Pump Action

We havent been suffering the suffocating heat you're experiencing down there - those northerly winds have been keeping us on our toes. But February to June is a marked dry season up here. There's been no significant rain since May and the plot would resemble the dustbowl if it wasnt for the chest-high grass, dock and thistle. The trudge up the slope with two full watering cans finally took its toll and so I bit the bullet and bought a not too sustainable petrol suction pump that can suck the burn dry and deliver the goods at 100 litres per minute. The start of the annual Monsoon is forecast for Thursday so I'll have to view it as a long term investment.

Rake's Progress

Thought you'd all like to see how my lazy beds are coming along. I sensed a bit of scepticism from Al Lotment, but as you can see they are thriving. The Pink Fir Apples on the right have been earthed up. As I'm sure you don't need reminding, they tend to grow much closer to the surface than other varieties and have a habit of turning green in the light.

First Cut

We've had the first modest crop off the new plot and celebrated wildly with a sag paneer and stewed rhubarb with orange and honey. Both these seem to do better than in Oxford. The rhubarb must like the dampness and the acid soil while spinach enjoys the cool conditions and amazing absence of slugs. Can't believe the slugs won't find out about this paradise at some point. Meanwhile we've had our first pest attack of a much more alarming kind. The neighbouring cattle often come over to check out my variety of artichokes or advise that I should have provided wind protection when I planted out my beans. Now though, one has taken a step further and pinched out the tops of the peas for me. The hoof prints through the spring onions and structural problems in my leaning towers give it away. Fortunately, the offender was a food connoisseur and stepped carefully through the artichokes and asparagus.

first strawberries!

Well DSB apologies for the prolonged absence - as you correctly noted we are in full gardening flow here (although Al lotment is in race prep mode!). I have (hopefully) managed to attach some photos of the new allotment. I hope things in the great north are fine and dandy and you are reaping your full crop. How awful to be subjected to web filters - as long as the cobblers website is still allowed - otherwise I suspect you may have to fill you days doing work! ta ta for now