Welcome to the Small Veggie Patch!

I've grown my own fruit and vegetables since a child and for the past eight years I've been lucky enough to run a half plot allotment. However, my last three years were disastrous at the allotment due to the very strange weather. Cold late Springs, dry Summers and unpredictable precipitation. Last year (2013) I got hold of my spade and decided to turn the 'dumping ground' at the end of my garden into a raised bed veggie patch. Here's what happened... And is happening...

Monday, 6 May 2013

First May Bank Holiday Weekend

The Veggies...

As I predicted, no serious rain now for over a month!  Had I have planted or sown at the allotment it would have meant evening watering sessions.  A real chore being able to only use butts and watering cans!  However look at my raised beds...
 
The potatoes (first early) have shot up in two weeks!  I keep a second sowing of seed potatoes (first early) in the fridge for a second crop after the first.  I've successfully done this at the allotment for five years.  Onion sets are taking off.  Pak choi bolted (I've researched this, apparently they are day neutral plants and require equal day and night time so too early to have planted will sow more later in year), broccoli doing well and seedling beetroot, carrot and radish appearing!
 
 
I heard on Radio 2 today (Monday Bank Holiday) that we are a month behind with regard to the weather, and not to plant runner beans out for another three weeks!  It's Location, Location, Location!  In my little sheltered site mine are doing really well!  I may well have to eat sour grapes, but it was 22 Centigrade today!  Broad beans popping up!
 
 
Potatoes and onions mixed together, I wonder who will do best!  Bet on potatoes!

The Greenhouse

With the last few weeks of sun The Greenhouse has taken off...
 
Tomatoes obviously enjoying their sunny aspect!
 
 
 
The cucumber was also a grafted 'Mini' variety.  Grows to about the same size as a gherkin.  First fruits already set and it's only May 6th!  The Greenhouse is unheated by the way!
 

 

No comments:

Post a Comment