Allotment and Greenhouse update. Vegetables are go!
This is our big allotment which is actually half the size of a full one. The one on the left (with the cane frame) belongs to someone else. We recently had a tidy up day and here are a couple of pictures. Only now do I realise that I should have taken both shots from the same spot for continuity – but that would mean being organised in advance – and that would never do.
Before.
Big allotment (May 2009), before weeding
After.
Big allotment (May 2009), nice and tidy
At the back we have a decorative flower/shrub border by the fence. In front the allotment is divided into four plots which are rotated yearly to keep disease to a minimum and to preserve the viability of the soil.
From the back;
Plot 1 – Onions, Garlic and assorted vegetables
Plot 2 – Potatoes
Plot 3 – Broad beans and Sweetcorn
Plot 4 – Empty as it is being prepared for Brassicas.
Meanwhile, the small allotment at the bottom of our garden is also filling up. I’ve just planted out 3 Courgettes (zucchini) and 1 Squash in the middle bed. I need to put up cane supports for French and Runner beans in the left bed.
Small allotment
Then we have the greenhouse which is full of Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Chilli Peppers and Aubergines waiting to be organised. I need to remove the staging on the left so that there is more room. Some pots will be moved out into plastic “mini greenhouses” during the next couple of weeks. I hope we have a hot summer so that the fruits will ripen quickly.
Pots in the Greenhouse
Finally – a tiny garden! My salad hanging basket by the kitchen door. It has done really well and I’m very pleased.
Mesclun salad leaves
Everything is looking good so far. No doubt there are pests and diseases over the horizon but I’m looking on the bright side for now!
10 comments
I like the idea of the lettuce hanging garden! You could have a really colorful hanging garden with a few herbs in another basket.
Wow, many gardens and all so well tended! The hanging small one is about my size – I need to try that. May the pests and diseases remain at bay, looks great!
The vegetable garden looks a treat a credit to your hard work. So many different vegetables. Are you freezing the surplus? I like it how you have maintained a border of flowers. When I was the vegetable gardener I had rows of Dahlias and gladioli along the border. Since ” my vegetable gardener” has taken over, (in a way I am glad as I have plenty of work with the ornamental plants) all the decorative elements have disappeared and it is pure utilisation! It is a pleasure that the veggies are decorative to look at. The feathery carrot- and fennel tops, the tall peas with their profusion of pea flowers and soft green leaves. etc. etc. Hope I do not keep you to long from your work with my long tirade. The hanging pot with the salad leaves looks extremely well and I am sure it is handy to pick a few leaves for a treat in the salad bowl.
I wish you happy, sunny and warm days to grow all the tomatoes and warmth loving veggies.
Wow, you’ve got loads of room to put lots and lots of veggies, I’m slightly jealous. Looks like you have a busy few months ahead. You may need a watering system for your greenhouse vegetables.
On your back garden plot you mention you are preparing your plot for brassicas, if you are growing cabbages, will you just sow now for autumn/winter varieties? I always get confused with my cabbages, what type to sow when, one thing I’m trying to concur this year!
It’s looking good after the tidy up. Here weeds are appearing at an alarming rate at my allotment. Must be all this May rain. Your hanging salad basket is thriving. I would be tempted to nibble if I went past. I like those frames at the small allotment – are they homemade ?
I simply love the idea of an allotment and yours, with all those veggies, looks great! As for the basket–what a lovely idea! I must have a few to grow my herbs. Thanks for sharing.
Your plot is so neat and tidy! You’ve put me to shame…
Bet your gardens are a lot of hard work. But the effort that you put in is well worth the return. Its lovely to have your own produce and it tastes so much better.
It all looks wonderful – and very tidy! Great idea to have hanging lettuce by the kitchen.
What a great set up with a greenhouse too! Your assortment of vegetables is awesome!
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