We've been having some really awful weather this month, when its not been snowing we've had really heavy rain. We haven't been out much because of the weather, and I'm so looking forward to being able to get down to the allotment again regularly. We've managed two visits to the plot recently when we had some fine, dry days, although it has been very cold so we didn't want to stay too long. We watch the weather forecasts and if there is likely to be any suitable days then we plan ahead to go and do some work.
Its been lovely to get down to the plot on these two days so far and we've done quite a few jobs. On our first visit I went with a plan to start cleaning out the greenhouses, but instead I decided to dig up all the beetroot which was left and take it home to store in the shed. I expected the soil to be quite wet and soggy after all the rain, but it wasn't and was quite easy to weed and hoe the bed. I try to follow the
'no-dig method' of growing vegetables so the next job was to mulch with home made compost. It looks great now and will be ready for sowing and planting into when the soil warms up in the Spring.
There are still a lot of leeks growing but they are not looking too healthy, so I dug a few of those up. And I was delighted to be able to pick brussels sprouts, this is the first time in years that I have had any success with growing them. I think they were in a more more sheltered spot and didn't get blown about by the wind.
The asparagus bed and adjoining cut flower bed was looking untidy so I cut the asparagus stems down and pulled up the dead flower stems. This bed will get a mulch of compost too next time we go.
The rhubarb is coming through already and looking very colourful.
On our second visit to the plot we concentrated on clearing out the dead tomato and chilli plants from the two greenhouses. Then I swept them both out and swilled with water. They still need a good clean out, the windows and all the nooks and crannies will need washing down with disinfectant. I'm saving that job for a warmer day, it's one of my least favourite jobs.
It was good to get to the allotment, we felt we'd made a bit of progress getting the plot ready for Spring. I think the robin was pleased to see us he followed us round as we worked finding worms in the newly worked and composted beds.
