Kitchen Garden Forum

Having passed the official midsummer, I just thought we might need an appropriate topic now.

It's certainly mid-summer weather here : 24C today with just a very, very light breeze from the NW. It took us more than two hours this morning to water all the vegetables on the allotment (flowers have to cope without our help) and at the end we were both drenched, and I don't mean from the watering!

Stuff is growing well but even with the watering the peas and broad beans are slow to fill and some of the chard has bolted. Could I order a night of lovely gentle warm rain, please, and then sun a again the following day?

Glorious weather here too

I managed to get all the grass cut around the two allotment plots, and watered in the polytunnel. Whilst in there, I picked loads of french beans, chard, tomatoes, and carrots.
Another plot holder has gone on holiday and left me to pick his strawberries. Somebody has to do it I suppose

After all that, my energy level was at rock bottom, so I went home

I hope you sat in a chair with a pot of cream and the strawberries just so they didn't go to waste PJ!

I got courgettes, peas, potatoes and lettuce from the plot today, but mostly I've been sat at the computer working

MW

Picked one small bowl of strawberries and raspberries on wednesday evening.

Ladt nights return visit netted one large bowl of strawberries and large bowls of rasberries three, about six pounds of fruit.

Managed to put in an appearance at the allotment today.Not been there for a while and some of the weeds were waist high.Attacked the ones in the onion bed clearing away as much as possible without going overboard in this weather.
Moved on to the shallot and garlic beds and lifted these before attacking the weeds.Behind me came a female Blackbird picking out the odd grub/insect.I had a tub of dried mealworms in the shed so I scattered some of them about.Off she flew and returned a minute or so later with three fledglings in tow who promptly sat on the crossrail of the runner bean rig waiting their turn to feed on the mealworms.Sods Law no camera with me so,alas, no photos.

Been a bit of a traumatic few months.My Good Lady has been in hospital since the beginning of March.Went in for a routine knee replacement operation,had a heart attack,then two more,infections galore which antibiotics could only control not cure and a lot of pain.Eventually the decision was made to amputate her leg mid-thigh.Not an easy decision for Pam but the best course of action.
Pain now gone as has the infection through her body and is in good spirits now but looking forward to a life in a wheelchair because Pam is not a candidate for an artificial limb because of problems in her"sound"leg.
Bit of a life-changer for us both.Waiting on Occupational Therapy to see me about adapting the house to suit our needs and wondering if I will have to give up my allotments because of time restraints looking after Pam because I am guessing that most of the domestic chores will fall on me.The allotment committee know my situation and I shall give a year for the situation to resolve itself.

Afternoon Snooky, sorry to read you have both been having a tough time since March, I do hope Pam makes good progress as the next few months pass. I also hope you do still manage to find time to do your allotment once you get into your new routine.

My kindest thoughts to you both.

Hi Snooky,

Sorry to hear about your problems but do remember to leave yourself some down time space. On our allotments we have a full time carer who has a plot and I know she finds it a absolute life-saver to come and tend her plot and just 'turn-off' for a bit.

MW

Snooky, so sorry to hear about your problems and all the very best wishes to you and Pam. I hope you can resolve the practicalities and make things as comfortable as possible for both of you. And the allotment will get back to normal, too!

Snooky - My best wishes to you and Pam. I am sure you will find ways to adapt, though I know it's difficult. If you have to cut down on your growing you will still be doing a great job.

snooky. Wish her a speedy recovery.

The same from me Snooky.

Regards, Gerry.

Hi Snooky,

So sorry to hear your news,all the very best to you & Pam.

Regards

Arnie

Morning all, as i'm in Norfolk for a week from this Saturday, and the Sandringham flower show is on, i just wondered if anyone has been before and is it any good?

I'm staying in Sheringham, just incase people want to avoid this area.

Hi OH

Lets hope you get the weather and who would wish to avoid you

Regards

Arnie