update on my allotment year

[Percy T]

just though I would post a little update on my year, as I was so full of excitement early this year with hopes and plans, most of which didnt pan out.

As a newbie to allotmenteering I have a lot to learn and this year has certainly tought me that.

I had plenty of good potatoes, lost all my broad beans peas, cabbage and brussels to the pigeons will need to net them next year.

had plenty of lettuce mind you did have over 200 plants tee hee seed happy will remember to only sow a few more than I need and not the whole packet.

Slugs got my onions however lifted them although small very nice, plenty of garlic and shallots some of which I have pickled.

lots of beetroot yum yum.

sweet potatoes not very good at all dont know what I did wrong except maybe they should have been in a poly tunnel.

The allotment site is very small and had no committee. well fired up all the plot holders have helped to form a society and committtee.

been a busy bee this year big plans for next year on the plot next year have invested some time in a spread sheet planning it (didnt do that last year or keep a diary) one more thing I have learned.

[Mrs Dobby]

Congrats on your successes and commiserations on your failures! Its been a poor growing year all round, so you've done well for a first year, and I know you'll do better next year too, as will we!

[Percy T]

Thanks mrs d

much appriciated

[Sue]

Percy T
On my second year and I'm sure like you we have to go through one year to learn and put our failures right - but you've done well and sound fired with enthusiasm to do it all again in 2008!

Netting was my big failure too. Learned that very quickly and now most of my raised beds are netted and have got lots more crops as a result. I'm getting better at successional sowing, growing from seed and finding out which varieties of veg are right for me.

And now I've got somethings right am learning how many plants I should be growing - spread sheets and crop results help here.
I've kept a daily record of what I've picked and the quantity and that's helped enormously in seeing cropping times and the quantity has helped me guage the growing needs for next year.
And if you spreadsheet all your seed purchases you can easily work out harvest times and juggle different varieties to ensure a longer supply - cabbages for example.

Enjoy!
Sue

[Two_Sheds]

sweet potatoes not very good at all dont know what I did wrong except maybe they should have been in a poly tunnel.

Unfortunately, you do have to make mistakes in order to learn; consequently, I've learned a lot! Like pigeons can't read; they don't know that CDs and nets are supposed to keep them OFF my plot, not attract them!

The main consideration when growing sweet potatoes is climate conditions. In order to produce a reasonable crop, the plants require a long and hot growing season (requiring an average temperature of 24 °C) with absolutely no risk of frost during the growing period: most sweet potato varieties require at least 4 frost-free months.

In short, if you don’t live in a relatively warm climate, it’s probably not worth you attempting to grow them.
lifted from: http://www.recipes4us.co.uk/Specials...%20Recipes.htm

[bubblewrap]

[QUOTE=Two_Sheds;144158]Unfortunately, you do have to make mistakes in order to learn; consequently, I've learned a lot! Like pigeons can't read; they don't know that CDs and nets are supposed to keep them OFF my plot, not attract them!

I know the problem I've tried to teach our cats to tell the time so they know when feeding time is.......................................to no avail

[Hazel at the Hill]

I know the problem I've tried to teach our cats to tell the time so they know when feeding time is...........to no avail

My cats know when feeding time is - although our opinions as to when feeding time is does differ somewhat!