Allotmenticity 30th September

Hello again Allotmenteers. It seems like ages since I've had chance to sit down and update my blog about No87. Finally I've got a window of opportunity, so here we go.
I've started digging up my King Edwards as can be seen in the photo. The grass mowings in the trenches seems to have done a good job of keeping the scab away, and the addition of compost has certainly added bulk to the soil. I finally bought some hessian sacks and have already filled one with about 2/3rds of a row. They do taste great as well. There's another row yet, and then Mr C's favourites Maris Pipers.
The onions I sowed are doing well, and I'll protect them with cloches as it starts to get colder. Evidently it's difficult to get hold of Japanese Onion sets around here according to a couple of my neighbours. Possibly because of the bad year we've had with our Onions so far. My sets just curled up and rotted.
I'm getting some lovely Spinach regularly now which is great, and I'm freezing lots of Parsley and Coriander. My filing cabinet drawers have been full of salad greens, so I'm really pleased I didn't take it down to the dump after all.
I've managed to get a car space where the old shed was, and the next plan is to dig over the rest of the top section and get some fruit bushes and trees and a few flowers to brighten up the entrance. The Sunflower is a dwarf one but has a huge head.
The figs are still on the tree, but I'm not sure how they'll be now the weather is changing.
Oh and I managed to get one lovely bunch of Gladiolis. Fingers crossed the Lilies might make an appearance next year.
I'm thinking I might spend a while turning over the area I've had covered, ready for next year. I can compost the grass, and save a bit of time when it's spud sowing.
I've been recommended a place that does large black plastic sheets, so I may look them up. I've also got to re-felt the shed roof sometime soon before winter, and as my diary is starting to fill for Nov-Dec nows a good time.
As for my interests, Man U continue to frustrate, but Lewis Hamilton is still "The Boy". "Go Lewis!"
I think that's up to date, so until next time,
The Captain.

Allotmenticity - Saturday 1st September

After last weekend's trips to Trentham Gardens and then Lincoln Castle it's back to No87 for some work. I recently found the gadget pictured on a website and have found it very useful. It's good to turn the compost over and this helps to pull the stuff from the bottom and circulate it.
















£10.00 from www.evengreener.com I'm not usually bothered about these sort of things, but for once I think it's worth it considering I couldn't work out a way to make one myself.
I'm working on the car park at the top of the plot where the shed used to be. There's loads of stone buried under overgrown grass so it's a slow job. You can just see the Glads in the background and although I'm not a big flower fan they are looking good.
The draws from the filing cabinet are full of leaves. They really have come on quickly and I'm glad I didn't get rid of them now.
The Grape Vine in the rear of the shed is settling in well. I dug a large hole and lined it with plastic before I filled it with compost. There's a lot of nettles and brambles still in the ground so hopefully it will keep the roots at bay.
I dug the last of the Earlies, Arran Pilots, and they are fantastic. No sign of any problems and great tasting. I think I'll definitely go for them again next year and possibly a row of second earlies. I'm waiting for the maincrop now. King Edwards first. I need to get some potato sacks. I've seen hessian advertised so maybe I'll give them a try. I've also ordered Garlic and Shallots from the Isle of Wight which will be delivered in a couple of weeks. I'm looking forward to the Garlic as I tried some when I was down there sailing and it was an excellent taste.
Hopefully the weather will keep fine for a while so I can get some more work done on the car park.
Its the Big Band at The Jam House on Wednesday night so I'll be getting some preparation done for that.
I don't think Man Utd deserve a comment at the moment, but "Come On The Reds"!!!
Happy Allotmenteering,
The Captain.