Still chilly on the Allotment

The east wind is still blowing and giving us chilly days and even chillier nights but at least there is no frost.

We got the hosepipe out again and gave everything a good watering to keep the growth going on steadily. The grass had its first cut of the year, the blueberries had a sturdier cage built and proper tool hooks were put up in the shed to help keep the tools under control.

Asparagus Kale

The remaining main crop potatoes are still to be planted but the purple sprouting broccoli, which is in the bed where they are to go, is still producing. Normally by now it is over with the days getting warmer, so the spuds will go in next week.

More broad beans were put in, varieties ‘Perla’ and ‘Crimson Flowered’, this time directly sown, and a half row of carrots – ‘Paris Market’, small and round and quick to grow. The remainder of the row will be sown in a couple of weeks, to give succession.

The blossom is now out on all the fruit and it is so interesting to see how it varies with the types of fruit. The asparagus is producing well and still sprouting broccoli to pick.

Jobs for next week

• Plant remaining main crop potatoes
• Plant out peas brought on at home
• Feed all the fruit
• Sow turnips
• At home sow courgettes, squashes, sweetcorn, for planting out in mid-June