Pulling Parsnips and Leeks.

Mild but a bit damp around the edges today, after some heavy rain.  Too wet and breezy for a bonfire, so weeding was the day’s main activity. Several beds were cleared – annual weeds going into compost bins, invasive perennials for “the bad weeds bag”.

Today’s most exciting event was “The Pulling of the Parsnips”. From previous investigation, we’d thought they’d be a bit weedy due to our dry Spring and Summer. However, we soon realised that they weren’t for coming out without a fight. It took joint brainpower and brute force to dislodge them from their deep compost bin bed. The variety is “Gladiator” and we did feel we were doing battle with a resistant foe. Eventually, victory was ours – whoppers held aloft triumphantly! Christmas lunches will hold great memories this year…

Leeks, spinach and sprouts were also harvested. After brushing up the Dwarf Jerusalem Artichokes, we took them to Bridgend Community Café, alongside some potatoes and marrows.

Jobs for next week: with only 2 weeks before we break for the festive season, we will continue with final tasks – harvesting, weeding, tool sharpening. Maybe conditions will be right for a bonfire