Kale, parsnip, and a recipe for bannocks

I went to my plot today to pick some kale. I also found this huge parsnip. It was pretty quiet at the allotments with practically no one there on what is a beautifully warm and sunny spring Sunday. Everything is starting to come to life including the rhubarb. We'll be eating rhubarb crumble before too… Continue reading Kale, parsnip, and a recipe for bannocks

Let the battle begin

We had a nice afternoon at the allotment today planting some tatties and spreading lovely soil from the compost heap over the garden beds. There's something very satisfying about getting your hands stuck into a heap of compost and spreading it around. The kids were initially very bored and complaining until Ben suggested they plant… Continue reading Let the battle begin

The weekly yield

This is what I picked from my allotment yesterday. There is more I could have picked but didn't, like kale, swiss chard, spinach, beetroot, and potatoes. The tomatoes are some kind of tiger variety and are meant to look stripy. I'm really happy to get them because a couple of months ago the plants looked… Continue reading The weekly yield

Why I dislike weed matting

I dislike weed matting and here's why. The following photo is one I took at my allotment on the weekend. As you can see, a previous plot holder as put down weed matting at some point and then placed stones on top. I'm sure the weed matting held back the weeds initially but eventually they… Continue reading Why I dislike weed matting

The interminable battle with slugs and weeds

I've been struggling with the slugs at the allotment this year. Most of the seedlings I've planted have completely vanished, presumably eaten by slugs. Last month I applied nematodes to the soil and put out a heap of beer traps. There seem to be fewer slugs now and although I'd like to take the credit… Continue reading The interminable battle with slugs and weeds