March has been a flurry of activity down at the allotment. I think I underestimated quite how much prepping goes in to just get the plot ready but we’re pretty much there and I’ve started to get things in the ground.
Last month, we put up a little polytunnel, added a sleeper step to help level the ground and built the compost system. There’s still some netting structures I want to put up but these can wait until later in the year. One thing I have noticed though is that I have developed an unexpected new habit since becoming a plot owner - I have lost the ability to walk past a skip without assessing the content for allotment purposes. That scaffold plank would be perfect for edging that bed; that looks like a sturdy pallet; I bet that piping would work well with netting over it! Thank you to the houses that have let me pilfer my way through their building waste. I promise it will be put to good use!
With the addition of the compost heap, we’ve had to adjust to an additional bin in the kitchen. Food waste is now separated into suitable for the compost heap and not. This has proven a little challenging to explain to the kiddies. Yes, I know satsuma peels are fruit but they can’t go in this bin. Yes, I know egg shells are not fruit or vegetables, but those can go in. We’re slowly getting it.
It’s been an exciting time planning what to grow and where. Turns out I struggle to commit. The plans have changed many times but I’m having to make decisions now that things are actually going in the ground. There is so much choice and I need to keep reminding myself not to get over excited. I think the best advice I’ve had so far is: ‘Grow what you like to eat’. I’ve been tempted to go in for all sorts of wonderful and unusual vegetables that you are hard pushed to find in the supermarkets, but will the family eat them once grown? Maybe. Will we benefit more from growing the everyday produce we normally eat? Probably. One thing I’m also looking forward to this year is having some space back in the garden for ornamentals. The strawberries and bean poles can make their way to the plot and be replaced with flowers and shrubs.
I think aside from the fresh air and exercise, what I’m enjoying most is the learning. Whilst helping put up the posts for the Pearmain trees, I learnt how to use postcrete. This new knowledge has then been transferred to putting in the structure for the raspberry canes. I’ve spent a fair bit of time watching videos on YouTube, and reading ‘The Vegetable Expert’ book my dad gave me. However, I think I’ve gained most from talking to other growers, including how many rhubarbs are too many for the space allocated - thank you Simon! Please don’t assume that if I’m busy down the plot that I know what I’m doing. I’m always open to helpful tips and advice so if you have any, pop along and see me, and if you see me doing something daft, please tell me.
The potatoes, broad beans, onions and garlic are all in despite the hailstorm that caught me out last weekend. It’s amazing how wet you can get in such a short space of time! Two lessons learnt now though:
Do not have too many tools out all at once, especially if I’ve finished using them.
Keep an eye on the clouds so I can be better prepared to leave in a hurry.
Hopefully the Easter break will bring some sunny spells so everyone can get out and enjoy their plots.
Comments