8 May 2006
Bitten by the allotment bug
Yesterday down at the allotment I really started to feel that our plans were taking shape. We rolled back one of the sheets of black plastic and marked out what will be the squash and sweetcorn beds then raked the paths flat (kind of). If all goes according to plan then all the beds we’ve marked out this year will have frames by the end of the month in readiness to be no-dig raised beds awaiting serious mulching. Keep your fingers crossed for us.
We’ve worked surprisingly hard this weekend, visiting the plot once on Saturday and twice yesterday. I reckon that’s about 6 hours we’ve each done which seems incredible. It looks like we’ve finally got the bug.
As well as marking out beds we’ve been weeding (ah, the curse of the bindweed) and we finished preparing the bean bed. Next weekend we hope to have some cane so we can build the frame for the beans and perhaps put the first batch in.
I’m also reassured to see the first signs of potato life, breaking through the soil. Along with all the rogue potatoes everywhere else on the plot that are gradually making themselves known.
I can’t wait until term finishes and I can spend even more time down there.
Hang on a minute - what am I saying?
Filed under: Hard labour — Clare @ 7:55 pm
Looks wonderful Clare! Although my garden is a decent size, the veg bit is very small. I did try to get an allotment locally, but there’s a very long list, so I’m experimenting with denser planting this year.
Best of luck! Trillium
(09.05.06 @ 10:13 pm)
Hi Trillium - thank you for the encouragement. It’s getting there, isn’t it? I have to say, if you can manage the wait for the allotment then I think that’s probably much more sensible than what we did which was to go for the immediately available but overgrown and neglected site.
A lengthy waiting list is frustrating, but it does mean you are likely to inherit a maintained plot. And that minimises work in so many ways. Plus, you can spend your waiting time making the most of what you’ve got and dreaming and planning.
Still, patience is a virtue, and I’m not very virtuous!
(10.05.06 @ 1:12 am)
Hi Pumpkinny One - keep that Owen working, he looks like trouble to me
The rumours of my vanishing were greately exagerated (by me). The rumours of my varnishing are not true (give me time, we have many new doors to choose from).
So? What have I missed?
(11.05.06 @ 1:59 pm)
Well hello there, his burro’ness, good to see you.
Take care with the varnishing. It’s a sticky business, I’m told.
(11.05.06 @ 2:56 pm)