc/s1600/allotment280410+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lTCNP3YII/AAAAAAAAAR8/YEX5hQDZATc/s320/allotment280410+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465490920171856002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lTB6mWWQI/AAAAAAAAAR0/LJu2wX638GQ/s1600/allotment280410+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S9lTB6mWWQI/AAAAAAAAAR0/LJu2wX638GQ/s320/allotment280410+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465490915165886722" /></a>Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-50931758072542912792010-04-19T11:25:00.005+01:002010-04-19T11:41:23.246+01:00Planting in the sunshineIt has certainly been a fairly hectic few weeks, but I have managed to visit the plot and continue with some of the jobs I'm trying to get completed before the real growing season begins.<br /><br />As you can see below, I have finally reached the bottom of the pile and am now building up the barriers to hold the weeds/soil back and then I'll dig this over and level it off as best I can. I've moved some of the soil to the raised bed by the shed and as you can see it's nicely full.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wxDCdRpPI/AAAAAAAAAQc/QH3OsOAzxho/s1600/allotment170410+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wxDCdRpPI/AAAAAAAAAQc/QH3OsOAzxho/s320/allotment170410+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461794376362599666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wxCi5Q-5I/AAAAAAAAAQU/gpJTNYdL9R8/s1600/allotment170410+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wxCi5Q-5I/AAAAAAAAAQU/gpJTNYdL9R8/s320/allotment170410+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461794367890062226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wxCAFuyII/AAAAAAAAAQM/edrVvrvR5uQ/s1600/allotment170410+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wxCAFuyII/AAAAAAAAAQM/edrVvrvR5uQ/s320/allotment170410+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461794358547105922" /></a><br /><br /><br />The potatoes have been chitting happily and I planted a few rows 2 weeks ago. To finish them off, I planted the rest and now have 12 (and a bit) rows with a mixture of Earlies and Mains. I did have the fleece on the first lot, but with the weather having warmed up, I have taken that off and we'll see how they get on. Not much to see form the photo, but they are there!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wxxBiMtBI/AAAAAAAAAQk/NbSnh02hf0c/s1600/allotment170410+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wxxBiMtBI/AAAAAAAAAQk/NbSnh02hf0c/s320/allotment170410+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461795166388794386" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'd also weeded around the strawberry plants and raspberry canes and as you can see they are starting to look healthy and the raspberries are showing nice signs of growth. One of my jobs is to sort out the frame and netting to protect the crop this year, so the search for suitable wood is on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wyaOtl0yI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/uC2awj2sGus/s1600/allotment170410+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wyaOtl0yI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/uC2awj2sGus/s320/allotment170410+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461795874300875554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wyZgl85jI/AAAAAAAAAQs/kAP6Vm6pWq4/s1600/allotment170410+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S8wyZgl85jI/AAAAAAAAAQs/kAP6Vm6pWq4/s320/allotment170410+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461795861920802354" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm planning on trying to sort out a day off shortly to make a little more progress and having been to my parents at the weekend, there are some great looking plants in my Dad's greenhouse, so I need to be ready. Also, I want to start with some of the seeds and the children want to plant some stuff too. Not to mention staining the shed...and more......<br /><br />As long as the sun keeps showing it's face, we'll all be happy.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-57411646729436574632010-03-04T12:56:00.004+00:002010-03-04T13:10:06.383+00:00Early March preparationsI took a day off to start to get some more work done on the plot as time has been ticking along, the weather has been lousy and we've been so busy as of late. As you can see below, I've started to demolish the huge pile of soil/roots/grass/weeds left over from the digging of the plot last year. Also, you can see the fire in the background, which is the only way to finally get rid of the roots.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S4-vJGUctII/AAAAAAAAAP8/_k7JCe2npuU/s1600-h/allotment030310+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S4-vJGUctII/AAAAAAAAAP8/_k7JCe2npuU/s320/allotment030310+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444763045364282498" /></a><br /><br /><br />There is a fair amount of soil, so I have taken the chance to fill the raised bed area near the shed, as you can see below. Unfortunately, one of the wheelbarrows broke in the process, so down to one now, unless I can fix it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S4-wUYYjVlI/AAAAAAAAAQE/f76uU6LK30c/s1600-h/allotment030310+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S4-wUYYjVlI/AAAAAAAAAQE/f76uU6LK30c/s320/allotment030310+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444764338703521362" /></a><br /><br />So the potatoes are chitting away, I've done the digging in preparation for their planting, so with a bit of luck over the coming weeks I'll finish this area off, stain the shed and start building the frame and netting for the strawberries. Oh and I took a savoy cabbage home and it did look good. Let's hope it taste that way too!<br /><br />Come on the Spring !Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-1893600635241848332010-01-19T12:56:00.004+00:002010-01-19T13:16:45.769+00:00First update for 2010....First things first, the shed roof survived! Hoorah. So after all the wind and rain and then the snow I was pleased and pretty amazed that the roof had remained intact, ensuring it stayed dry inside, so that's all thanks to my Dad, his felt and black gooey stuff....oh and a few nails.<br /><br />So here it is, now I need to stain all the wood this year to help protect it and make sure it lasts as long as possible.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S1Wsb586dgI/AAAAAAAAAPE/-5YhVSqh4xE/s1600-h/allotment180110+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S1Wsb586dgI/AAAAAAAAAPE/-5YhVSqh4xE/s320/allotment180110+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428434521277756930" border="0" /></a><br />Whilst having a look around the plot, I was also amazed to see we still had a few carrots left and the savoy cabbages had survived the birds and the weather, so with our Sunday lunch we were fortunate enough to have some fresh tasty veg. I've a few cabbages left which you can just about see in the photo's, so they'll last a while.<br /><br />As for things surviving, Tom brought home a bean plant from school late last year and although it was the wrong season I just planted it out, more to get it out of the way and amazingly, although the original stem died, it has sprouted another one, so I've protected it and we'll see what it does. As Tom keeps asking about it, I'll have to try and keep it alive!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S1WsRS77ssI/AAAAAAAAAO8/fMwvr1SO1wY/s1600-h/allotment180110+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S1WsRS77ssI/AAAAAAAAAO8/fMwvr1SO1wY/s320/allotment180110+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428434339005969090" border="0" /></a><br />With a while to go before we start on the potatoes, I wanted to get all the beds dug and as you can see, they are all looking pretty good. Nice crumbly soil, even with it being quite wet and as I did the double digging last year, it was much easier this time around. Took no time at all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S1WsQ3znKNI/AAAAAAAAAOs/2kaP4CSdThw/s1600-h/allotment180110+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S1WsQ3znKNI/AAAAAAAAAOs/2kaP4CSdThw/s320/allotment180110+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428434331723311314" border="0" /></a><br />I also wanted to start to get rid of the small paths dividing the beds and just leave myself with one single path down the middle. You can see below where I've started, but this took me right back to all those weeks in all weather, when I first got the plot, as this is covered in that awful couch grass ( I think that's what it's called), with roots everywhere, making it hard work to dig the soil, rid it of the roots and turn it over in preparation for planting. I got this one side done, but will need to do it once more to make sure I've got rid of as much as possible.<br /><br />I'll be burning all those roots, just to get my own back. With luck, I'll manage to find the time to get all the other sections done too and then set to work on the large pile at the bottom of the plot next to the compost bins.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S1WsROnjQdI/AAAAAAAAAO0/ys6vC_HsjSg/s1600-h/allotment180110+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S1WsROnjQdI/AAAAAAAAAO0/ys6vC_HsjSg/s320/allotment180110+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428434337846739410" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, it was pretty quiet down there and Mr & Mrs Fox put in an appearance. Healthy looking too, so they must have plenty to eat. You can just see them between the sheds. By the time I got the camera, they decided to walk off....very camera shy!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S1WsQAV5lLI/AAAAAAAAAOc/x7p8hKrE4U8/s1600-h/allotment180110+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/S1WsQAV5lLI/AAAAAAAAAOc/x7p8hKrE4U8/s320/allotment180110+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428434316834739378" border="0" /></a><br />Well lots to look forward to on the plot this year. I'm hoping for some nice days ahead in the spring and some more success in the harvesting. Good luck to one and all.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-43280637483493810442009-11-04T10:22:00.002+00:002009-11-04T10:33:35.571+00:00Fixing the shed roof<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SvFXHWXGqHI/AAAAAAAAAOU/q1DYIE_E9ag/s1600-h/allotment311009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SvFXHWXGqHI/AAAAAAAAAOU/q1DYIE_E9ag/s320/allotment311009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400193211967121522" border="0" /></a><br />Well here it is. Thanks to my Dad for supplying some roofing felt and bitumen, I got to work last Saturday on fixing one side of the shed roof as the previous felt had been ripped off.<br /><br />It was a perfect size as it covered the whole side with enough to fold over the top and seal on the other side. I used plenty of tacks, bitumen and the batons on the sides to try and hold it whatever the weather. Sunday was due to be extremely windy and wet, so a big test.<br /><br />I haven't been there yet to see if it stayed on, but here's hoping!<br /><br />This coming weekend, I shall be getting back into the digging habit and making the plot ready for the winter. I've plans to expand the beds a little bit, so over the coming months that's the work schedule.<br /><br />I'll keep the updates coming.........Have fun this Autumn.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-33474573141563390182009-09-28T13:11:00.003+01:002009-09-28T13:30:30.888+01:00Preparing for the Autumn and WinterWell, a truly lovely weekend of that late Summer/early Autumn weather, so although having trouble ridding myself of this cough and 'man flu' I wanted to make sure I'd got down to the allotment and sorted out the strawberries in preparation for next year, having done the raspberries last week.<br /><br />First of all on the raspberries, I weeded, cut back the grass edges, tied up any shoots that needed it and used the huge pile of cuttings from the council to mulch all over the raspberry bed. With luck this will keep the weeds down and help them over the winter. Here they are below;-<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SsCo6rHoiKI/AAAAAAAAAN0/pKDuaky6iXg/s1600-h/allotment260909+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SsCo6rHoiKI/AAAAAAAAAN0/pKDuaky6iXg/s320/allotment260909+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386490880295733410" border="0" /></a>...and a close up of the autumn raspberries. We've been lucky enough to have had a few from them , so that's always a good start.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SsCo60h8laI/AAAAAAAAAN8/QhLcQtTnius/s1600-h/allotment260909+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SsCo60h8laI/AAAAAAAAAN8/QhLcQtTnius/s320/allotment260909+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386490882822018466" border="0" /></a><br />Sometime over the coming weeks, my Dad will be coming up to check them over and make sure I cut the right stems away and make sure all looks good for next year. I have high hopes for them and look forward to getting a pretty good crop.<br /><br />Anyway, on Sunday I set about tidying up the strawberries. As you may remember I've not had a great deal of luck with them, but thankfully from all the healthy plants that survived, there have been plenty of tubers and so, I set about cutting these new plants out and replanting them. As a result I have over 40 plants, which look pretty healthy, so there is always hope!<br /><br />Just like the raspberries, I weeded the entire bed, cut off the tubers, cut the grassy edges and then used the council cuttings to offer the plants some help over the winter, as you can see below;-<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SsCo7SAob5I/AAAAAAAAAOE/_9pp-5KxAfQ/s1600-h/allotment260909+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SsCo7SAob5I/AAAAAAAAAOE/_9pp-5KxAfQ/s320/allotment260909+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386490890735349650" border="0" /></a>I just hope they all survive and then I'll make sure I have proper netting and fingers crossed we'll have a great harvest. I know Tom will look forward to that.<br /><br />Finally, We have had a few strawberries and as you can see below they are still trying.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SsCo73v_ROI/AAAAAAAAAOM/9N8-XJID3Eo/s1600-h/allotment260909+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SsCo73v_ROI/AAAAAAAAAOM/9N8-XJID3Eo/s320/allotment260909+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386490900866090210" border="0" /></a><br />Well, long may these weekends continue and I shall continue with the rest of the plot, clearing up, digging, etc. I have also to replace one half of the felt roof as it was destroyed, coat the shed with another layer of stain, demolish the large pile at the bottom of the plot, spreading all the soil everywhere else and burning all the weeds and roots as well as a few other things I've forgotten.<br /><br />I've just been in to order the potatoes from the Trading Hut for next year, once again at an amazing price per kilo and I've curtailed a little to make sure I don't waste them.<br /><br />That's all for now...Happy Autumn.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-15694761078288031822009-08-24T10:58:00.002+01:002009-08-24T11:13:02.577+01:00Post holiday Summer update.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SpJkhH9FTnI/AAAAAAAAANs/nkA0SYzUxZw/s1600-h/allotment230809+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SpJkhH9FTnI/AAAAAAAAANs/nkA0SYzUxZw/s320/allotment230809+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373467825640132210" border="0" /></a><br />Well I put a few of my Dad's sunflower seeds in and look at them now. What a picture. Now it's been a while since I posted an update as we've been on our holidays for a couple of weeks and the last time I went down to the allotment, I went with Ellie and Tom and they helped me with the harvest......and what a harvest it was too.<br /><br />Ellie picked our first bag full of tomatoes and Karen has subsequently made a load of tomato sauce. I picked another bag this last Sunday, so this time we're ( I say we're of course, but really mean Karen) going to make a batch of soup as well. That is in addition to plenty of them that we're eating in the Summer weather and in my sandwiches! The tomatoes have been a great success, from the cherry ones right up to some really big one's. Tom was busy digging up carrots so we've also got a bag of them in the fridge too. All different shapes and sizes, but they taste good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SpJkfM-9XmI/AAAAAAAAANM/L5HfhGWkIjg/s1600-h/allotment230809+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SpJkfM-9XmI/AAAAAAAAANM/L5HfhGWkIjg/s320/allotment230809+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373467792630439522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Also, before we went away I replanted the broccoli and sprouting, covered with netting to try and stop the pigeons eating them and just look at them now. I weeded all around them when we got back and it looks as if they should be ok now. So that's excellent news.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SpJkfqRHn7I/AAAAAAAAANU/aeQFQBhfinc/s1600-h/allotment230809+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SpJkfqRHn7I/AAAAAAAAANU/aeQFQBhfinc/s320/allotment230809+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373467800491237298" border="0" /></a><br />...and here's a close up of one of the plants.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SpJkgCVzceI/AAAAAAAAANc/N3y-2jtv_EY/s1600-h/allotment230809+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SpJkgCVzceI/AAAAAAAAANc/N3y-2jtv_EY/s320/allotment230809+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373467806953337314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Finally, the raspberry plants continue to grow and I've now started to tie them to the wires my Dad provided and helped me set up. We may even be lucky and get a little bit of fruit from them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SpJkgkbMYxI/AAAAAAAAANk/TbX_gYoeBZA/s1600-h/allotment230809+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SpJkgkbMYxI/AAAAAAAAANk/TbX_gYoeBZA/s320/allotment230809+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373467816102748946" border="0" /></a><br />I finally finished digging up the rest of the potatoes and now have a very heavy hessian sack full of spuds for us to use, as well as bags of dwarf french beans.<br /><br />There's not too much more for me to do now, apart from continuing with the harvesting and keeping the weeds down, whilst keeping notes on what worked well and what did not, so that next year, I can do even better.<br /><br />As you look around the plots, there is plenty of growing and lots of harvesting going on so with luck lots of other people will be enjoying the fruits of their labour too.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-59638234858975583872009-07-27T09:39:00.009+01:002009-07-27T10:10:04.074+01:00Nature's lessons......I know it's been a while since I had a chance to update my blog, but we have been so busy these last few weeks, I've barely had a chance to dash down to the plot, keep the weeds down and harvest some of the produce.<br /><br />It really seems to be the time when you have to keep on weeding, watching how the plants are coming on and trying to protect them from all the scavengers who just love to eat everything before you can get to it. I'm already learning a lot this year and am starting to understand what needs to be done and when, to make sure we have the type of fruit and veg we like and use.<br /><br />First things first. I shall not be doing as many potatoes as this year as we have so many. Here's the load I dug up at the weekend, along with our first dwarf french beans and climbing french beans. We've got so many, I'm bagging them up and giving them away. I've got a hessian sack and will be filling that up too, for us to use over the coming months.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1pXoIAg7I/AAAAAAAAAMM/NTzBtR2EuPU/s1600-h/allotment250709+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1pXoIAg7I/AAAAAAAAAMM/NTzBtR2EuPU/s320/allotment250709+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363058585897042866" border="0" /></a><br />As for the dwarf beans, all I did was put the seeds in the bed and waited to see what they did, so all very easy. They look really good, just like the ones you buy in the shops, so I top and tailed them and we've put 2 bags in the freezer. They dont need any support and as we like these, I think next year, I'll do a few more. I got the climbing french beans for a present, but I'm not really sure what to do with them, but I've put a bag of them in the freezer too, so will need to have a look and see what you can make with them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1qCVS9e4I/AAAAAAAAAMU/cpZqW71B7jI/s1600-h/allotment250709+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1qCVS9e4I/AAAAAAAAAMU/cpZqW71B7jI/s320/allotment250709+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363059319577082754" border="0" /></a>Here's the bed with the beans in, with the peas behind. The climbing beans seem to have taken a while to get going, although I was speaking with Les on Saturday and he was telling me that's the same for everyone this year. In the background you can see the peas. I really like them too and we have a bag full in the freezer, however another leasson for me there, as I should have thinned them out a little bit and I missed the first batch as I saw them almost ready and then left them too long, resulting in them being past their best. So, next year I will keep a much closer eye on them. All they needed was the support and that's it, so another easy one for the future.<br /><br />The tomatoes seem to be coming along fine, even though I've not been watering them as we have had a series of hot days followed by nice downpours. I've had a look around and everyone elses are still green, so with luck over the coming weeks, we should be able to get plenty of tomatoes too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1rJ21e_4I/AAAAAAAAAMc/00MzbBdedns/s1600-h/allotment250709+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1rJ21e_4I/AAAAAAAAAMc/00MzbBdedns/s320/allotment250709+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363060548350967682" border="0" /></a><br />We have already had about a dozen sweetcorn cobs from the plants my Dad gave me and very sweet and succulent they are too. Here are the 6 I picked at the weekend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1rgv1VOhI/AAAAAAAAAMk/gZqoLpSy_L0/s1600-h/allotment250709+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1rgv1VOhI/AAAAAAAAAMk/gZqoLpSy_L0/s320/allotment250709+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363060941608270354" border="0" /></a>I've had a bit of difficulty with the cabbages and broccoli, with the caterpillars loving the cabbages and it looks like the birds having a feast of the broccoli. As you can see below they really have been battered. However, I put a net over them and hope that they'll come back. We'll see.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1sCIwPaOI/AAAAAAAAAM0/HChx7lAJhG8/s1600-h/allotment250709+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1sCIwPaOI/AAAAAAAAAM0/HChx7lAJhG8/s320/allotment250709+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363061515233487074" border="0" /></a>those pesky pigeons!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1sB8gvDRI/AAAAAAAAAMs/lb_zxEp2Tdc/s1600-h/allotment250709+009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1sB8gvDRI/AAAAAAAAAMs/lb_zxEp2Tdc/s320/allotment250709+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363061511947226386" border="0" /></a><br />As for the rest, we've had some carrots and plenty of salad leaves. I must also make sure I thin the carrots and lettuce properly next year and also, not do too much and spread out the sowing a bit more.<br /><br />As for the fruit, the strawberries were a bit of a disaster, but some of the plants are still ok and I plan to get some more this autumn, sort out a larger bed for them and make sure I have straw mulch and also proper netting. So, next year is the big one for them. Here are some of them that have survived so far, with the sunflower left for the church competition and also some of the seeds my Dad gave me, going like crazy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1s5jBJrcI/AAAAAAAAAM8/yiQ-fmdhCFg/s1600-h/allotment250709+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1s5jBJrcI/AAAAAAAAAM8/yiQ-fmdhCFg/s320/allotment250709+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363062467176541634" border="0" /></a>Finally, the raspberries are continuing to find their feet and shoot up a bit more, so I'm hopeful we'll get plenty of fruit from them next year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1tUGo0mFI/AAAAAAAAANE/UeMUceB_gmE/s1600-h/allotment250709+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Sm1tUGo0mFI/AAAAAAAAANE/UeMUceB_gmE/s320/allotment250709+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363062923414771794" border="0" /></a><br />So, nature continues to teach me and show me how best to play things going forward. So far not a bad first year, with lots of optimism for next year and still plenty of produce to harvest over the coming weeks and months. All in all, going along nicely. Just need a little bit more time (and sunshine) to get down there....if only!Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-397985788848703812009-06-19T10:06:00.003+01:002009-06-19T10:12:48.061+01:00Harvest time....I kept forgetting to bring the camera in to the office, by finally I remembered and as you can see below I dug up quite a few potatoes and as it turned out, 7 bags of salad leaves, including some spinach and rocket.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SjtVv-iXytI/AAAAAAAAAME/DCRs9gwNR_s/s1600-h/allotmentharvest130609+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SjtVv-iXytI/AAAAAAAAAME/DCRs9gwNR_s/s320/allotmentharvest130609+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348963265161972434" border="0" /></a><br />....just look at these lovely spuds!!!!.....there were over 60 of them.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SjtVvdJyzmI/AAAAAAAAAL8/xnmC5zvnh6k/s1600-h/allotmentharvest130609+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SjtVvdJyzmI/AAAAAAAAAL8/xnmC5zvnh6k/s320/allotmentharvest130609+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348963256200515170" border="0" /></a><br />I'll have to find time to pop down this weekend and see how everything got on after the crazy hail storm we had in the week and make sure the weeds and slugs haven't eaten everything. Also, I'll need to dig up some more spuds and cut some more of the salad leaves for our visitors on Sunday.<br /><br />More pictures and information on that next week.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-82213850034708929452009-06-09T09:20:00.002+01:002009-06-09T09:43:55.866+01:00It's all coming along nicelyLast weekend I managed to spend a little bit of time covering the cabbages with netting as I think the birds were having their fill and also built a frame for the sweet peas with the last few bits of wood I had left.<br /><br />As always there is always plenty of weeding to do, so I once again kept them down as much as possible to give the plants a chance to grow.<br /><br />Here's one of the courgette plants from my Dad and they seem to have settled in nicely and are now flowering. Indeed, so are some of the tomato plants.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Si4cc5pTC1I/AAAAAAAAALs/EHBPVxTSnmY/s1600-h/allotment060609+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Si4cc5pTC1I/AAAAAAAAALs/EHBPVxTSnmY/s320/allotment060609+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345241090571307858" border="0" /></a>Also, the sweetcorn have clearly got theirs roots all nicely spread in the soil, the stems are thickening and they are starting to reach for the skies as you can see below. They really do seem to have shot up this last week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Si4ccrePo-I/AAAAAAAAALk/5v7By0zkXVQ/s1600-h/allotment060609+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Si4ccrePo-I/AAAAAAAAALk/5v7By0zkXVQ/s320/allotment060609+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345241086766851042" border="0" /></a>.................and as you can see from this bed, the carrots which did seem to start off a little slowly have now started to shoot up, with the rocket and lettuce also coming along. I think I should have thinned this by now, so I will have to look at them next weekend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Si4cdI09zxI/AAAAAAAAAL0/84Fmee-UpME/s1600-h/allotment060609+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Si4cdI09zxI/AAAAAAAAAL0/84Fmee-UpME/s320/allotment060609+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345241094646779666" border="0" /></a>....and finally, although the strawberries have been a bit of a disaster, we did have one! All four of us had a taste and it was delicious, so I only hope the other plants find their legs and start to improve, so we'll see.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Si4ccR3J-5I/AAAAAAAAALc/ayoLQAtVvdg/s1600-h/allotment060609+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Si4ccR3J-5I/AAAAAAAAALc/ayoLQAtVvdg/s320/allotment060609+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345241079892016018" border="0" /></a><br />After doing the weeding, I put in the 2 sunflower plants for Ellie and Tom, for the church competition, along with the 3 cucumber plants from my Dad and put all the sweet pea seeds in next to the frame, so most of the beds are pretty full up. Luckily, we are having plenty of rain, so all of these should do well over the next few weeks. I just need to concentrate on keeping on top of things and keeping it all alive.<br /><br />On Sunday, I bashed together my shelf/table and took this down to the shed, to tidy things up in there. I plan to try to continue with the staining of the shed, weeding, dig up some potatoes and thin the carrots and lettuces this weekend. I need to make sure it's all looking good as we have some special guests coming the week after and I'm sure to have an inspection!Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-12832900824498398712009-06-02T09:40:00.002+01:002009-06-02T09:46:31.434+01:00Dinner's on me!!!!We were at my Mum and Dad's on Sunday and looking at Dad's potatoes, I managed to work out which were my First Earlies and as he had a few nice looking spuds and I put mine in a week or so before him, I decided to dig a few up for our Dinner on Monday night, on my way home from work.<br /><br />....and low and behold from 3 plants, I filled my sandwich box up, we had enough for our meal and for me to have some for my salad today. So what with this and the salad leaves we've been getting, all I need now is the tomatoes, cucumber and some fruit and that's lunch every day!<br /><br />Anyway, it sure was a treat digging up the potatoes and getting something, almost like digging for gold.<br /><br />It's all coming along now, so I just need to keep on top of it and finish a few things off this weekend, like stain the shed, build the frame for the Sweet Peas and keep weeding, then we are looking good.<br /><br />All in all, not too bad...and there is even a strawberry growing, only one but it's a start!Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-57459286790100078102009-05-26T10:25:00.007+01:002009-05-26T11:19:13.088+01:00Finally, the decorating is finished, now how's the allotment?Yep, after promising to redecorate the hall, stairs and landing in May, I have finally finished, so all looking fresh, with the walls, ceiling, skirting boards, door frames and bannister's painted. Phew, what a job. Also, this weekend, before making my way to the plot, I managed to power wash the deck and get a layer of stain on it, as it really needed it. I tell you, I'm stiff all over today and feel like an old man, but great to get it all done.<br /><br />Now, I was a bit wary before going to the plot, as I'd not had a chance these last few weeks to get down there, keep on top of the weeding, etc so it was with some trepidation I set off on Sunday afternoon and sure enough I had weeds growing everywhere. I spent 3 hours weeding the beds and then on the holiday Monday I once again went in the afternoon to complete the job and get the tomato plants in the raised bed, that I had grown from seed.<br /><br />Anyway, let's start with the potatoes. As you can see below they are coming on well and look like a tropical rainforest!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu2QHwETaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Y_oePpKAy98/s1600-h/allotment250509+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu2QHwETaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Y_oePpKAy98/s320/allotment250509+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340062171252673954" border="0" /></a>These were planted on the last weekend of March, so in theory after 10 weeks, the First Earlies should be ready for digging up. So either next weekend or the one after should be the time to test one and see what we've got....that is if I can get the right one's as I got them muddled up when I was chitting them. Not much else to do with them, just a bit of weeding, but now they are so big, they keep the weeds down themselves.<br /><br />Next, I had to weed all around the raspberries and as you can see I'm starting to get a few shoots and behind you can see the sweetcorn still looking good, which I'm pleasantly surprised at, as we, had a lot of wind (which took off half the felt from the shed roof, so I had to make a temporary plastic covering, until I get some more).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu8Ht9t3VI/AAAAAAAAAKs/musDZvBbaYg/s1600-h/allotment250509+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu8Ht9t3VI/AAAAAAAAAKs/musDZvBbaYg/s320/allotment250509+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340068623961414994" border="0" /></a><br />Also, Dad's salad leaves have done really well after an early problem with slugs and for the first time I took some of the leaves and I have some in my sandwich today!...not to mention the 3 bags in the fridge!<br /><br />The next bed had the carrots, rocket, little gem, all year round lettuce, spinach (both types) which I grew from seed and the marigolds, tomatoes and courgette plants from Dad. These last two have done well as we've had all sorts of weather and they have so far survived and look to be getting a bit of strength to them. Here's the carrots.....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu2RIExsGI/AAAAAAAAAKc/4rXFaMBLae4/s1600-h/allotment250509+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu2RIExsGI/AAAAAAAAAKc/4rXFaMBLae4/s320/allotment250509+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340062188519403618" border="0" /></a><br />and the lettuce and spinach...growing like crazy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu2RSjdpgI/AAAAAAAAAKk/0mCzqJ3HU-4/s1600-h/allotment250509+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu2RSjdpgI/AAAAAAAAAKk/0mCzqJ3HU-4/s320/allotment250509+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340062191332468226" border="0" /></a>(i dont know how I got the underline for the next 2 sections, but I cant' get rid of it, sorry)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The next bed had the cabbages and broccoli seeds as well as some more potatoes and tomato plants. The plants look to be fine, but the seeds got a bit overgrown with weeds and although a few survived as you can see below, I shall have to redo the spaces and see how they get on.</span><br /></div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu9pza9c0I/AAAAAAAAAK0/gVvQ-V3Ztsw/s1600-h/allotment250509+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu9pza9c0I/AAAAAAAAAK0/gVvQ-V3Ztsw/s320/allotment250509+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340070309053428546" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The next bed has the peas, dwarf french beans and climbing beans in and as you can see the the Kelvedon Wonder have shot up, but the slugs really liked the Onward so I had to redo them and they will come a little later. Also, you can see the climbing beans just shooting up and the dwarf french beans just coming through, along with the marigolds I grew from seed.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu-6oVGneI/AAAAAAAAALM/0GTDp_kw4U4/s1600-h/allotment250509+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu-6oVGneI/AAAAAAAAALM/0GTDp_kw4U4/s320/allotment250509+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340071697645477346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu_RucOfDI/AAAAAAAAALU/nBe_C9h7buY/s1600-h/allotment250509+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu_RucOfDI/AAAAAAAAALU/nBe_C9h7buY/s320/allotment250509+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340072094422957106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu-6PxAktI/AAAAAAAAAK8/EaRMQ5AhUHE/s1600-h/allotment250509+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu-6PxAktI/AAAAAAAAAK8/EaRMQ5AhUHE/s320/allotment250509+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340071691051635410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of the other jobs was to get the raised bed cleared of weeds, put in the bags of compost I get cheap at Lidl and put the tomato plants I'd grown in. So here they are. Ellie is going to plant some flowers in the area near the front and the Allotment Society are running some children's growing competitions, so I expect we'll be entering them too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu2QesCBUI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Rs7l7nkvxXM/s1600-h/allotment250509+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/Shu2QesCBUI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Rs7l7nkvxXM/s320/allotment250509+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340062177409762626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lastly, my strawberries have not done well at all, so that's one thing that hasn't gone too well, but luckily when I was in Lidl I saw 6 plants for £3, so bought 2 packs and put them in and we'll see how they get on. Too embarrassed to show a photo of the poor plants in that bed!!<br /><br />So now I'm back on top I've a few more things to plant, then need to keep an eye on watering, feeding, etc. Also, need to refix the shed roof, make my bench/shelf unit from the wood I collected and finish staining the shed too. But that's for the next few weeks....anyway very warm and sunny weekend to do all the work then a downpour overnight and this morning to water them all, I hope they are all ok!Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-50341172265563316432009-04-27T10:11:00.003+01:002009-04-27T11:23:49.548+01:00Dad and Mum come laden with treatsWell with the beautiful British weather all set to give us a pleasant weekend, my Mum and Dad arrived with a car full of plants Dad had grown in his greenhouse. As I said, I wasn't sure what he'd have, so you can imagine my surprise and delight to see the car full!<br /><br />We set off late morning on the Saturday and set to work working out where they'd all go and with Mum weeding the patch for the sweetcorn while I planted the strawberries I'd bought from ebay and Dad began with the cabbage and marigolds.<br /><br />As you can see below the sweetcorn look great and we managed to squeeze some of the lettuce and salad leaves around the edge too.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SfWBaPTprmI/AAAAAAAAAJs/C2qwAg9iyJw/s1600-h/allotment+25april2009+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SfWBaPTprmI/AAAAAAAAAJs/C2qwAg9iyJw/s320/allotment+25april2009+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329308021848387170" border="0" /></a>You will also notice the raspberry poles we put up in the afternoon, in the background.<br /><br />From the following photo you can see the tomato plants, cabbages and marigolds we spread about in the brassica and root beds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SfWBaTPwlsI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/z9As3dwelvs/s1600-h/allotment+25april2009+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SfWBaTPwlsI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/z9As3dwelvs/s320/allotment+25april2009+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329308022905804482" border="0" /></a>....and here's the small strawberry plants, with a little bit of room left in that bed for something else.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SfWBZu_wgkI/AAAAAAAAAJk/2T59-oYdtJ4/s1600-h/allotment+25april2009+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SfWBZu_wgkI/AAAAAAAAAJk/2T59-oYdtJ4/s320/allotment+25april2009+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329308013175013954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and here's a shot of the main potato bed. I did earth them up last week and now look at them. They just keep on growing!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SfWBankW_3I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/CSckAMHl7Cs/s1600-h/allotment+25april2009+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SfWBankW_3I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/CSckAMHl7Cs/s320/allotment+25april2009+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329308028360916850" border="0" /></a><br />You can only imagine my pleasure in seeing all of these plants in the plot, as it really looks great with lots of different vegetables, fruit and flowers at different stages of development. As my Dad has spent so long getting them from seed to nice healthy plants, I now have the responsibility of making sure I keep them alive, nurture them and try to get as much out of them as I can.<br /><br />I've got to update my plan and research how I protect them all from the pests and frosts, so I expect to make preparations for that this week. However, I have promised that I would start decorating of the hall and landing in May, so I'm going to be a busy boy over the next month or so.<br /><br />I also need to finish staining the shed, (I did do half of it on Saturday afternoon after we'd sorted the raspberry poles) and fill the raised bed with soil for some more tomato plants (which I'm growing from seed), Ellie and Tom's seeds and anything else. Not to mention all the weeding and watering depending on the weather.<br /><br />Anyway, not only did we have a lovely day in the Sun, but Swindon beat Bristol Rovers and managed to avoid relegation, so all in all a BIG RESULT of a weekend. Keep it coming England, I'm having a ball.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768066089007788792.post-29400246253327258392009-04-20T10:20:00.002+01:002009-04-20T10:56:34.022+01:00It wasn't warm and sunny 11 years ago today......Yes, 11 years ago on Saturday 18th April , Karen and I got married and it was a cold afternoon that day. Not that it mattered of course as we had a brilliant day. Unfortunately, Karen picked up a sinus infection last week and is laid up recovering, at the moment and thus the reason I'm at the allotment with Ellie. Tom was invited to watch Crystal Palace play with one of his friends from school, so we are listening out for the score on the radio.<br /><br />It's been a little while since the last update, during which we had a great week before Easter in Pembrokeshire with our friends and so with the sun and rain, the weeds and grass have grown with a vengeance, so plenty of work to do.<br /><br />I have managed to pop down to do a little bit previosuly, but today, Ellie and I were planning on planting some peas and marigolds in one bed, some cabbages, leeks and broccoli in another, as well as see how the potatoes are getting on under the fleece, along with a bit of weeding.<br /><br />As you can see from the next 2 photo's we've got plenty of labels in and not only was Ellie helping with the seeds, she also wrote most of the labels out too.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SexCZ-JDD9I/AAAAAAAAAJU/u4AxXxStoF4/s1600-h/allotment+19april2009+009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SexCZ-JDD9I/AAAAAAAAAJU/u4AxXxStoF4/s320/allotment+19april2009+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326705473217564626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SexCZgo7xqI/AAAAAAAAAJM/asKtGH5zIIY/s1600-h/allotment+19april2009+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SexCZgo7xqI/AAAAAAAAAJM/asKtGH5zIIY/s320/allotment+19april2009+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326705465298241186" border="0" /></a>I took the fleece off the potatoes and by some miracle they are growing!!! Hoorah. I weeded the bed and 'earthed them up' as you can see below.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SexCZZKmEMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/g0rh6b8lMpo/s1600-h/allotment+19april2009+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SexCZZKmEMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/g0rh6b8lMpo/s320/allotment+19april2009+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326705463291941058" border="0" /></a><br />Of course, we deserved a break and Ellie got the chair, as she was supplying the mini eggs!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SexCYxUmQNI/AAAAAAAAAI8/jsFgBN-J9rs/s1600-h/allotment+19april2009+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SexCYxUmQNI/AAAAAAAAAI8/jsFgBN-J9rs/s320/allotment+19april2009+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326705452596478162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />....and Ellie was keen to take a photo of me actually working so here's the proof.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SexCaXhGWSI/AAAAAAAAAJc/DSb2H625fJs/s1600-h/allotment+19april2009+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rvL2vQDNEB8/SexCaXhGWSI/AAAAAAAAAJc/DSb2H625fJs/s320/allotment+19april2009+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326705480029329698" border="0" /></a><br />We had a good couple of hours and have now got quite a lot of seeds in, including some carrots, lettuce and spinach which we put in last week. I'm hoping to get a few strawberry plants and put them in next week. Also, my Dad is coming over to help me with the raspberry supports and bring me some plants, with luck, so I'm excited to see what he brings!<br /><br />It's all taking shape and as you may have noticed from some of the photo's a lot of the plots are being worked on now, so I expect to see more and more people around. Roll on next week.... from a happy gardener on his anniversary.Chris O'Killhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084984349404222636noreply@blogger.com0