What the allotment has taught me this year.

[BUFFS]

Ive learnt..
don't count on anything, I thought I had plenty of crops for the local show but due to the weather I spent over an hour looking at my veg and fruit today for tomorrows show and I decided that one partly "blown" cauli and some jams didn't make it seem worthwhile so for the first time ever I will be entering nothing, but I shall go along to support the clubs efforts..

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Yeah! Must admit! It's been a "Rough Un" this year!

I'm putting it down to the fluctuations in daytime, nightime temps! I've never seen em so far apart!

[sparrow100]

I am learning to live with the horsetail that's invaded my plot from my neighbour's and I've learned not to let my squash plants get pot-bound before planting them out - the difference between the ones that were and the ones that weren't is enormous!

I've accepted that my method of digging over the plot is slow but worth it in the long run and learned that bindweed will regrow from the tiniest fragment I left in the soil.

I've learned that a greenhouse is better than no greenhouse, but only having one is now too small.

Also learned that kiwano roots smell of cucumber.

[vixylix]

1. That the advice on here (and other places) is brilliant, but cannot always be applied - I have 7 courgette plants and only had about 7 courgettes. No worries about gluts there!

2. That I can plan and plan - but can't control either the plants or the weather - so just enjoy what works and get over what doesnt

3. That I can fit a LOT in a small space - but that doesnt necessarily mean I should - carrots definitely need to be more spaced out, especially as I cant bring myself to thin them out

4. That tomato plants can grow huge!

5. That my garden is not as pest-safe as I thought and I need to take more precautions next year

6. That chilli's need to be sown much earlier!

7. That there are lots of things that can be overwintered, and lots of things I can grow through winter

8. That I want a much bigger garden!

[Emily Peagram]

Hi everyone,

We've been keeping an eye on this thread and we have to say, all of your answers have been fantastic! Please continue to comment, if you wouldn't like us to use your answer in the November issue of Grow Your Own please mention this in your answer

Thanks!

Emily

[1Bee]

I've learned that nothing makes me happier, calmer or more refreshed than some time on the plot.

I've learned that dead worms are the worst stink known to man.

I've learned (from an unfortunate and unwise neighbour) never to rotavate couch grass, plant out veg from the garden centre, and expect to get a crop without doing any weeding.

I've learned I enjoy the company of the wildlife and wildflowers on my plot: weeds are only weeds when they're fighting with my veg, and the caterpillars are welcome to the bits I don't need...

I've learned that there's something wonderful about watching three children under five taking turns to dig up the 'treasure' of 'pink potatoes', and something magical about turning round and finding the two year old mimicking your weeding - and very competently, too!

I've learned that, against all expectation, four months clearing and growing on a plot which was previously waste ground for thirty years or so can produce delicious crops of salads, potatoes, swede, parsnip, leeks, courgettes, kale, chard, pak choi, beetroot, herbs and beans. Even with a day job, volunteer commitments and a young son!

I've learned to thin more and sow more often.

I've learned there is life without a strimmer, although this does involve bruised knees.

I've learned I CAN find space for a growhouse in my backyard, and that next year I will learn I CAN raise things from seed.

I've learned to despise flea beetles.

I've learned that allotment old faithfuls love nothing more than a newbie who listens, learns, works hard, and improves a wasted space.

[1Bee]

Oh, and I've learned that if planting a bean teepee, put the entrance to the North. Otherwise you get thick, bushy growth over the entrance, and a bare patch at the back.... ;-)

[rosiepumpkin]

Be thankful for a partner who likes digging and being thorough even if this means he digs holes for no apparent reason. It leaves me free to avoid digging which I hate and choose and look after plants, which I love.

[WendyC]

1. Secateurs have red handles to help you find them in the compost heap.
2. Regular visits to the plot are more important than long sessions. You can get quite a lot done if you are focussed.
3. Go to the plot even if you don't feel like it. You don't have to stay long but a short visit in the winter can reap rewards when, for example, you have replaced the pigeon netting on the brocolli.
4. Don't be afraid to change your mind or admit defeat. If a crop bolts whilst on holiday, just rip it out and move on.
5. Listen to advice, then do your own thing.