Autumn bits and bobs

[alan refail]

There are those who will say autumn begins on 1 September, there are those who will argue for 21 September (though this year it is actually 23 September), so let's split the difference and not argue

Well and truly autumn here as far as I'm concerned. Daily rain, strong winds forecast, though calm at the moment. The earliest tomatoes in the tunnel are pulled out and composted and replaced by four dozen late lettuces. Yesterday I did my second big autumn sowing: small salads, coriander, pak choi, choi sum, Japanese mustards, cabbages and half a dozen varieties of kale.

As I say, well and truly autumn feeling.

[oldherbaceous]

Morning Alan, i do have to agree with you, it does really feel very Autumn like out there at the present.

But i'm sure we will get another couple of nice weeks yet.....

A nice couple i know have gone up to Scotland fishing, i think they are in for a bit of a battering.

[Nature's Babe]

Hi guy's, It felt like autumn yesterday, a large crop of fungi in the field by the top of our lane and different big brownish ones spread under the trees at our local supermarket, a change of colour in the leaves, some yellowing, but when the sun comes out it is still very warm here

[pongeroon]

Autumnal here in the midlands too, sunny and showery and rather breezy.

The Tour of Britain started today . I have some days off this week, so I think I may take myself off into Wales for the Welsh stage on Wednesday. I have got rather interested in the big cycling tours this year. The Tour de France was a corker.

Any hints for successful melon growing in the tunnel next year? Only two of mine germinated and they eventually died after mimsying about for weeks not growing any bigger than about 2". I grew them on a windowsill with the tomatoes and chillies.

[Geoff]

Definitely Autumn - wet, windy, trees changing colour.

Hope you enjoy ToB - came near us 2 years ago so walked to a climb finish, quite a sight. Not far away tomorrow so may decide to watch again. Hoping Cavendish hasn't signed for Sky or we'll lose the ITV4 coverage to the Evil Emperor.

For success with Melons you need climate change to get back on track - another miserable cold Summer and you have no chance.

[Geoff]

Better luck when it gets to you - stage cancelled today.

[Monika]

It sure is blowing here at the moment - just lost some of my washing off the line. Luckily it hadn't gone far. I had visions of my cozzy ending up up in a tall tree like a flag on a flagpole. Instead I found it in the mint bed in the corner of the garden.

The forecast is for even stronger winds until about midnight, then slightly abating. I fear our last runner beans and the very tall sunflowers (more than 10 feet this year and flowering beautifully) will have had it.

[Smurfy]

Blowing a gale here in Sheffield too. 1st casualty of the new house. Fencing panel blown down and irretrievibly broken. Looks like a big expense to replace the whole row now

[oldherbaceous]

Some really good news.

My Mum went in for a back operation today, and although it's early days, it does seem to be rather promising.

I do hope so, as i hate to see her crippled in pain, when there's nothing you can do to stop it.

So fingers crossed everone, thank you.

[donedigging]

Good evening OH,

I'd like wish your Mum the most speediest of recoveries,

Fingers crossed here OH

[oldherbaceous]

Thank you for the kind words Donedigging.

I've told her all about you.

[alan refail]

Morning OH

Best wishes to you and your mother and hopes for a speedy and successful recovery.

Alan

[oldherbaceous]

Thank you Alan, i rung the hospital earlier and she has had a good night and is up and about.

I did tell them to hide the hoover....

[Nature's Babe]

Morning OH, best wishes for a speedy and pain free recovery for your Mum.

[pongeroon]

Best wishes to your Mum, OH.

Bad luck with the ToB cancellation Geoff . I'm off in the camper with the dog later today to get a bit of walking in, and a good spot for tomorrows racing...