This year has been fantastic for growing vegetables, everything has done so well on our two allotments. But some things we've had just a bit too much of. First it
was the lettuce—lollo rosso and little gem. We’d planted too many thinking some
would get eaten by slugs or just not survive.
But they grew and grew, we ate what we wanted, gave some away and when
they went to seed we threw them on the compost heap. At least they will rot down to make something good.
Then there was the rhubarb.
We’d moved it from our old plot last autumn and it had been a fairly new
plant then, so we hadn’t expected great things from it. People told us not to
pull much from it the first couple of years, but there was so much, so we just
took what we wanted. They also say don’t pick any after July, but it was still
growing like mad during August. So I
picked even more. I froze most of
it. It freezes well, just wash it, trim
the stems, cut into short pieces and bag up. We’ve had one or two rhubarb and
ginger crumbles and in the next few weeks I shall be making rhubarb and gingervodka in time for Christmas. It’s really
easy to make and is delicious, it doesn’t last long in our house.
The beetroot has gone mad too. It’s lovely in salads cooked
or raw. Helen has made some beetroot chutney and we have also pickled some of
it. I haven’t yet tried roasted beetroot which I’m told is really good.
The biggest glut of all on our allotments this year is
runner and French beans. Much as I love
this type of bean, I may get fed up with them soon and we’re running out of freezer
space. I have given plenty away to
neighbours. The runner bean variety is Czar and the seed packet says any
beans not picked can be left on the plant to dry and use as butter beans. That seems a good idea, we like butter beans
in soups and casseroles. French beans can also be used in soups if they get a
bit too old to pick for boiling. I made a broad bean and runner bean risotto which was really good
I have also been making soups full of allotment
vegetables, turnips, carrot, kale, cabbage, broad beans, French beans and
leeks. It’s getting to that time of year
when a big hearty soup is very comforting.
What gluts have you had on your plot this year?
