Last Post 1113 days 9 hours ago
31 May 2010 22:06:47
Rain stops play for everyone.
Despite been a lovely day after a dull start off,weather changed a little this evening.Rain returns but this time it is needed.No worries about outdoor watering early in the morning.At least the gardeners are winning some of the way again wet weather.Plans changed a little this evening.Outdoor work in the vegetable garden was abandoned.The tunnel was given a fast check to see all were well.Time was spent in the garden shed looking through some past notes from earlier in the year.My four legged friend was not to fussy about the weather either and decided to take a rest.
31 May 2010 09:33:09
![Home grown Lettuce [Lactuca sativa] for tea later.](/members/2814/photos/300451370.jpg "Home grown Lettuce [Lactuca sativa] for tea later.")
Home grown Lettuce [Lactuca sativa] for tea later.
On a rather dull morning with plenty of cloud,it will be hard to know the outcome.Checked the usual areas this morning around 7 am and will return there sometime after 5-6 this evening.Some of the hedge needs trimming,but the main area will be the vegetable garden for getting in some more seeds.At one stage i was asked by friends about who are the vegetable families.With vegetable growing etc,some of them must be in the right area to help each other and not to be an enemy.
Vegetable family names.[along with some fruit]
The brassica family,cabbage,cauliflower,broccoli,kohl rabi,radish.Swedes and turnips are root crops but in some cases left with these as they both are open to club root disease.
The solanaceae family,potatoes,tomatoes,aubergines,peppers.All them are known as night shade family and leaves and stalks poison
The legume family,all of the peas and beans are the feed for the ground in places.The peas above all attract atmospheric nitrogen and send it down to their root nodules in the ground.This is food for the next crop.
The umbelliferae family,carrots,parsnips.
The allium family,onions,leeks.
The chenopodiaceae family,cucumber,courgette,pumpkin,melon,vegetable marrow.
The compositae family,lettuce,artichokes,
The chenopodiaceac family,beetroot,Swiss chard,spinach.
The likes of root crops are mentioned above,carrots,beetroot,parsnip,spinach can be included together,but from different families.
30 May 2010 23:15:58
Clematis at the front door begins to appear for 2010.
Had the usual Sunday walk this evening on return home after paying a visit to a friends vegetable garden.All is going well there apart from the odd weather set back.With the coming week,hopefully the weather will be good to all the gardeners.We all need the weather on our sides now.Have to take a final check in the tunnel in a short while and make sure all is well.If watering will be needed in the morning that will be done soon after 7 o clock.No plans for tomorrow evening just yet,but i will have a think about what evening work will be done in the vegetable garden later.
30 May 2010 10:52:11
Section of tunnel filling up.
Took my usual early morning walk around the gardens,especially in the vegetable area.The Sunday papers were also collected.Showers have stopped at least from yesterday,with the sky brighter looking today.Growth has improved well over the last few days and with June only around the corner now,we need steady good weather fast.The tunnel was given its usual morning check along with the greenhouse a few minutes ago.Plans will be to visit a few gardens later and see what is happenging with their vegetable growing.
29 May 2010 23:18:50
Orla my Niece done her sowing yesterday evening.
Started off here damp and remained with showers throughouut the day.Plans for some of the outer jobs [exit gate area] changed a little.Spent about an hour in the tunnel earlier on this morning doing the usual check on watering feeding etc.The greenhouse was fine for similar.On return home in the afternoon i headed to the bottom garden to see about filling some of the tubs there with clay,compost etc.They have only been added in the last few days.Three of them have been filled and prepared for to grow some vegetables to suit the successional sowings of more Beetroot [Beta vulgaris],Carrots [Daucus carota] etc,for most of their final sowings,over the coming weeks and no longer.Some of the Beetroot will go on into July.Time is getting short for them now.
29 May 2010 09:29:50
Some lucky clay arrives.
On the way home yesterday evening i noticed digging going on in a garden only about 10 min from where i live.I asked about the top soil and where it was going.When told it was to be dumped,that was all i needed to hear. I asked the driver if i could have the load of clay,the answer was,no problem.Arrived just before 8.30 last night and for the next few hours i cleared the entry.Gardening was a winner with some lovely clay,an free to leave it even nicer again.
28 May 2010 10:43:31
![Cabbage [Brassicas] saved from frost earlier in the year.[The few lucky to survive]]](/members/2814/photos/48562570.jpg "Cabbage [Brassicas] saved from frost earlier in the year.[The few lucky to survive]]")
Cabbage [Brassicas] saved from frost earlier in the year.[The few lucky to survive]]
On a lovely bright morning with plenty of sunshine earlier hopefully that sun will return soon.A little on the cool side now.Last night was not only cool but wet into the early hours.Let the rain fall when we really need it,with temperatures up well and the nights staying warmer.Had the usual check in the garden just before 7 am and after last nights weather,no problems.Collected up the papers,coats,covers etc from the potato ridges.Plants need minding just as we do.Sunshine we need you fast to warm the night time temperatures along with all day.
Growing organically.
Growing organically helps cut out pests and diseases in places with your vegetable garden.Just as we all can get the flu,so can they in their own way of growing.The use of crop rotation is vital for veg garden and by no means a minor part of gardening but a major one,just as healthy soil is also vital.To grow plants every year in the same area is just another way of asking pests and diseases in to pay a visit.Differett with some areas like Rhubarb etc who are ok and wont need to be moved.With Peas especially these are the boys that supply the most feed to the ground for the next crop.Atmospheric nitrogen is supplied from them to the ground.Other Legumes are similar but the Peas especially are the winners.Roots [Carrots Beetroot etc] will be moved on to ground that was manured the previous year.Leave them with a fresh supply for the year you plant them and expect plenty off small carrots growing from the one stalk,but the complete carrot then heading for the compost heap.Not what the gardener needs.
Plans for this evening on return will be to attack the grass as early as possible.Nothing fully decided in the vegetable garden for tomorrow until later on.
27 May 2010 18:22:34
Some Orla earlies in a small bucket develop well.
In a few minutes after a quick cuppa all eyes will be on the vegetable garden.Some of the vegetable beds need checking first and then the Cabbage [Brassica] beds will have a visit from the hoe.If all goes well and time will allow, then even a short while will be spent in the area outside the exit gate.Looking like it will have to wait until tomorrow evening for a visit then,but time will tell.
27 May 2010 08:47:11
The moon shines.
After the cards last night [no luck] a couple of hours were spent in the vegetable garden.The air was quite cool and the greenhouse back to just above 8 deg,so i took no chances in case of a light ground frost at some stage.All potato stalks[Solanum tuberosum] were covered.The beds in the main vegetable garden were done first off and then to the outer veg areas.Time to let them have another read.About an hour later i checked inside the tunnel on some of the deep tubs [9-10-11]There the Sweet corn [Zea mays,] needed to be tied up for the next stage.Watering was checked around 7am earlier,and some needed doing.All Tomatoes,Sweetcorn,Runner beans,Beetroots,and Cabbage were checked upon.Carrots,Peas,and Lettuce will have a check over at lunchtime today.The outer of the exit gate will be given a miss for this evening with all time in the vegetable garden.The hoe will be in full swing,on the cabbage beds.[all going well timewise]Long may the good weather last.
26 May 2010 20:00:23
Young gardeners first seed showing well.
Later than usual this evening so not much time to spend in the vegetable garden.Work was planned for the exit area,but will be on hold until tomorrow evening at some stage.Watering will be done around 6.30 in the morning where needed.Time for a quick walk around the vegetable beds to see all is well,a fast shower,and then off to the usual Wednesday evening card game.Will be an important night lost with such good weather,but plenty of other time to catch up.
Had a quick look at the young gardeners beds [time of sowing,type,and dates in book]and noticed the Beetroot [Boltardy] showing well and ready almost to move on [prick out].That will be done by some of the young gardeners this coming Saturday and all will be given a turn at that stage of growing the vegetables.
I will reply to my journal in the morning.Sorry for the rush off.
26 May 2010 08:11:54
Do you want some of my manure.
Starting bright this morning.A little cool but if it stays dry thats what we need.This evening it will be back to the area outside the exit gate again working on the beds there.Checked for watering in the tunnel earlier this morning,along with the greenhouse.
Yesterday evening who called over to visit me a very short distance from where i live,offering me some manure.My horse friend.
25 May 2010 18:33:21
A fine gift,on a glorious evening.
Waiting for me this evening when i approached the gate was my neighbour with a suprise gift for me.Along with a fine day today,and winning first off with an empty bucket i picked up and that little suprise for me,a great laugh and a lovely evening to get some vegetable gardening done,who could ask for more.
25 May 2010 09:19:44
Will we or wont we need this.
The start of another great day with sunshine and a lovely blue sky.Plans for this evening will be based in the area outside the exit gate,to do some more work in getting the place ready for young vegetable visitors.[winter cabbages etc]
Staying ahead with management in the veg,garden.
Keep an eye on young plants because pests and disease have their plates ready to harvest.Make the move quickly to upset their plans.Birds will be ready to attack,but netting,or old Cds will not be their favourite sight.Have nets up before the damage.Dont let plants show signs of stress.Water as needed,if still green and lying over you might be lucky to save it.If brown and crisp.One place for it.[the bin]Weeds want the water just like young or indeed older veg plants need it also,but always remove the weeds fast or they will drink even more water.Earth up soil around potato stalks,[always leave 6 inches] Cover with paper etc if frost is to make a visit,and is to appear around mid week or there abouts.[yet again]
25 May 2010 00:23:37
Bring on the light.
Nothing got done in the garden this evening as planned.All going well,an hour will be spent there from 7 am in the morning.The tunnel will have a visit now for the next half hour or so,and a quick check will be done on the greenhouse then for a few minutes.
23 May 2010 21:19:48
Waiting on the Roses.
If all goes to plan and the weather holds up as good as today all will be well.Spent a few hours earlier working on the new crates outside the exit gate.[Pictures added].The next move there tomorrow evening will be to remove all away while sheets,similar to mypex will be spread first off.All crates will have a mix of home-made compost and well checked on clay.Still not sure what veg will be put there,but winter Brassicas are top of the list so far.If i set up a plan and involve crop rotation there,then Carrots [Daucus carota]Beetroot [Beta vulgaris] Lettuce[Lactuca sativa]and Dwarf Peas[Pisum sativum] will be used if all goes well.Time will be spent in the main garden doing some weeding also if all works out.
23 May 2010 10:05:14
![Colour from the front garden during the week.[Rhod,]](/members/2814/photos/609925488.jpg "Colour from the front garden during the week.[Rhod,]")
Colour from the front garden during the week.[Rhod,]
Who could complain about such a wonderful morning.After a great spell of sunshine during the week,lets hope we get plenty more.Now that not much was done in the garden yesterday [Confirmation] time will be spent for a few hours there today at all costs.Tunnel has been checked for watering,and off then to collect the Sunday papers around 8 this morning.The potato bags in the greenhouse need checking for water also,and will be done in the next few minutes.
22 May 2010 20:28:55
![Old guttering called into action to help on the Legumes.[Peas] yesterday.](/members/2814/photos/563736059.jpg "Old guttering called into action to help on the Legumes.[Peas] yesterday.")
Old guttering called into action to help on the Legumes.[Peas] yesterday.
Most of today was spent away from the garden from after 11 this morning.[Confirmation for 2 of my nephews]Before that though,up on 7 hrs was clocked up in the vegetable garden from early morning,so all is well.Overall today was enjoyable and also managed to see some gardens on return.Now it is back to my garden friends in the vegetable garden,so a few hours will be spent there tomorrow without fail.Having a walk around the gardens now for an hour or so,but to tired for any work there this evening.That will have to wait until sometime tomorrow evening.
22 May 2010 08:46:57
Broom,sweeps in the glorious weather again today.
With weather as good again this morning,and all temperature readings in different areas well up,gardening will be a winner today.Spent from 5 am in the greenhouse giving the place a tidy up and watering etc.The tunnel was also checked for watering.Most of the grass was given a trim yesterday evening,and the bottom garden will be cut on return this evening.Two of my nephews will receive their Confirmation today and i will attend there for a good part of the day.Both have sown their areas in the vegetable garden,and who knows if even one of them keeps at it,maybe he will be a good young gardener.My two nieces have also done similar,but will return to finish their area,either tomorrow at some stage or without fail on Monday evening.
21 May 2010 07:52:37
![Cabbage [Brassicas] doing well.](/members/2814/photos/424998018.jpg "Cabbage [Brassicas] doing well.")
Cabbage [Brassicas] doing well.
Has the sign of another lovely morning here.Both places [tunnel and greenhouse] gave readings well above the growing area.Grass will be cut for an hour on return this evening and if possible a while will be spent in the vegetable garden.Weeds are appearing up at a fast pace.All indoor watering has been checked on after first light this morning.Now that is done,all will be repeated later if needed.
21 May 2010 00:40:36
The watch man for late crows.
Just time to have a fast look in the polytunnel and spend a while doing a quick tidy up.Not much more was done with the beds only to take a few pictures at night time for May.[Pictures added to the album].Readings of both places will be done at 6.30 in the morning and notes taken for them
20 May 2010 19:37:03
Comfrey food supply.2
Just time to make the second bucket of liquid feed,Comfrey N3 P0 K[Potash]10.Rushing off,but will return to the tunnel around 11 or a little later on this evening.Sunshine stay,we need you.
20 May 2010 08:19:59
An hour spent in the tunnel late last night,.
Growing outdoor lettuce must be protected against soil pests,dalm slugs,and our feathered friends.Very cool damp weather will encourage on a disease.If lettuce gets a touch of any type of a check to its growth then bolting [running to seed] is waiting around the corner.Under cover [greenhouse etc] lettuce is even more open to pests trouble.Water with care,no point in giving them a soaking unless the compost surface is dry
19 May 2010 19:53:52
Taking shape little by little.
Spent a quick hour this evening, first putting on the handy eye protectors on the dwarf pea supports [small branches],tying them into place,and then time with the tall boys.Set up the first rows of wire for the support of the Alderman [150 cm] peas.Stood the first cane in place.Another while will be spent there tomorrow evening.The tunnel will have a visit for an hour later be it hail,rain,or snow.Time for a fast wash and off to the usual card game.
19 May 2010 08:22:34
Helping them on.
Now that we are in May and time is getting short for sowing main crop peas,to help them on i soak the peas in a small tray of water for about 30-40 hrs.If left to long they will rot.[Liam mentioned along those lines in his journal to boost them on].Time is getting short for sowing main crop Peas,[Pisum] once beyond mid-May No plans for the vegetable garden,until on return this evening.
18 May 2010 20:32:54
Dampness calls on the Legumes work.
Timing was just right for the drizzle to appear.About an hour was spent this evening in the tunnel potting on etc,and after having a quick bite to eat it was out to work in the veg,garden.Spent time at the Peas [legumes] area,planting out and moving on both dwarf and large,height wise.The drizzle decided to pay a visit,and that changed the job a little.First off though all canes [light branches] were put in place and all is finished except for the tying up stage,and covering the tops of the branches.All ties will be prepared and left ready.Now that the outdoor work there has changed a little,time will be spent in the greenhouse for an hour or so later.
18 May 2010 09:09:29
Salix stay the colour we need.
Readings back to 9 deg in the greenhouse,but still above growing and that is what the gardeners need.Sun has not appeared here as yet this morning,but when it does long may it last.Tied up some of the potato stalks along the walkway of the tunnel.Here is hoping that good weather will be here after 5 this evening.
Salix [Willow] adding some green colour now,to brighten up the bottom section along the walk,between them and the vegetable garden.
17 May 2010 22:16:13
![Home grown Runner bean.[Leguminosae] May 2010.](/members/2814/photos/136034795.jpg "Home grown Runner bean.[Leguminosae] May 2010.")
Home grown Runner bean.[Leguminosae] May 2010.
Not as much time spent as planned there this evening.First off i planted the Hebe i picked up yesterday.When that was finished time was spent with some of the tubs in the vegetable garden.The herb house was given a sweep out and checked for watering.I will spend a while in the tunnel later for about an hour.Straight to the veg garden tomorrow evening.[all going well]
16 May 2010 21:50:36
Welcome to my garden Hebe.
After the usual jobs as planned earlier today,i spent time in the afternoon looking at a veg garden.On the way home i called for tea to friends and they both were out gardening at the time.When asked if i wanted a Hebe,that would be not used there,what could i say only three words,i sure do.Tomorrow evening a place will be arranged for it.This evening i soaked it and left it then in a tub of clay until then.Sometime tomorrow evening at some stage i will see to that first off,and then head to the vegetable garden.If all goes well later on tonight,an hour will be spent in the tunnel.
16 May 2010 08:30:25
Greanium on the way.
Just 6 deg in the greenhouse and a little higher in the tunnel.Picked up the Sunday papers around 8 this morning.Hope to spend a few hours in the vegetable garden before Noon.First off without fail the tunnel will be watered and the floor given a wash out.Notes will be taken for the outcome during the week.Weather was a winner again on the bad side,at night time.Supposed to be warmer for the coming week.Time will tell.Off to visit a vegetable garden in the afternoon and to proceed from there.
15 May 2010 09:39:58
When picking off the plants from a row to thin out to required length apart,this is usually done so around the third-leaf stage.Spacing is of great importance.Some close enough,others a certain distance.Transplanting with some of the plants can be tried again.The likes of Turnips,Swedes,are a waste of time to try them when thinned out.Lettuce can be tried and in most cases will survive.Some though,not to happy about the move.Successional sowings [little and often] solve that problem.Chinese cabbage need enough of the root on them when moving.[Not to happy with the move either,and hate being touched on the roots.]
14 May 2010 10:02:23
![Home grown Carrots 2010.[Umbelliferae family]](/members/2814/photos/835134882.jpg "Home grown Carrots 2010.[Umbelliferae family]")
Home grown Carrots 2010.[Umbelliferae family]
Crops such as Runner beans and French beans both [Leguminosae] are tender.They will have been sown under cover in pots from the last month [April].Now hardening off will be called upon to have them ready for planting out in June.You can keep them in a coldframe with the top off,or open during the days.Once frost is forecast,and we have received enough of that earlier in the week,make sure to cover the frame with either fleece or if not available then an old blanket.
Spent just a fast few minutes in the tunnel late last night looking over all.All going well,then complete time will be spent between both places [tunnel and vegetable garden] as early as possible this evening.No plans for tomorrow yet.
13 May 2010 18:19:57
A little scrubbing and Peas will love their new start.
Not the best of weather earlier on today,and plenty more has fallen in the last while.Plans are a little changed for the vegetable garden outer beds this evening. Will not get near the vegetable garden until at least 8 this evening,and i will do some work with the vegetable beds at the lower area then.
Spotted some more old gutter pipes heading for a skip as i passed by earlier this morning.Collected them from behind the wall on the way home this evening and with a quick scrub down they will join the other gutter gang in helping for starting peas etc,and no movement only just to slide them into place.Clean the gutter and ready for use again.One up against the cold,wet weather for gardening.
13 May 2010 08:29:36
![Home grown Turnip [Brassica rapa] fam.Cruciferae.](/members/2814/photos/736480091.jpg "Home grown Turnip [Brassica rapa] fam.Cruciferae.")
Home grown Turnip [Brassica rapa] fam.Cruciferae.
No luck at the cards last night,but spent some winning time in the tunnel.The floor was given a sweeping,without the opening of either door.Coolness was in the air.I spent time with the outer beds covering the potato stalks there,and any that were not earthed up,and very much open to frost damage were double covered with paper and in serious cases buckets were also used.No idea what plans will be for this evening.I found a few drops of light rain while collecting the daily paper just after 7.30 this morning.We dont need raincoats just now,its sunshine and lots of it we want.
The home grown Turnips [Brassica rapa]are coming on well.Rotation is very important for them as they are open to the same disease as Brassicas[cauli cabb, etc.The disease is called Clubroot [Plasmodiophora brassicae] with both types of veg open to the same attack,no chances are taken with them in different beds.Both stay under the brassicas bed names for crop rotation.Only in noted tubs will they used.Weeds removal and crop rotation help along in different ways.Turnips are another vegetable crop for successional use.[Little and often].Not into the ground all at the same time.
12 May 2010 20:00:54
Coldframe ready for more vegetable visitors.
This evening i only had time to fill some new small tub visitors for the coldframe.A bit of a squeeze but all space used there now.All the added tubs will be used to take some of the veg plants out of the greenhouse,and will be under cover at night.[Beetroot,carrot,or lettuce are good companions with onions.
Off to have a quick wash before heading to the usual Wednesday night card game.On a lovely bright Wednesday evening i should be staying in the vegetable garden.The old saying,if your not in you cant win.Time will be spent covering the potato stalks later no matter what hour it takes.I did not get to reply to other journals,but will do so in the morning.
12 May 2010 09:36:12
Watching on while potatoes were covered.
Bright again this morning,after a very cold night with plenty of stars in the sky.The greenhouse gave a reading of -1 just after 6 this morning.Weather like that is trouble this time of year.Grass frost can be beared,but when the temp drops severe it is trouble.Another night this week has been similar.Covered the stalks in the vegetable garden and also the new plants in the main garden flower bed.Gave a re-check just after 4 am to make sure no coverings had been removed by rain.Plans for this evening will be to spend time on both places if possible [Veg garden and flower bed].If rain returns some of the tubs will be worked on in the tunnel.Managed to spend a short while doing some tying,with another stage of the Runner beans [Phaseolus coccineus].
Length of growing time for,Peas and Beans [Leguminosae][All in weeks]
Broad beans [Vicia faba] 18-20, Runner beans [Phaseolus] 11-13. French beans[Phaseolus vulgaris 8-10. Peas [Pisum sativum] 11-12 early/12-13 second early/13-14 maincrop.
11 May 2010 22:26:28
![Nasturtium [Tropaeolum majus] added.](/members/2814/photos/615552662.jpg "Nasturtium [Tropaeolum majus] added.")
Nasturtium [Tropaeolum majus] added.
Damp weather is back winning again,and also cold into the bargain.With mention of -2 in places tonight,this ids more like winter weather.Plans for this evening in the vegetable garden and the main flower bed were abandoned.The only move allowed make before the rain was to add some more herbs to the main bed.More vegetables are ready and will be added without fail tomorrow evening.[If wet weather does not attack again].The herbs used so far are made up from,Nasturtium [Tropaeolum majus] Mint [Mentha] Nettles [Urtica] and Chives[ Allium schoenoprasum].Room has been made already for those four,and when all other tubs are filled,if space is available then some more herbs will be added.
Off down to the vegetable garden in a short while to cover all areas with double papers tonight.Frost is given,and all that can be done is hope for the the best.All new herbs added to the main flower bed will also be covered.Time will be spent in the tunnel later,even if only for about 20 minutes.
11 May 2010 09:38:46
Starting to fill the gaps.
With the sun shining and the coolness leaving the air,we hope to be in for a nice day.Both tunnel and greenhouse gave readings earlier on,app +2 and both are a long way below the one we need.[7.5 - 8 deg for growth].All going well,that wont be for to long.I spent an hour earlier on this morning watering most of the main vegetable beds along with the tunnel and greenhouse.Plans for this evening on return will be to do some more work with the flower bed in the main garden.Going to introduce a mix of flowers,vegetables and herbs.
The growing season with Brassicas [cabb,cauli,radish, etc]
Radish 3.Cabbage 10,Cauli 9-10.Chinese cabb 7.5-8. Kohl rabi 6.
Leeks 17-20,Onions 12-25,Shallots 12-25,Garlic 12,
All above in weeks.
10 May 2010 22:51:56
My plastic garden helpers,will be used for holding black pots.
This evening i introduced a few more plastic tubs for to join the gang.I noticed them in a shop i called to,and asked if i could have them.Instant containers ready for use after a quick washing down.The tops have been removed and some of the plastic veg pots will look more tidy now inside the tunnel.Some were fitted in behind the door as space is getting a little scarce now.Tomorrow evening i will fill them with the usual mix.In them will go compost,a light layer of clay and mini wells.I hope to also start some more veg seeds there asop.At about 7.30 in the morning both areas [tunnel and greenhouse] will be watered.Tonight seems on the cool side with the tunnel reading only above +4 when finishing up just before 9 o clock..With the outcome of the weather for evenings this week been on the cold side,all potato beds will be covered from 11 to 12 midnight every night this week.Jack frost is still happy to pay a visit.
The tops have been removed from the plastic tubs,and this will allow them be used for holding large black pots.[Pictures of the job with them will be added.]
10 May 2010 09:01:59
Filling up,the main vegetable beds.
Weather is a winner for every gardener this morning.Hopefully it will be like this after 5 this evening.Not that the weekend has passed,it is back to more sunshine,this time in the veg,gardenin.[Long may the sun last.]
Over dinner yesterday the chat came up about just how long the growing season lasts and when to plant them etc,and not to do so at the wrong time,or to late etc. About the roots first.
Beetroot growing season up on 9 weeks,Carrots 7-12, Parsnips14-16, Spinach6-7.Turnips6-10 Swedes9-10.[Those above are the roots times for the growing season]
With the likes of Turnips and Swedes-Even though both are infact root crops,and in many cases,kept in the braccica [Cabb,Broc etc] bed.Both are open to the same disease[Clubroot]as the brassicas so are kept with them.Not saying they cant be put with the roots area,[some gardeners do,some dont] but just to be on the same side from the disease,i leave them with the brassicas.Unless in different tubs etc and the numbers taken for moving on etc,so never put down in the same place using the crop rotation.
Back this evening and all going well,straight to the vegetable garden.
09 May 2010 08:56:51
A Sunday suprise for me.The Grow it mag.
Another cracker of a day for gardening.A few hours will be spent in the vegetable garden this morning,giving a tidy around and doing watering where needed,especially in the tunnel.Notes will be taken of temperature readings for both places.First off though all papers will be removed having been used as protection for the potato stalks from grass frost last night.Around 8am i collected the Sunday papers as usual,and along with them was the Grow it magazine for May.The Sunday papers reading will be in second place today.Long may the Sunday morning sunshine last.I will get to spend an hour in the vegetable garden in the afternoon,no matter what time of the day on return.A special day though for for my Niece with her First Holy Communion,and will be enjoyed.Plenty more days of sunshine[we hope.]
08 May 2010 22:36:16
![Home grown Rhubarb [Rheum rhaponticum].](/members/2814/photos/355762359.jpg "Home grown Rhubarb [Rheum rhaponticum].")
Home grown Rhubarb [Rheum rhaponticum].
These are the days we need for gardening.From just after 6.30 this morning the tunnel was visited for watering,along with the main vegetable garden.Between the veg,garden,tunnel and greenhouse watering was complete just before 9 am.After getting a quick cuppa along with an apple,the roots bed was attacked as planned.Buckets 1,5,7 have Carrots [Daucus carota]all down successionally [little and often] to each area.In 2 and 9 Spinach [Spinacea oleracea] has been used.Marigold C-Jack in no 7 and Beetroot [Beta vulgaris] in 3.Buckets 4 and 6 will be left for later sowings.In the evening i spent a while at the Rhubarb bed [Rheum rhaponticum] to gather some stalks for after Sunday dinner.Off to my Nieces First Holy Communion tomorrow so gardening will be at a standstill in the afternoon.All going well maybe a few hours will be spent there from about 9 in the morning.
Going by the weather forecast this evening with grass frost given,the next hour will be spent in the vegetable garden covering the very young potato stalks,many of which only appeared in the last day or so.Some will be fine and are up app 20-25cm.These little boys though,just showing will be to precious to take a chance with weather.Time to give them a read of a sheet of newspaper.
07 May 2010 23:53:41
Saturday plans for the vegetable garden.
Now that the lawns have been cut,time will be fixed on the roots area in vegetable garden.The 9 buckets have been prepared and made ready for use.Others moved to different areas.Buckets,1,5,and 7 will have a selection of some more Carrot seed [Daucus carota] In 2 and 9 Spinach seed [Spinacea oleracea].In number 6 some Marigold,Cracker Jack will be used.Used in bucket number 3 will be some more Beetroot[Beta vulgaris]No plans further than there until afternoon tomorrow at some stage.
07 May 2010 10:17:01
Companions in the polytunnel..
Last night i got to spend another 2 hours in the tunnel.Some off the flowering Potatoes [Solanum tuberosum]Orla [earlies] and three Sweet corn buckets [Zea mays fam. Gramineae],were left together.More of the other Sweet corn are in a square shape to assist with pollination when the time comes.The potato stalks were falling out of place and with the help of the Sweet corn buckets,not any more.Another root vegetable area is below the potatoes.Normally i would not have them in the tunnel.Last year it had to be done through crop rotation.This year,im trying Orla earlies for the first time there,to see their outcome.They will be lifted when the time comes and more veg started asop.Plans for this evening will be to cut the grass,at all costs.Not much time will be left to work in the vegetable garde,but time will be spent in the tunnel.[if all goes to plan]
06 May 2010 10:03:43
Prunus.White cherry blossom.Name unknown.
Starting off damp this morning.No plans for the garden this evening.Spent an hour in the tunnel last night and filled another tub.The temperature was up to 10 deg,so allowed me in and out of the tunnel at times to the garden shed.When finished the temperature was reading just above 9 deg,so growth still happening.
To cover seeds,it is so important to return the soil carefully.Dont bury them to kingdom come,or they wont appear.Cover them using the back of the rake,and working along the line of your drill.Not done across it.Then lightly firm the soil with the back of the rake.In some cases i return soil with my finger to be on the safe side.Again always remember not to cover them to deep or leave them treaded into heave soil.I leave markers of a little compost,especially with some new seeds to avoid hoeing them when removing weeds that appear.Onions especially hate being interfered with while growing.Any weeds near them are hand picked,very carefully.
Yesterday at lunchtime i took a picture of the Prunus [cherry blossom] in the middle garden here and would appreciate the full name for it.
05 May 2010 19:56:25
Headed down to take a quick walk around the vegetable garden in the last few minutes to make sure beds used so far are doing well.No outdoor sowing or planting got done this evening as planned.Later on at some stage,on return home i will spend an hour in the tunnel.Heading off to play the Wednesday night card game and will reply to my journal early in the morning.Time for a very fast shower.
05 May 2010 10:33:55
![Comfrey [Symphytum] the perennial herb,begins to flower.](/members/2814/photos/57015290.jpg "Comfrey [Symphytum] the perennial herb,begins to flower.")
Comfrey [Symphytum] the perennial herb,begins to flower.
Rain has decided to visit overnight here,and still a light drizzle falls.Had a quick look in the tunnel just after 7am and doors have been left closed.In another few weeks the weather will really begin to heat up [we hope] for all gardeners.Any wet and warm weather will bring on a visit from Leaf spot[Mycosphaerella brassicicola] on cabbages and Leaf spot on beetroot and spinach [Cercospora beticola]and [Ramularia beticola.] Spent until about 11.30 last night in the tunnel and will head back there earlier than usual on return home this evening [all going well] for a short while.No plans for later on with the usual Wednesday night card game from 8pm.
04 May 2010 22:28:53
Potato stalks [Solanum tuberosum.close to flowering.
This evening i went straight to check the pots in the herb house for watering,and then on to do some weeding in the tunnel.No rain today,but let it fall when we need it to.Earlier at lunchtime i had a quick check in the tunnel to make sure all was well.Watering will be done about 7am in the morning.For the next hour or so i will be back in the tunnel doing some work on the Sweet corn [Zea mays fam Gramineae] tubs.Some of them will need checking for being tied up this week.One group have been sectioned off to help with pollination when the time comes.Othere mixed with the potatoes.
Close to flowering on the potatoes stalks,Orla [earlies] in the tunnel.Pictured at lunchtime today.
04 May 2010 09:04:36
![Potato beds,Solanum tuberosum [[fam solanaceae] covered.](/members/2814/photos/965054392.jpg "Potato beds,Solanum tuberosum [[fam solanaceae] covered.")
Potato beds,Solanum tuberosum [[fam solanaceae] covered.
Apart from a slight touch of rain,yesterday held up well with just clouds and touches of sunshine.In the vegetable garden i worked in the brassica area for a few hours.More Cabbage and cauliflower plants were put down along with Turnip [rapa] seeds.After that i moved to the roots area and started more carrots,lettuce,and some spinach.All went well in the vegetable garden yesterday and was happy to be able to spend time getting down the Brassicas,Lettuces [satvia] Carrots [Daucus carota] Spinach [Spinacea oleracea inermis] and hope to return there this evening at some stage.Had the usual check on the tunnel and greenhouse.
One final step done with the potato beds around 9 o clock last night,and that was to cover all of them with newspapers.For the sake of about an hour,it is time well spent again the saving the baby stalks from getting damaged by ground frost.Those up about 30 cm maybe fine,but no chances taken.
03 May 2010 09:34:27
![Prunus.[Serrulata Kanzan] in the main garden.](/members/2814/photos/884735542.jpg "Prunus.[Serrulata Kanzan] in the main garden.")
Prunus.[Serrulata Kanzan] in the main garden.
Started off a wonderful day here this morning.Plenty of sunshine,and looking good for working in the garden. Today will be spent with the vegetable beds.For a short while though,both greenhouse and tunnel will get the usual water check.The tunnel will be opened up and aired especially.In the middle area where the brassica section has been placed through crop rotation,i hope to get some more cabbage plants[summer] and turnips [Purple Top Milan] sown through successional plans.Peas will also be given a while in the legumes area for similar.Dont want to have a glut of vegetables all at the one time and they to end up in the compost heaps.Successional[little and often] solves that.
Had the usual morning walkwith the dog just after 7.30am,similar to a Sunday.In a few minutes i will head straight to the vegetable garden as planned.
02 May 2010 13:35:20
![Carrots [Daucus carota] St Valery, for 2010.](/members/2814/photos/806130256.jpg "Carrots [Daucus carota] St Valery, for 2010.")
Carrots [Daucus carota] St Valery, for 2010.
Having read other journals the weekend has not been the best in places so far weather wise.Yesterday in the main garden nearly all went to plans,and also managed to get on well in the afternoon with the vegetable beds.The weather does not sound great for the coming week,with ground frost in places.No chances will be taken,and all potato stalks in the vegetable garden,outside tubs,crates etc,will have newspaper over them.Enough of damage caused with the weather earlier in the year without another visit from it.Heading off in a short while to visit a friends vegetable garden.Earlier on this morning i had a quick check in the tunnel.
Picture of some polytunnel Carrots [Daucus carota] for 2010.
01 May 2010 09:49:29
![Getting there,Sorbus [Mountain Ash.] in the main garden.](/members/2814/photos/711033158.jpg "Getting there,Sorbus [Mountain Ash.] in the main garden.")
Getting there,Sorbus [Mountain Ash.] in the main garden.
No rain has appeared yet,so no problems for gardening.The emphasis for me will be on the vegetable garden in the afternoon.First off though,time has been spent doing some wedding on the rose bed in the main garden,from about 8 am this morning.In a short while i hope to get the grass cut,and the top hedge given a trimming.
In the afternoon it will be straight to the vegetable garden.Some of the beds in the middle area need a light hand weeding.In the legumes beds all canes will be given a check on,to make sure none have been moved.The tunnel will get a sweep out,and the table a washdown.Those are my plans for today,weather permitting.If our friend the rain calls back,then all time will be spent among tunnel and greenhouse.