Temperatures reached 22c this afternoon when I visited The Village to see how Steve’s veg planting is going. The seedlings started life in pots in his courtyard garden back in April but he is gradually putting them out into the ground now the risk of frost has gone.
The runner beans are on their way up the spiral wig wam but they need lots of watering and there is no mains water in The Village. Every single drop has to be sourced from the water butt or carried from the house about 50 metres away – this really makes you think about how much water you use – rather than turning on the tap and taking the supply for granted. Watering is a time consuming but vital job on the allotment, especially as the ground is incredibly dry at the moment with no heavy rain for about a month .The weather forecast suggests thunder storms for Bank Holiday Monday which would be great for the garden – if not for everyone else.
Everything looks so green and healthy at this time of year.The broad beans are sprouting, the lettuce seeds growing well and the raspberries look set for a bumper year . A promise of raspberry jam was made over tea and cake as we sat admiring the days work – great way to end the day!
Sun, May 24, 2009
Grow your own, Allotments