The end of the year and the time when we gardeners look forward to starting again. Soon we'll be able to start sowing seeds in the UK. I think I usually start a few broad beans in January but, of course, it's best to wait for most things. Sowing too early rarely does any good.
I am just soaking some peas to plant for pea shoots. Apparently you can do that in the depths of winter.
Looking back at the year, I think I've made the most of it. There are always improvements but (hopefully) I'll learn from my mistakes.
Not much growing is happening in December. We've had some very cold weather so the plants are just existing until it warms up. I do minimal watering but there are still some things to harvest. Most things are not very picturesque just now and much tidying is needed.
Lettuce - I just pick a few leaves as I need them.
Perpetual spinach.
Winter sunshine sweet peas. I should plant these in the border. I'll look for a spare space but most of the ground is still full. I'm hoping to get some early flowers by growing them inside.
Tangle of chillis waiting to be cut. I've just pulled up the plant.
I finally dug up all the dahlia tubers. They are drying here then I will tuck them into the soil under my bench. Each one has two labels so hopefully I will still know what they are in March.
Tidying up the Cavolo Nero is a job for a winter day.
A tiny Romanesco cauliflower. So far only big enough for a Nouveau cuisine recipe but stunningly beautiful.
Harvesting inside and out:
Cavolo nero
Red Russian kale
Chard
Spring onioins
Spinach
Chillis
Lettuce
Rocket
Parsley
Garlic chives
Nighttime low - -4 ∘C
Daytime high - 29 ∘C Doors at one end may have been closed but it does get very toasty on a sunny day.
There is still plenty going on in the tunnel even at the end of October. The weather has been mostly mild with a few dips in temperature but no frost yet, as I write this.
Things look much the same as they did last month and I still don't have room to move.
This is the view from the front door. Lots of Tagetes still flowering. I'm about to bring in the second bench which will go next to the first one on the left. This is for seedlings and small pots.
This is what I have so far including: Larkspur, delphinium, sweet william, beetroot, Spinach to name but a few. I need to do some more pricking out of Ammi, Orlaya and a few other things.
In spite of me not having pruned the plants properly for weeks, we are getting bucketfuls of tomatoes. I have made vats of soup for the freezer and we are eating tomato salads and sandwiches often.
I am thrilled to report that there is NO BLIGHT. My regime has been to:
1 Plant in bottomless pots (or bags when I ran out) filled with grow bag compost
2 Not to grow potatoes
3 Spray with aspirin solution several times during the year as advocated by James Wong. This apparently turns on the natural defences.
4 Feed with molasses.
I did a reasonable job of keeping them in check early in the year but have lost the plot recently. I am also watering much less now.
All is not completely rosy as the plants are covered in Whitefly. In an effort not to Instagram my life and pretend that all is fantastic here are the fruits when they are picked:
This is just the sooty residue from the whitefly. It cleans off easily and the fruits are fine.
When they are washed:
Tomato Brandywine and Sweet Dumpling squash measuring up to an old pound coin. My husband produced this coin and said his brother had just given it to him. I say he should give it back and demand a new one.
Mini peppers.
Magic beans. These are fully grown beans from Runner beans and Czechoslovakian beans. They can be dried but I mostly cook and freeze them so they can be quickly added to soups and dishes. Sadly they turn a dirty grey colour when cooked.
Spinach and kale growing well.
Chillies still growing with lettuce and mustard leaves.
Harvesting inside and out:
Beetroot
Courgettes
Lettuce
Leek
Kale
Rocket
Spinach
Chillies
Mini peppers
Salad leaves
Herbs
Tomatoes
Borlotti type beans
One Squash
Temperatures in October
Nighttime low 0 ∘C
Daytime high 35∘C
I'm sad for anyone who doesn't have a poly tunnel to play in. x
