What fantastic weather we have
had over the past few days, especially over the weekend when I was able to get
out into the garden and catch up on some jobs.
Now that the majority of the
weeding in the garden borders has been caught up they will in the main look
after themselves for the rest of the year. We have lost one or two plants over
the winter period, but I suppose this opens up some space for new plants when
visiting the shows this year.
The bulk of the work that needed
to be done was in the kitchen garden. The peas and the mangetout that were originally
sown into pots and planted out a couple of weeks ago needed to be tied into
their frames to help get them climbing. Once done I put some protective netting
over the frame to protect them from the birds. I know from experience that
sparrows in particular like to nibble at fresh peas shoots. The courgettes were
also planted out as were the baby corn plants. It was probably a little too
earlier for the latter, but I was feeling brave with the weather and I am
giving them protection of a cloche on a night. I also managed to find time to
sown some swede, turnips, beetroot and beet direct into the soil. So far this
year I have not had much luck, one minute they are growing away fine the next
demolished by slugs. Just in case, I have also sown some seed into individual plugs,
not sure if it will work, but worth a shot. I also managed to get a wigwam
structure in place for when the climbing beans are planted out.
Meanwhile in the greenhouse, the
tomatoes, cucumber, climbing beans and peppers are coming on a treat. But all
is not rosy as for the first time I am fighting against the aphids. Hopefully by
keeping the plants under observation and regular squishing they are now starting
to get under control.
Elsewhere in the plot, the autumn
raspberries are starting to bulk up and the blueberries are showing promise of
a good crop. Whilst the onions that were planted in autumn are starting to
swell, unfortunately the garlic appears
to be showing signs of rust, which isn’t great news.
All in all a mixed bag of good and bad, that said perseverance
generally pays off and it won’t be too long before the taste of some success.
