Things really beginning to get underway on the allotment

It was all hands to the deck at the Allotment on Thursday, with the shed finally tidied and the tools all cleaned and sharpened. The rotten fruit post was replaced and wired up again and the remaining rotten edges of two beds replaced.
More early potatoes were planted – Pentland Javelin, Ambo, and Nicola and again covered with fleece and plastic to keep the warmth in.
The frame for the sweet peas was constructed and they will be planted next week.

Frame for the sweet peas

The grass had its first cut of the year. More mashua plants were put in. All the tubers from last year’s harvest were frosted so this year they will be given protection from late autumn.

Frame for mashua

At home it is time to think about sowing seed for the other winter staples of kale, sprouts and broccoli. For this year, starting peas and beans in pots at home helps to give better germination and stops the mice eating them if sown direct. Time too to sow sweetcorn at home.

Jobs for next week
Start planting the main crop potatoes
Tidy up round the edges