What I did today 2012-2014

[Currysniffa]

Today I finished off the last bit of winter digging on the new plot just in time for the snow that's fall here now! I've also been round the lottie insulating the pipe work on all the allotment water boshes. Think the stove in my sheds about dead so need a new one - priority 1. Got leeks in the greenhouse and onions in the heated prop.

[hamamelis]

Down the lottie, planted out my new loganberry (thanks Pineberry ), and harvested a parsnip that turned out to be actually *big*. Felt inordinately smug about that.

At home, scrubbed out the heated propogator, sowed some leek seeds (not in the heated propogator), and set out the spuds bought at today's potato day in egg boxes near the window.

Oh, plus I sorted through the shameful seed collection... realised I have a near-hoarding-level quantity... then immediately bought 5 more packs at the potato day

[Loudbarker1]

Snatched 2 hours on Saturaday and 2 hours on Sunday.

Finished putting bird table together (christmas present)

Did some weeding and feel virtuous.

Clear decaying brassica leaves from PSB. Harvested all swedes, turnips and beetroot for store.

Planted out corn salad - about 30 plants, and I'm not sure it will be really worth it. We will see. Put down an inch layer of compost on bed and planted straight into that (with a few slug pellets). For some I didn't loosen the underlying soil layer, but it was pretty capped so I did loosen up th underlying soil with hand fork for the the rest. Covered all with fleece. We shall see what happens.

Took three spirng cabbages out of hot house where they have over wintered and put into cold house to begin hardening off process.

Harvested a good load of leeks for Mrs Loudbarker to make carrot and leek soup. There was a bit of leek moth I think. :-(.

Feel really smug because Miss Loudbarker (age 5) and Master Loudbarker (3) say they like sprouts and turnips respectively (even though they don't really).

Inspect overwintering broad beans (aqua dulce). One or two look a bit ropey - suspect I left them inside too long before planting them out so they were a bit soft or didn't harden them off properly.

Next week:

Savagely cut back last year's hedgy growth and remove the clippings
Clear gutters
Collect free sheep and/or pigeon dung to boost compost.
Maybe even sow a few lettuces in hothouse?!?
Take master Loudbarker to 3 year old party

[BertieFox]

Exciting day today, as put my brand new 4ft tubular heater in place inside my 'mini tunnel' on the polytunnel staging. It's 240 watts so I'd better check the consumption over several days before I find I am bankrupted but so far it is keeping the 'tent' really warm for my pricked on onions, cabbage, turnips, mizuna greens and caulis. I've just sown my bell pepper and Espelette chilli seeds and will see how those go near the heater, around 20C. Judging from what the rest of you are doing, I should be getting my broad beans under way in pots for planting out in March. I tried a polytunnel crop last year but it was a disaster in terms of yield, probably because the flowers didn't get pollinated properly. I will do an early crop of peas soon as those usually work well in the tunnel, but I might try snap peas this time to get more 'value for money' from a relatively small space. An exciting time of year getting new seeds going, even if the snow is beginning to fall!

[happygirlie]

Well I have two days off work, so had planned lots, but at the moment snow and rain are putting me off. However, I did go to the garden centre and bought half price seeds and a new fork, which was also half price, some plant labels.

Put the seed tatties to chit.

And now I am cleaning the cooker (just one more hour to wait for cleaning product to work) whilst a nice warming stew simmers in the slow cooker for tonight's dinner.

Just got time to look online for a greenhouse heater.

[Lando]

smiles at my tiny onion seedlings inside, and my tough garlic growing through the snow outside.

[Aberdeenplotter]

talk to them as well as smiling matey. dunno if it does work but it can't do any harm. If you feel awkward doing it, join the Nutters Club, VC, our biggest Nutter will keep you right .

[VirginVegGrower]

Exciting day today, as put my brand new 4ft tubular heater in place inside my 'mini tunnel' on the polytunnel staging. It's 240 watts so I'd better check the consumption over several days before I find I am bankrupted but so far it is keeping the 'tent' really warm for my pricked on onions, cabbage, turnips, mizuna greens and caulis. I've just sown my bell pepper and Espelette chilli seeds and will see how those go near the heater, around 20C. Judging from what the rest of you are doing, I should be getting my broad beans under way in pots for planting out in March. I tried a polytunnel crop last year but it was a disaster in terms of yield, probably because the flowers didn't get pollinated properly. I will do an early crop of peas soon as those usually work well in the tunnel, but I might try snap peas this time to get more 'value for money' from a relatively small space. An exciting time of year getting new seeds going, even if the snow is beginning to fall!

Oregon Sugarpod does well in a poly.

[kathycam]

Last week or so we've made a start on new plot. Pulled up dead brassicas and sunflowers. Pulled and dug out loads of couch grass and groundsel. Had some bonfires. Barrowed loads of soil improver down from the top and loads more clearing. Harvested chard, parsnips and leek.

Today I've arrange seeds for the seed swap, ordered an almond tree and a secondhand pond. I like the idea of growing nuts, don't no if it will work. The pond is to try and attract frogs and toads that will hopefully eat slugs and snails. Probably a long shot though.

[Two_Sheds]

- gathered another black sack of autumn leaves: well trampled now, so well on their way to mulch
- dug up Jap Anemones and took dozens of root cuttings, hoping that one or two will succeed
- found a forgotten bag of peas & broad bean pods: shelled them
- started chitting the pea seed
- gave the indoor plants a light watering
- took a photo of the first snowdrops to open

[bramble]

Got out the propogater for the new growing season. Watered my 2 chilli plants that I have overwintered. (they are producing tiny new leaves at the moment) Went through my seed box and am now sorting what I will sow in the next few days. Its good to get up and running again.

[Loudbarker1]

[QUOTE=BertieFox;1077896] I should be getting my broad beans under way in pots for planting out in March. I tried a polytunnel crop last year but it was a disaster in terms of yield, probably because the flowers didn't get pollinated properly.QUOTE]

I have had broad beans in a cold greenhouse for the last 2 years without any problem of pollination. Maybe it was just becasue alst year was so rubbish for flying insects generally rather than a general greenhouse problem

[Madasafish]

Serviced my 40 year old Hayterette rotary mower: changed oil, checked and cleaned spark plug and air filter . Changed all the blades for new ones - the occasional stone does damage over the past 4 years since last change.
Removed all the encrusted grass from underneath.
Oiled all the height adjusters.


It's got an aluminium base so lifting it onto a Workmate is not too difficult.

Nest job: my cylinder mower which is NOT light.

-5C in garage so used calor heater and overalls.

[BarleySugar]

Couldn't resist the call to plant. I sowed some broad beans and early peas in the grow bed in my greenhouse. The seeds came this morning from the pea and bean circle. I'm hoping to be able to save the seed from the broadies as they will be isolated. It worked for the crimson flowered ones I planted last year.

[happygirlie]

Today I gathered yet more leaves up, tidied the strawberry patch and the shed.

Then I spent about three hours jiggling seeds into what to plant before and after my holiday, so nothing dies when I am away! Shame there are no near gardening friendly neighbours to help out. Mmmmm. Wonder how my other half will feel when I suggest he stays at home plant sitting!