Allotmenticity - Sod It Grow Your Own Pt 2 - 17-11-08

Captain Tongo on Aston FM 17th November.
Hear Captain Tongo every Monday at 8.15am on The Gary James Show Aston FM 89.1FM

Allotmenticity - Cissy Stone's Irish Chicken Soup

This is an old Irish recipe for a warming Chicken soup my Granny used to make in a huge pot over an open fire in Doneraile.
For 4 people you will need
A fresh chicken, (free range for preference) about 2-3lbs.
2 medium Turnips.
A medium Swede.
2 medium Parsnips.
3 Carrots.
3 large Potatoes (Maris Piper are good).
A Leek.
A large Onion.
A chicken stock cube.
A sprig of Thyme, Rosemary and a Bay Leaf
Salt & Pepper to taste.

Put the chicken in a large pot, big enough to fit all the vegetables around it.
Cover the chicken with water and bring to the boil. Peel the Turnips, Swede and Parsnips and cut into large chunks. Wash the carrots and potatoes and chop the same. Wash the Leek and chop into 1" pieces. Peel and chop the Onion.
When the water boils crumble the stock cube in and add all the vegetables and herbs making sure all the contents are covered, adding more boiling water if necessary. Bring the heat down to a simmer cover the pan and let it "smile" for about 2 hours.
The soup is ready when the chicken falls off the bones and the veg are soft.
Serve in large soup bowls with some warm homemade soda bread.
Enjoy. Cissy x
www.myspace.com/cissystone

Allotmenticity - Sod It Grow Your Own Pt 1 - 10-11-08

This is the first Aston FM "Sod It Grow Your Own" broadcast on Monday 10th November. Listen out for my regular humourous observations every Monday on 89.1 FM or hear it again on the Blog.
Starting next week a seasonal recipe section with contributions from special friends aswell.

Allotmenticity - Aston FM 89.1 issue.

This is the Aston FM 89.1 special issue. On Monday 10th November at 08.15 Gary James will broadcast an interview with yours truly direct from No 87. Hopefully "Sod It I'll Grow My Own" will become a regular feature so if you're fortunate enough to be able to receive it, give them a call and support me.
It's not going to be as serious as the Jeremy Vine Show, more a light-hearted view of growing your own veg & fruit with a weekly tip and possibly even a seasonal recipe. (If I can think of one!!!)
I'll try to get a recording so I can put it on the blog.

Oh and thanks to Choff for the above addition to the No 87 family. I've decided to name it after him as "The Choff".
More interesting goodies to come from him soon.

The Captain.

Allotmenticity - 09-11-08 - The Tour

Welcome to No 87 The Tour, a stroll around the plot with Captain Tongo.

Enjoy!

Comments please.

The Captain.

Allotmenticity - Lewis Hamilton World Champion!

Well he finally did it! Good Lad Lewis you deserve the title despite all of Ferrari's and FI's attempts to stop you.
Next up has to be Man Utd getting back into gear and then I'm happy.
Right then back down to earth. I've just planted my Strawberries in what must be the most extravagant bed around. A gift of a bath which cost a fortune but now houses my new arrivals from Thompson & Morgan. Let's hope they like their new home and produce the goods.
What about the size of my Kerr Pinks. I can't believe how well they've done AND they taste amazing. Even "The Legend" commented on how great they are!
Just returned from a trip to Scotland and hopefully a couple of hours tomorrow morning tidying and digging a few more spuds.
I've sown the first lot of I-O-W garlic, but I'm holding back a few as Colin from The Garlic Farm suggested and sowing them in early spring. The Japanese Onion sets are all coming on well.
My mate Choff has been sourcing some fantastic goodies. I've got some mini greenhouses and also mini seedling plug containers for next years herbs etc.
Watch this space for more developments.
Garden On!

The Captain.

Allotmenticity - 01-10-08

It's a rare pleasure to not only get down for more than a few minutes to No87, but also to see the sun with his hat off!
Anyway a break in our gruelling schedule with "The Legend" and I'm digging up giant Kerr Pink potatoes. A meal in itself is how the Spudman Mr C describes them.
I have to say I'm really impressed by the quality and size of the spuds. Let's hope the Maris Pipers will be up to the mark as well.
I've a football-sized Savoy which is bound for Sunday lunch. All the cabbages have done well although some have been severely attacked by slugs.
I really have to make an effort next year to bolster my pest defences. A better form of netting against Butterflies is high on the agenda.

I received my Garlic Lovers Pack from Colin at The Garlic Farm this week. WOW what an amazing selection. I can't wait to try some of these beauties next year. "Thanks Colin". The Legend even mentioned the Garlic Festival on Radio 2 the other week. I've got my raised beds already prepared, although Colin suggested I wait until early in the New Year before planting them. Evidently they grow more steadily and have a round shape.

I'm getting fed up of all these reports in the media of break-ins on allotments. Why don't they just say "There's free food for all you thieving b*****ds!" All the "Scallies" have now been given the idea. Don't let me catch anyone nicking from No87 or the next blog might come from behind bars!!!

As for Man Utd I'm sure they'll get going soon and Lewis just needs to keep his nerve and ignore the critics. Go Lewis!

I'm trying a couple of ways to propogate Rosemary from cuttings. The putting a heeled cutting in a glass of water, and also the rooting powder. I want to eventually have a Rosemary hedge down one side.

I'm also getting a heap of slabs from NurseVon next week so I can finally get the Corporate area up and running. All I need now is an Indian Summer!


Until next time, keep a look out for "50 years of Rock & Roll with Alvin Stardust" at a theatre near you.

The Captain.

Allotmenticity @ The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival

Welcome to the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival "Special" Blog.

A year ago whilst on a sailing holiday down in the Solent I ended up in Cowes and bought a bulb of Isle of Wight garlic. Although it seemed rather expensive at the time, I was assured that I would never taste garlic like it. Well they were right, and on my return I tracked down The Garlic Farm website www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk and ordered 4 bulbs of Solent Wight.
I eagerly planted them and have had a great harvest of wonderful tasting bulbs, which I am distributing to all my friends.
So yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of The Garlic Farm at The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival where I was performing with "The Legend that is Alvin Stardust"
The photo above shows yours truly with Colin Boswell from The Garlic Farm.
I had a chat with Colin and proudly showed him a photo of my crop and he gave me some tips about improving the next batch. It was great to meet him and I'm now looking forward to planting the new variety he gave me.
"Thanks Colin, it was a pleasure to meet you and I hope you enjoyed the show".

As regards No87, I've been busy dodging the showers of late and am just about at the end of the early Arran Pilots which have been really tasty. The Calabrese is also fabulous and I'm picking the odd bunch of curly Kale. The Savoys and Greyhound cabbages are also looking good and are "hearting up" nicely. The Sweetcorn looks promising and there are plenty of cobs forming.
I'm working on the new raised beds. I've used the reclaimed timber from my recent "Skip-Surfing" and they're being treated to a mixture of sieved compost and B&Q multipurpose along with Bonemeal and a good helping of Growmore. I'm going to try some Japanese Onion sets, Shallots and my new season Garlic in them.
The Cold frame has been very successful with Lettuce, Rocket, Pak Choi, Basil and Parsley all flying out. I've also taken loads of Rosemary cuttings in an attempt to create a free Rosemary hedge down one side of the plot. I know it will take a while to establish, but if it works it provide a really attractive and fragrant feature. I'm also trying a few Lavender cuttings as well so wish me luck.
I've filled the bath I got from "The Country Bumpkin" and am now sourcing some Strawberry plants to fill it.
I've acquired some old carpet which is now covering the top end in an attempt to create a more welcoming entrance to the plot. The eventual plan is for a couple of fruit trees and a small flower bed. The Gladiolis are established now and I've just ordered some Lilies. I know you can't eat them but a bit of colour all adds to the picture.
So there we are, it's Sunday morning and I can't believe we left Brum at 8.30am yesterday drove down to Portsmouth, got the ferry, played the gig, met the Garlic Maestro and drove back all in one day. Rock & Roll!!!
Come On The Reds!

The Captain.

Allotmenticity 25-07-08

I don't believe it's 2 months since my last missive.
Ah well, no excuses for not keeping up to date other than gigs with "The Legend" and Her Cissyness, and general being busy as you can see from the pictures at the top.

My idea of a fruit cage changed to a cold frame and as I acquired some decent wood I got stuck in and it's doing really well as can be seen. The bricks are holding down the strips of weed suppressing material. A bit OTT I know but I'll eventually get round to another solution. I've sown lettuce, basil, pak choi, rocket, spinach and parsley. The filing cabinet drawers on the right have coriander in. I've had a bit of a problem with it going to seed pretty quickly. Not sure why.

The corporate entertainment area is currently under construction. As can be seen I've covered the area with black polythene and staked out the blocks which will be filled with rubble then topped off with a layer of concrete. That's going to be fun!

The grape vine is flourishing at the back of the shed and has loads of tiny fruit on it. I'll have to read up on how to maintain it though.

I harvested the Isle of Wight garlic last week. Its a fabulous tasting garlic which I ordered from
www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk Ironically we're playing at the I-O-W Garlic Festival with "The Legend" on 16th August so I might take some over to display.

I received a great compliment the other day from a couple of my neighbours. They commented how wonderful my spuds looked and on the quality of the growth, and wondered what my secret was. From a couple of seasoned allotmenteers that's really cool. Acceptance into the ranks! I know it might be a little over-indulgent, but I always put lawn mowings in the bottom of the trench, then a layer of compost, the seed potato then another layer of compost which fills up the trench, and then I use the soil I've dug out as the mound and don't really bother earthing up any more. Well, it works for me! I've had some really delicious Arran Pilots so far.

My curly kale is going well. It's strange that the birds don't seem too bothered about it. They had a right go at my other brassica seedlings which set them back a bit. I've constructed some frames with netting to give them some protection but It's a continual pain though. I must try to get a proper solution thats easier to use. Weeding is always difficult. Maybe a mulch of compost would be a solution. At least with the amount of compost I use it's putting goodness back into the plot. I think the price of proper farmyard manure is a bit steep. £45 for a load. I tried some pelleted stuff which seems to have worked on the spuds. (Thinks...maybe thats why they're so good!!!)

My strawberry tasted fabulous. I took the runners from a tray I bought from B&Q last year and planted them in an old sink. I'm in the running for an old bath which I intend to make into my strawberry plot. Just have to go to Malvern to get it.
I did a spot of Skip Surfing the other week and nabbed some 4x2 timber which I've used as the new raised beds. They're much more substantial now.

I'm going to have another go at some onions. Ken my neighbour suggested to try Japanese onion sets which over-winter the same as garlic, so I might give it a go. Anyone else tried them. Suttons advertise them in their catalogue. Previously my sets just rotted. Any advice anyone. I'm sure Matron can give me some pointers.

Lewis Hamilton is "AWESOME". Finally someone who can overtake! Go Lewis........

Well it's sunny Skegness on Saturday (actually Chapel St Leonards) with "The Legend" then Gt Yarmouth next week.

The dog in the picture is Huxley, a wonderful Red Setter who belongs to The Country Bumpkin. He paid a visit to No 87 recently along with Her Cissyness.

Well that's all for now. I'll have to make more of an effort to keep up, but until the next time

Keep on Rockin'

The Captain.

Allotmenticity - 20-05-08

Well it's about time I added some new comments I hear you say! It's been hectic over the past few weeks with 3 Birthdays, a major gig and an invite to a funky do.
Anyway, FINALLY, I've got stuck into some work down at No87. I'm up to date with my spuds, with just a final row of Maris Pipers to go in this weekend. I'm doing my best to stagger everything this year, so the earlies went in a week apart, then a row of Kerr Pinks, Maris Pipers, KPs. I've also done the same with sowing my cabbage, brocolli and kale seeds.
The grape vine has suddenly burst into life. It gets plenty of sun around the back of the shed. I've just made a fruit cage on the site of compost corner. I've used the old side bits from the wreck of an old greenhouse I found, for the frame, and I'll use the netting from the cabbages last year. I'm looking for some fruit bush bargains in Aldi/Lidl.
I'm going to dig in some of the new compost I made to give them a comfortable start.
The fig tree is producing a crop of figs, but if it does last years trick it'll drop them before they get anywhere near ripe.
My garlic continues to look good. It's going to be interesting playing at the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival in August. I think I might take some along!
The Purple Sprouting is coming to an end, but I've had loads and have been circulating plenty to friends. My Spinach is going down well too, although it's starting to flower if I let it. I've sown some more ready to transplant. The one disappointment so far has been the Calaloo. I've sown 2 lots and not a dicky-bird! I really don't know what I'm doing wrong. (Any comments please!)
The start of the tour with "The Legend" is looming and we're in for quite a bit of travelling around, so keep an eye out if we're near you.
The Reds did the business in the Premiership and all they have to do now is stuff The Blues again and I'll be happy.
Come On You Reds!
It's over and out for now,
The Captain.

Allotmenticity 13-04-08

This is Stella, one of my neighbours, proudly holding the cups she won at the recent show. Well done Stella!!!


I've finally managed to get down to No87 when it's been fine and sow my first row of Earlies. Arran Pilot. Hopefully I can stagger the next row for a couple of weeks time. The weather has been so crazy recently, one minute sunshine, then snow & hail.
My Purple Sprouting Brocolli is fantastic. That's just 1 plant and I have 8 altogether. Looks like the freezer may be required, although there's always plenty of eager recipients for fresh cut spears.
I'm off down to Lidl for some seed compost. It seems to be the cheapest around. I've been saving toilet roll innards to sow my peas & beans in. I might also try the brassicas as my raised seed beds are going to be busy with the Isle of Wight Garlic for a while yet.
The prepared beds are looking OK, but my stone paths are covered in grass, so I think I need to try an alternative idea. I bought some rolls of black plastic and I might put the stones on top of it.
I found this little Pansy under the Brocolli bushes.

Did anyone see Gardeners World last week with the guy getting his allotment. Hmmm, wish it was that easy to get wood and surface scrapers! And am I alone in thinking he's mad to have those diamonds and triangles for raised beds. I thought the idea was not to have to tread on them. (Geoff Hamilton's Magic 4ft). And lorry loads of green waste!!! I'll stick to the good old "Compost Corner"

Come on The Reds, only Blackburn & Chelsea to go and the titles ours! Keep trying Lewis.

And just to say the experience of playing at The Royal Albert Hall was unbelievable. Such a Buzz.
Her Cissyness and I had a ball. The photo shows us rehearsing with the choir, orchestra, the band and the 2 child soloists. Awesome! Thanks DK for giving us the opportunity. The Captain

Allotmenticity - Monday 17th March

My good friend "Choff" suggested I take a photo of the start of the season and label each section, then update it as we progress through the year. Great idea Choff, so here's the first instalment taken about a week ago on a nice sunny day. Trouble is since I took it I've picked up one of those lousy virus and been stuck in bed until today. Lucky really that it starts to get busy this weekend onwards with some gigs with "The Legend" and culminating with an appearance at The Royal Albert Hall on April 4th with "Her Cissyness" and virtually the whole of Dorset!
I managed to get my supply of seeds last week. I'm envious of people who are self sowing year on year, and have actually saved coriander and pak choi from last year, but stuff like brassicas etc I prefer to buy.
This year I'm going to try some Sweet Corn, and some Sprouts as well as Savoy Cabbage, Purple Sprouting, Peas & French Beans. Oh and some Beetroot by request. I also found a commercially available pack of Callaloo.
The spuds are "chitting" well though a few weeks yet before the danger of frosts diminishes.
Where can I get French Tarragon? The only seeds I can find are this awful Russian variety.
I see Lewis has started off like he means business which is great news. Good to see that they're starting to normalise the cars at last. Strange how many errors all these so called geniuses are starting to make. Traction control, Launch Control.........
Put them all in a Golf GTi and then lets see who's the best.
Come On The Reds!
The Captain.
(Coming to a theatre near YOU!)

Allotmenticity - Sunday 3rd February

A very belated Happy New Year to all. I can't believe it's been so long since my last blog. A combination of weather and gigs has kept me away from No 87 but I finally made it down. Strange to find the Purple Sprouting Brocolli already sending up shoots. I think that's a bit early in February, but it's in the pot for dinner today!
The Isle of Wight Garlic is looking good. Funnily enough we're playing at The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival with "The Legend that is Alvin Stardust" in August. Maybe I should take some of mine to display.
I've been digging up the Kerr Pinks as they've taken to sprouting due to the warmer weather. Mind, there's plenty of takers when I offer some around. "Balls of flour"!
It was a bit windy down there today, but I want to get some Lime down soon before the season starts. I found that the extra effort with Liming and adding the compost to the planting hole has kept the Club Root at bay. So I'll do the same again this year. I also need to start digging the spud patch which has been covered since last year.
I've got a little furry friend in one of my compost bins. Not sure what to do about it. I've got the turning spear, but don't really want to do that yet.
I do know the roof of the shed needs re-felting ASAP.
There's lots of shows in this year for "The Legend" so keep an eye out for us playing at a theatre near you and come and say "Hi".
Well that's about all for today apart from wishing all the best to a very good friend "John The Boot" who's not too well at the moment.
Can't believe it's 50 years since Munich. Come On The Reds!!!
The Captain.

Allotmenticity - The Legend visits No87

The Legend that is Alvin Stardust displays his love of the soil by digging a few spuds during his last visit to the Midlands. There you go Matron!
I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas. I went down on Xmas Eve and dug a few Maris Pipers and Kerr Pinks. They were great. No sign of them suffering by being left in the soil.
I also noticed that the lettuce I sowed under glass in the filing cabinet drawers have come through, despite the amount of frost we've had of late. Amazing!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

See you all again in 2008.

The Captain.

Merry Xmas Everyone from The Captain

.

Allotmenticity - Tuesday 20th November

I had the honour of "Spud Man" Mr C come down last week to unearth the first of the Maris Pipers. "The King of The Chippers" and we weren't disappointed. A fabulous tray of spuds headed off to the awaiting deep fat fryer repleat with fresh oil. We also dug a small square of Kerr Pinks and were rewarded with a huge bag of pink beauties.
Have you ever seen a gardener so well dreesed in a suit and tie???
I'm cooking for "The Legend That is Alvin Stardust and His Trusty War Horse" after rehearsals this week and they are keen on tasting some "Jewels of the Land". Having steamed a selection the other night I don't think they'll be let down.
Trouble is I'm now getting into the Xmas gig glut and time at No87 is becoming rarer. I don't have too much to do in terms of the ground, although I have got the felt for the shed roof, and will be picking up my glass panels soon.
But those taters are pretty damn good!
It's been suggested I sell bags alongside the CDs at the gig! Food for thought!
Rehearsals tomorrow then the gigs begin.
Later everyone.
The Captain.

Allotmenticity - Sunday 4th November

Having been reminded by a couple of friends that I haven't blogged for ages I am suitably chastized and so here's my latest update from good old No87.
I've been delayed by gigs, rehearsals and a terrible bout of "The Runs" which lasted forever, but I'm happy to say has finally subsided. However I did manage to get my Isle of Wight garlic in my prepared bed. Can't wait for the final product as the quality of the bulbs I received by post (in a shoe box) was brilliant. Also you can see the shallots (on the left) which also came and which I will be planting tomorrow. I pulled the last of the fancy Italian Lettuce which although only small was really tasty and I've got some more carrots to pull before they get too eaten.
I think tomorrows visit might have to include a strimming session as it's getting a bit bad around the edges. Ooops!!!
I'm digging up some great King Edwards and looks like I'll be into the Maris Pipers soon as I've got advance orders from the band for some produce. I might set up a stall next to "The Legend That is Alvin Stardust" merchandise table!
I ordered 2 rolls of Black plastic weed suppressing material. but have yet to receive it due to a problem with a shall we same nameless courier, which is known by 3 letters beginning with D and ending with L!!!!!
What an interesting end to the F1 season. Ah well. better luck next year Lewis. I would love to see all the drivers in a race where every car has the same engine, tyres and no fancy computerised nonesense. Then we'd really find out who was the best drivers.
Come on The Reds! It was great to be down on No87 when they played at The Villa. You can hear everything from the plot and after a loud start, they soon shut the Villains up! Priceless!!!
I changed my phone recently to a Nokia N95 which has a 5 megapixel camera. I took the photo of the Garlic with it. I have to say I'm impressed and the music player is brilliant too. Technology!!!
OK that's me done for today.
Back again soon,

The Captain.......says Salut!

Allotmenticity - Monday 8th October

After a hard rehearsal yesterday when I didn't get chance to visit No87, I took the opportunity to nip down this morning in beautiful sunshine. I picked this bunch of carrots from a row I sowed in one of the raised beds and they are fabulous. Really sweet and very tasty. I'll definitely try a few more rows next year.
I also dug a good sack of King Edwards which are very tasty too.
Matron, I'm undecided about whether to leave them in or not. Some of my neighbours leave them in until next year and are still digging them up as they plant the new seasons. (Although with her Cissyness and Mr C being Irish, I don't think they'll get chance to be in there too long.)
I've got the hessian sacks and have put a good bag away, but you have to make sure you keep them in the dark as they go green really quickly.
Thanks for the message FrogPrincess. I went onto Ebay and bought some black ground cover sheets. Got a BOGOF deal too! Also ordered a Bread maker from Amazon. I'm fed up having to trek over to Sainsburys for a loaf 'cos I hate Tescos bread.
HERE'S A TIP! If you've got a Nectar card and use the internet to shop, go on to www.nectar.com and log on, (you need to be registered, so if you haven't already, do so, it's worth it) then go to the Nectar eStores section. If you use Amazon or Ebay you'll get points when you buy stuff. There are certain restrictions but it mostly works. Ebay is Buy It Now items. But "What Do Points Make?!!"
Our water is turned off next week so I filled up my reserve tank ready for the winter. I'm intending trying some salady stuff under glass and have an idea for a remote watering system. I've got a load of old hosepipe, which I'm going to cut into lengths the size of my raised beds and lay alongside where I sow the seeds. I'll seal one end and make lots of holes in the pipe. Then I can insert a funnel in the other end and pour water in which should then irrigate the area under glass without having to move the cloches.
"Call Me Mad"!!! Well, it's worth a try!
I've collected seed pods from the Pak Choi and Coriander which both flowered and went to seed. I might try some of that under glass as an experiment.
And as for Lewis Hamilton...... perhaps he did that so it would make for an exciting last race.
But the Reds ARE BACK! So all's well again.
And that's all for today.
Just had a trip to Great Yarmouth cancelled, Thank God, so I may get chance to have a couple more hours down on the plot this week. (Can you believe they got the year wrong!!!!!)
I despair.
The Captain.

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.