The allotment on 17th July

It was hot and humid on the 17th with some horticultural up and downs over the past 2 weeks.

The previous week’s saskatoon harvest had been spectacular. But when we dug the first of our early potatoes (Anya) results were disappointing. We were very pleased to receive a collection of re-conditioned gardening tools, courtesy of HMPS Saughton workshop, a partnership recycling initiative with Edinburgh Council.

Peak harvesting continues with the soft fruit. Sadly, the last of our bumper strawberry crop was picked today. Now the currants take centre stage, with bushes covered with threads of jewel-like fruits – almost overwhelming in volume. The loganberry and blackberry harvest continues too. Time to get the jam pan out!

The sweetcorn is shooting skywards. Collective brainpower was required to decide on the best way to heighten protective netting. Opportunist pigeons and squirrels will be watching and waiting for their chance otherwise… After being tangled in netting for too long, the task was completed – just in time for a welcome coffee break.

Breaktime was an opportunity to identify what equipment would be good to invest in, following recent health and safety discussion and to consider where a new shed could go, if we can get one.

Back to work. We sowed radishes, harvested carrots, tied in peas and beans, checked labels, wove willow, thinned apples, pulled foxgloves, filled the beer traps, hunted for flatworms (found one!) weeded paths and mowed, mulching the beans and peas with grass cuttings.

The courgettes planted 3-4 weeks ago are thriving and already pumping out fruit. In contrast, our poor cabbages and cauliflowers were looking sorry for themselves. Further investigation confirmed the worst – clubroot! They all had to come out.

Allotmenteering is definitely a game of ups and downs – however learning never ceases and rewards can be rich!

Jobs for next week: remove netting and old leaves in the strawberry bed, feed and water; harvest more early tatties; lift the French onions; mow; add newly prepared labels as required.