A big thank you to Vegatableseeds.net for my voucher – I have ordered the following seeds to be sowed early next year.

I’m going to grow a few more root veg next year – and keep up the supply of oriental leaves for a summer of sun-packed salads.

I also need to get some sort of herb garden going on the allotment – all I have so far is a short row of Sorrel – so I have ordered some Chives, Parsley, Cumin and Marjoram – and these can be joined by some Mint, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano and sage from my back garden when I get round to splitting them in the spring.

One lovely looking dark Green pumpkin has emerged from amongst the runner beans – I had given up on this plant – I thought it had withered away but has suddenly started crawling around the base of the wigwams.
I’ll be keeping an eye in this and probably making sure that it doesn’t try to produce any more fruits – as I would be amazed if there is enough nutrients in the soil after the runner beans have depleted it.
The largest pumpkin I have been able to produce so far was about the size of a lawn bowls ball (not a bowling ball) so I am hoping to better that at least – I would love to try to grow more next year – i love pumpkins and they store so easily.

The second wave of sunflowers are now flowering – These ones have much larger petals – and smaller centres. Some of them are about 11 feet tall.
they create a bright colourful welcome each time I arrive at the plot.

Ordered a few more packs of seeds – thanks to VegetableSeeds.net.

Am looking forward to getting these planted – I always get a feeling at this time of year – that I am falling behind and that I should really already have lots of seedlings transplanted into the ground.
I have few things in – and a few things doing quite well on my windowsills at home – but I can’t help thinking that the little vegetable plants have little chance against the mighty weeds that seem to grow so fast it’s almost possible to watch them as it happens.

My surrounding allotmenteers all seem to have beds brimming with greenery – mine is mostly soil still – although the populated fruit cage has made a bit of a difference.

A couple of courgettes are in and thriving – despite the fact that there seems to be bindweed popping up and trying to spread all over the place – even when covered in black plastic.
I am trying my best to pick the bindweed shoots out when I spot them – but I’m pretty sure the roots are holding on in there. I must read up about this – will they finally die if I keep picking them out.

A few of these have been nibbled to bits by the slugs – but my runner beans are all emerging from the ground and will shortly be heading up the wigwams – hopefully.

It seems that despite our plans to dig over the plot, leave it for a few weeks, and then dig it over again – have been scuppered by the very kind offer of 3 rhubarb plants from a neighboring allotmenteer. Here is a pic of the donation. It has since been planted and will hopefully produce enough stalks this year to keep us stocked up in rhubarb crumble. I love crumble.

My first visit was with my 4 yr old son and we spent 2 whole days over the weekend – to get some of the plot dug over and to construct a small shelter big enough for the both of us should it rain.
I took plenty of partly prepared timber and polycarbonate sheets that I had acquired some time ago from a skip belonging to my very local double glazing company.

Allotment plot after day 1