Tuesday 19th September

Popped down the allotment briefly this evening to collect veg and have a look. One other allotment holder was on their plot but as the nights are drawing in quickly I couldn't stop to talk as I few things to do.
Plot 1 : First I though i'd spray the savoy cabbages as when I was there the other day I noticed that caterpillers were taking residence and I wouldn't get one for Christmas dinner at that rate. A colleage at work (Hiya) told me of a mix that his wife used so I made some up this evening to give it a swirl. Planted some more spring cabbages to make the total upto 30 so I should get something from that and enough to give some to friends. Also noticed on this plot that my red peppers were starting to fruit so i'm going to have to decide wether to leave or bring home to see if I get anything as the weather is getting colder. They should of fruited ages ago but they weren't in any hurry. The tomatoes are getting less now so I suppose they will be coming out soon.

Plot 2 : Courgettes are coming to an end but left a couple on there growing so I would have a marrow as they keep longer and into winter. Curly kale is doing well, broad beans not so good they have brown spots, not quite sure what it is but leaving them in for the time being. Sowed some spinach two sorts bordeaux and Gigante de Inverno, G de I isn't doing as well so I'll sow some more seeds this weekend.

Pulled up my fennel as it was getting big and I didn't want it to go woody. I managed to germinate 5 seeds of fennel and ended up with one plant but i'm pleased with just one.

Plot 3 : Leeks are doing well, need to turn over the ground where my onions are going in so I might get that done this weekend. I know I sound mad but lets hope it rains Thursday or Friday evening to soften the ground. The Lollipop Lady at the school crossing must think i'm a bit nuts as one morning in July when it had been raining she remarked on the weather and I replied "yes i'm pleased it rained". Her face changed to a puzzled look.
Brussell sprouts seems to be ok odd caterpiller in one. I planted some potatoes in a no dig method as a trial for us to have at Christmas as new potatoes. They are doing really well and one is even flowering so I have high hopes on them.
My french beans (Blue Lake) are doing really well. I put them in as a late crop and I have had two good harvest within a week. Runner beans not doing as well and didn't get many runners as I thought I would. Had better growing in my garden. Butternut squash was a late starter to fruit but once it got going they are doing really well. Cut two squashes this weekend and must have another 6 growing (could be more).