Johnplotman's Journal

It never ceases to amaze me, John, how organized you are. I wish I could take a leaf out of your book.

Very impressive indeed!

John, with planning like that, it is no wonder you make it look so easy, doing what you do is reflected in all your planning and drawing out your beds etc. I thought I was great earlier making a very small list of a few veg and salad items I will try and grow next year, a very small list. you are an inspiration to all us "L" platers.

Fair dues to you and your hands.

John if  I had to draw that out it would be enough do you use this drawing every year or change it ???

John and I thought I was organised :-) when are the troops due to assault the garden???

Thanks Jacinta,Drumanagh,and Fran.

Fran,you are thinking ahead with the small list for the new year.That is of most importance for the veg garden.Always keep it simple,Let your tastebuds tell you,feel the soil,grow something you like,eventually you will get to grow for each season,succession in the key,never fight nature that always wins.You will have mistakes but like us all,gardening would not be the same without some.

Clara,every new years drawings will be similar only that the vegetables themselves will have been rotated to a new bed each time.I do see similar to above every year.

Bill,Those troops like slugs,aphids,weevils etc along with many more you could say,have assaulted the veg garden pulled back and returned on many visits.

What excellent organizational skills. A question for you about bulb fennel. Ours is growing strongly but I wonder should it be taken up before any hard frost or what. Thought you would know the answer easily. Thanks.

Thanks Rachel,With the fennell [vulgare var.azoricum] harvest them like a celery if you want to.I would not chance any hard frost,but the bulbs cannot be stored long unless they are par-boiled and frozen.If you want to you can dry the leaves the same as herbs but the smell wont be as good as freshly cut ones.

Thanks, John. Ate some more for dinner tody but must get out and dig it up for parboiling and freezing!

Your welcome Rachel.