Planting time on the allotment

The 4th of June was a day of sunshine and showers, but felt like peak planting season.

The first of the brassicas – healthy little broccoli plants – went in and were immediately netted. Sweetcorn joined the party too, again looking strong and proud once in their new bed. Both crops had been sown and tended at member’s homes.

The root bed is now a carpet of seedlings. More turnip seeds were sown, which was tricky, as rain came on mid task, turning the soil to a sticky glue.
Trays of peas and beans arrived from Caley at Saughton, having been sown in late April. These had been hardening off outside the greenhouse, and perhaps had been left a bit too long, as roots were very snug in their trays, and tendrils were already beginning to search for support.

It took a lot of time and patience to prize them out. Learning for next year! Despite today’s showers, we watered everything in before hunting for various supports – open wire mesh, hazel sticks and willow offcuts from all 4 corners of the site. Debate followed, about which type of protection would be required to discourage various competitors – rabbits, pigeons, squirrels. We decided on firm plastic fencing, which was staked around the bed’s perimeter. Of course, crack squads of mice and molluscs may sneak in to claim a share of the bounty. We’ll try to perfect the philosophy of “live and let live” this year. Varieties planted: runner beans (Firestorm) climbing French beans (Borlotti Stokkievitsbon) dwarf French beans (Purple Teepee and Safari) mangetouts (Snow Max)
Other tasks today included tying in the broad beans, thinning the carrots and weeding around the plot’s perimeter. This year’s conditions seem to have supercharged everything!

Just before leaving, we noticed that something was amiss amongst the damsons. Closer inspection confirmed “plum pocket” – a condition where developing fruit distorts and discolours. This fungal condition can produce spores, so we attempted to nip off affected fruit to prevent it’s spread.

Jobs for next week: weed around the peas, onions and fruit trees; make permanent labels for all new crops; check the plum and damson trees for more affected fruit; make a batch of comfrey feed; trim the willow windbreak; mow if dry.