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

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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.

Allotmenticity - Tuesday 21st August

I decided to transplant some of the Spring Cabbage seedlings now they are big enough. I've been lucky so far with all my other brassicas that there isn't any signs of Club Root, but just to make sure I used the same process as before. I dig out a large hole where I'm going to put the seedling and sprinkle in a good handful of Lime. (By handful I actually use a scoop). Then I fill the hole with the compost from Compost Corner and finally plant the seedling in the centre. In effect it doesn't have any contact with the soil and is surrounded by a Lime barrier. It's worked so far, so why change?
I'm having good results from the copper bracelets. I keep finding slugs with huge slime trails which go up to the ring but then stop. I then scoop them up and add to a bucket of salt. Die you B******s Die!
The fancy "Country Boots" I bought have given up the ghost. Not a good purchase really, so I did a quick "parf" on the web and found the wonderful pair of Wellies at Screwfix for £9.99. I added a flash to the photo for effect. They've even got a re-inforced toe-cap. Hopefully they'll last longer than their predecessors.
Oh and I've found 7 Gladioli flower stems! One minute there was nothing and within 2 days whooosh. I'll photograph the full colour results when they bloom, and send them to Barry Humphreys or should that be Dame Edna?
What's happening with Man U? Come on guys a goal or 2 wouldn't go amiss!
And it's Open-air gig time this weekend with "The Legend that is Alvin Stardust". We're at Trentham Gardens, Stoke on Saturday and then Lincoln Castle on Sunday. Fingers crossed for the weather.
Let's Rock,
The Captain.

Allotmenticity - Tuesday 14th August

Well after a few hectic days travelling the country I've finally managed to grab a few minutes to catch up with events at No87.
Last week was beautiful weather and so I got a start with the new Compost Corner. I've slimmed it down so I can fit a cold frame in on the end of the shed. The remaining compost will be distributed around the plot as necessary. I did a trial run with the Gazeebo and it fits perfectly in the "Corporate Entertainment Area" at the rear of the shed.
I've converted the Filing Cabinet that looked like the Monolith from 2001 into 4 small salad beds and a large deep cold frame kind of thing. I'm considering trying some Horseradish and maybe Ginger in it. I broadcast sowed some exotic salad leaves and they're already through. Obviously they like the enclosed space. I've got some Spring Cabbage ready to transplant which I'll do when it stops raining.
As I mentioned last time, the Fig tree has exploded into life again and is full of fruit. I read somewhere that the 2nd fruits don't do well, but with the 1st lot just dropping off on their own maybe it might be 2nd time lucky.
Her Cissyness and I played with the Big Band at Laurance's surprise 60th birthday on Sunday at our favourite restaurant "The Boathouse" in Sutton Park. It was fantastic and a great time was had by all.
A special mention to Rikki "The Polish Princess" my fellow crew member whose birthday it is today. "Szczęśliwy dzień urodzenia" Mrs P.
And finally to the 3 "Gazeebo Girls" who came down yesterday and had such a great time. I now know what Keith Floyd and Rick Stein went through trying to cook in a gale!!! Still Paella will never be the same again. Cheers Girls!
Happy Allotmenteering,
The Captain.

Allotmenticity - Monday 6th August

What a beautiful weekend down on No87. I've been trying to make the most of the great weather before the gigs start kicking in and my free time gets less.
I've pretty much cleared the old shed away. I think there was enough wood to make 3 sheds, what with all the patching and strengthening that had been done over the years! Whilst clearing some of the rotten wood I came across this Beetle. It's about 1inch or2.5cm in length and not too bothered about running away! Any ideas what he is?
Seeing as a lot of the top growth on the first 2 rows of maincrop spuds has died back I thought I'd check out their state. We've had a lot of people saying they'd got Blight on our site, but judging from the King Edwards I dug from just a tiny spot about a foot square I think they're going to be ok. I passed them on to Mr C the "Spud-Man" for his comments. First impressions seemed favourable!!!
I've got some more Figs on the tree again. The first lot all fell off which I put down to the cold snap we had, so this time I'm hoping they might hang around long enough for a few to ripen.
Does anyone have any experience with Figs?
And I'm pretty chuffed with the Broad Beans I've sown as a catch crop after the Arran Pilots. They've got loads of flowers on, and I'm spraying regularly with the nettle stew. Boy that stuff pongs!!!
I've got some ideas for improving Compost Corner with new panels, the shed needs the roof re-felting, and I'm under pressure to get the Gazeebo up for a soiree some time soon. Trouble is, I'm off down to the Isle of Wight at the weekend with "The Legend that is Alvin Stardust", then back on Sunday for a gig at my favourite restaurant in a marquee. No pressure there then!
And finally well done to Lewis Hamilton and my team Man Utd for both winning at the weekend.
So until next time,
The Captain.