Thu 1 May 2008
Weather : Sunny with showers.
Progress : Went up late today then double dug a trench in plot 3c. Hoed around the Artichokes to discourage the slugs. Our daughter-in-law called in with her son whilst I was there. I tried his hand on the handle of the hoe but he is not ready yet. Anyhow, he left with a bag of fresh Spinach. There was a large sloworm in my shed today and I nearly trod on it. Back at home I sowed a pot each of Parsley (Moss Curled 2) and Parsley (Plain Leaved 2) as neither seems to have germinated on the allotment.

Fri 2 May 2008
Weather : Sunny.
Progress : Double dug another trench in plot 3c. Did some hoeing through the potatoes. At home I sowed a tray of Lettuce (Little Gem) to keep the succession going and also replace the All Year Round sowing which has not germinated.

Sat 3 May 2008
Weather : Sunny.
Progress : Slack day today. Went up to pick some Swiss Chard. Also cut the first two Asparagus spears. Finger-picked the small weeds that are appearing along the row of Carrot seedlings.

Sun 4 May 2008
Weather : Sunny.
Progress : Cut a Cabbage, and that was the total amount of my involvement today.

Mon 5 May 2008
Weather : Rain all morning then sunny later.
Progress : Picked some Swiss Chard and lifted the remaining Scorzonera from the clamp. Used the last of the Runner Beans from the freezer.

Tue 6 May 2008
Weather : Sunny and warm.
Progress : Turned in the top dressing and sowed a row of Sugar Pea (Delikata) in plot 3b. I will use these as Mangetout. Fully weeded through the Brassicas in plot 3c then hoed between the rows. Adjusted the slug traps as the Turnip and Cauliflower seedlings had been ravaged. I had a few spare Cauliflower seedlings which had been given to me so I planted them to fill in some of the gaps. Hoed all other areas that needed it including the Potatoes and Onions. My sister-in-law called in on her way back to the house then my own sister also came to see what I was doing. The groundsman mowed the grass on the access track whilst I was there. At home, I sowed a six-compartmented tray each of Courgette (Venus), Cucumber (Marketmore) and Squash (Hunter). Whilst I was out later in the day I bought some more Pea Netting from the cheapie shop.

Wed 7 May 2008
Weather : Sunny and warm.
Progress : The packet of Scorzonera seeds that I ordered from Suttons arrived in the post today so I sowed a second row in plot 3a. Minutely hand weeded through the Onions in plots 2a and 3c then did the adjacent edges of the paths. Noticed that the slugs have been at the Purple Sprouting Broccoli seedlings in plot 3b so I sowed a tray back at home to infill the gaps.

Thu 8 May 2008
Weather : Sunny and warm.
Progress : Delivered some bags of fresh horse dung. Had trouble getting the car onto the allotment due to a car being parked partly across the gateway by a lady walking her dog. I had a word with her when she returned and she apologised. Cut down and composted the Spinach on plot 2c which had bolted. Noticed that the groundsman had strimmed the long grass on the patrhs. Came back later and mowed the grass and trimmed some of the edges. Came back a third time with some bags of stable manure plus some netting that I had bought from the garden centre. Then I put up a framework of canes for the Broad Beans in plot 2d and tied back the plants. Sowed a few seeds to infill where slugs had been at work in plot 3b - Turnip (Snowball) and Cauliflower (All Year Round). Also sowed Beetroot (Cylindra) into the spaces in plot 2b. Weeded and watered the Peas in plot 2a and put up a climbing net. Covered the Brassicas in plot 3b with fine netting. Watered the Spring Cabbage seedlings in plot 2d and the Blueberry bushed in plot 1.

Fri 9 May 2008
Weather : Overnight rain. Sunny and warm day.
Progress : Weeded and tidied through Fruit Area 2 and tied back the Raspberries. Dug out some more lingering Artichokes from their old location. Planted some Lettuce (Little Gem) seedlings which I had grown at home. They are in plot 1 near the compost bins where many slugs and snails lurk, so I have put down extra traps. Sowed Pea (Kelvedon Wonder) in plot 2a to fill in the gaps where seeds have not germinated. Sowed some Radish (Sabina) in plot 1 to fill the gaps due to poor germination. Completed spraying weedkiller on the central path through plot 3.

Sat 10 May 2008
Weather : Overcast and humid.
Progress : Turned in the top dressing on part of plot 1 and sowed five rows of Sweetcorn (Swift). I had a few seeds left over so I will sow them into a pot as reserves. Weeded through the Pea (Meteor) in plot 2a, sowed into the spaces and watered. Watered the Onions on plot 1, and the Carrots and Beetroot on plot 2b. Pulled off many of the outside leaves of the Rhubarb as they were obscuring the Strawberries and Blueberries. Many of the leaves had been savaged by slugs and snails.

Sun 11 May 2008
Weather : Sunny and very warm.
Progress : Started by sowing some seeds at home. A tray of Bush Tomatoe (Roma) and the few Sweetcorn (Swift) seeds that I had left over from yesterday. Went up to the allotment before the sun got too hot and picked some Swiss Chard and Spring Cabbage, also a couple of spears pf Asparagus. Whilst I was there, I checked my planting diagrams and found a couple of errors. Glad to find that my neighbouring allotmenteer, who has been absent all year, was on site with his family cutting down the Dandelions. Unfortunately, it is rather too late as they have already seeded and blown everyuwhere.

Mon 12 May 2008
Weather : Sunny and very warm.
Progress : Started with a chat with another allotmenteer who was curious about the way I had my plots laid out and he was interested to learn about my rotational system which included separate areas for early crops. He was kind enough to give me some Tomatoe seedlings which I collected later in the day. Removed anf rolled up the protective netting and cut the remaining Spring Cabbages in plot 3d then weeded through as they were going to seed. Turned in the top dressing on part of plot 3c and sowed two rows of Runner Bean (White Lady). Double dug a trench in plot 3c and sowed a row of Dwarf French Bean (Purple Teepee). I had to dig the trench in sections and throw the earth along it's length as space was restricted - it was hard work in the heat of the day. Washed out the water tank in area 1 with a bleach solution. Went home for a rest after 3½ hours and on the way noticed Swallows or similar birds swooping around. Went back later and earthed up the early Potatoes on plot 3a. Finely weeded through tha Spinach (Spinnaker) on plot 2c and sowed into the spaces where germination had failed. Hoed carefully between the rows where I have sown rootcrops in plot 3d - I put the string line down so I did not disturb the seeds. Finely weeded the row of Parsnip (Countess) in plot 2b ready for resowing. Turned in the top dressing on the remainder of plot 3a and planted out a row of the Tomatoe seedlings I had been given. A couple of ASBO candidates came onto the allotments supposedly looking for a football (standard ploy). They hadn't spotted me in my shed. I spoke to then briefly and then kept an eye on them until they left. Refilled the water tank in area 1 then, after picking some Swiss Chard and Asparagus, went home after a further 2½ hours. Called by later in the evening to check for unwanted visitors but luckily the allotments were busy. I spoke to a neighbouring allotmenteer and mentioned what had happened and he said that he had previously cleared them off the allotments. The boys in question walked past as we were talking so we were able to confirm to each other that these were the ones to watch.

Tue 13 May 2008
Weather : Sunny and very warm. Windy.
Progress : Another busy day. Firstly I emptied the water tank on area 2 and used the water on the Asparagus then scrubbed out the tank with bleach. Finely weeded through the Purple Sprouting Broccoli (Early Rudolph) and resowed into the spaces. Did the same for the Parsnip (Countess) in plot 2b. Hoed the weeds off the central path in plot3 also on plot 3b. Turned in the top dressing on plots 1 and 3c. Treated the Garlic and adjacent Onions on plot 1 with Sulphur Powder as there were signs of rust. Cut down the Rhubarb flower and composted it. Came back after lunch and double dug a trench in plot 3c. Refilled the water tank in area 2. Had the first picking of Spinach (Campania). Kept an eye out for the ASBO lads who came up the the swing gate in the next field but went off again soon after. Planted another Tomatoe from my neighbour as the slugs had eaten one last night.

Wed 14 May 2008
Weather : Overcast and warm.
Progress : Firstly I dropped off a couple of bags of fresh stable manure and straw. Saw the allotmenteer to whom I had spoken about the ASBO lads and was told that he had got back some of the tools that had been stolen from him a month or two ago. Went back and planted a row each of Aubergine (Moneymaker) and Pepper (Ace) in plot 1, watered them in and put down extra slug traps. Sowed two rows of Climbing French Bean (Blue Lake) in plot 3c. It was only then that I noticed that a fork had been stolen from my shed, either last night or the night before. Luckily it was pretty useless and I was going to get rid of it anyway. Speaking to one of the new starters later, he said that he had seen another local youth on the allotments and told him to leave but got the expected response. He also told me that the police were aware of the discovery of the stash of the earlier stolen items and were pretty sure they knew the culprits. Before I went home I hoed some of the areas where weeds were getting a hold.

Thu 15 May 2008
Weather : Overnight rain. Overcast and drizzle in the day.
Progress : Called in to check my shed. Had the first picking of Broad Beans. The allotment co-ordinator was on site so I spoke with him about the recent thefts just so that he is aware of what is happening.

Fri 16 May 2008
Weather : Dull day.
Progress : A brief visit today to check the place over. Whilst I was there I tied up the Asparagus and Broad Beans as necessary.

Sat 17 May 2008
Weather : Sunny spells.
Progress : On holiday.

Sun 18 May 2008
Weather : Mostly sunny.
Progress : On holiday.

Mon 19 May 2008
Weather : Sunny spells.
Progress : Came back from holiday to find that the forecast rain did not materialise. Checked the allotment over and did a bit of hoeing. Watered where immediately necessary and refilled the tanks.

Tue 20 May 2008
Weather : Sunny spells.
Progress : Mowed the grass then trimmed the edges using a line to straighten them up. Went round and weeded the edge of plot 3. Did a bit of hoeing. Weeded through the lettuce plants in plot 1. Watered the Tomamtoe seedlings in plot 3a and the Asparagus. Noticed that the slugs had eaten several of the Tomatoe seedlings so I put out some more slug bait. The washer on one of the pumps is failing and will need to be replaced. Asked around to see who has the spares but no-one is sure.

Wed 21 May 2008
Weather : Mostly sunny.
Progress : Delivered some bags of fresh horse dung. Sprayed the underside of the leaves on the Red Currant bushes as they had insects which were causing redish brown blisters. The groundsman was on site so I asked him about the pump washers but he is not sure. Went round and weeded the edge of plots 1 and 2. Came back later and weeded through the Strawberries in fruit area 1, watered the plants then dressed straw up along the rows. Checked again about the pump washers with those on site but came up with more names but still nothing certain. Watered the Aubergine, Pepper and Tomatoe seedlings. Also gave the Blueberry bushes some water. Pulled some of the Rhubarb leaves where they were growing over the Strawberries. Started to clear the Swiss Chard and compost it. Cut off the Garlic leaves and bagged them up for disposal as they were browning and may be diseased.

Thu 22 May 2008
Weather : Mostly sunny.
Progress : Bought some dry-rooted Asparagus (Connover's Colossal) at half price and planted them in the spaces of the second row of plot 4 then gave them a good watering. I had also collected some seedling Tomatoe (Moneymaker) and (Ferline F1) plants which my son had spare and planted them in plot 3a. Weeded out where I had sowed the Parsley which had failed to germinate and prepared to plant out the seedlings I had grown at home only to find that I had brought the Celery seedlings! Spoke to one of the Allotment Contacts who was on site and asked about the pump washers. He thinks there are some in the council office so he will check. Whilst I was on site today I took some pictures of my allotments.

Fri 23 May 2008
Weather : Mostly sunny.
Progress : Concentrated on plot 2a today. Weeded along the row of Leeks (Musselburgh) then dug them out and replanted into two rows, watering them in well. I had brought a pot of Leek seedlings from home but put them into the coldframe and will probably plant them tomorow. Weeded along the row of Peas (Meteor) then erected the climbing net and wastered the seedlings. Weeded the Broad Beans (Jubilee Hysor), then took off the smaller sideshoots and composted them. Inserted five watering funnels between the rows then erected a frame of canes and tied back the tallest plants. Watered via the funnels. Weeded and watered the Peas (Kelvedon Wonder). Sowed a row of Onion (White Lisbon) in plot 3c. The Broad Beans in plot 2d were heavily infested with Blackfly so I gave them a careful squirt of bug killer. Speaking to other allotmenteers, two more of them have had tools stolen or damaged over the past few nights.

Sat 24 May 2008
Weather : Mostly sunny. Strong East wind.
Progress : Concentrated initially on plots 3a and 3b today. Removed the netting from the Brassicas in plot 3b and hoed between the rows. The ground is so hard that it is like running the hoe over cobbles and you have to be careful that it does not shear off sideways and cut down the plants. Watered the plants and replaced the netting. Ran the cultivator between the rows of Potatoes in plot 3a to loosen the soil ready for haunching up, also to disturb the weeds. Hoed between the rows of Spinach on plot 3a and the Asparagus then hoed the uncultivated areas. Watered the Brassicas on plot 2d, the Spinach in 2c and the Beetroot in 2b. Sowed another row of Carrot (Nantes 2) in plot 2a but did not water, leaving them for the rain to start germination. (It always seems to be very windy when I am sowing Carrot seeds and it ius a job to get them to go where you want into the furrow.) Spread dung on plot 2d where it had been dug then did the same on plot 1 so that it will get mulched in with the forthcoming rain. Lifted some of the Garlic that had overwintered and they looked like spring onions as each clove had sprouted. Took photos of some of my tools to aid identify them in the event they get stolen and found again. At home I sowed in pots or trays Leek (Musselburgh), probably too late but they may come on. I want to have plenty over the winter. I also sowed Kale (Winterbor), Autumn Cabbage (Winnigstadt), Winter Cabbage (Tundra) and Cauliflower (Snowball A).

Sun 25 May 2008
Weather : Overnight rain. Dull day.
Progress : Went up for a good picking session this morning, gathering Spinach, Broad Beans, Asparagus and Rhubarb, enough for our children and their families who are visiting for lunch today. Tied up a couple of loose plants and also checked the slug traps as the varmints are about after the rain.

Mon 26 May 2008
Weather : Very heavy rain.
Progress : Managed to get to the allotment in the afternoon. Checked the slug traps and did the daily pick. Noticed that the river was up by about 8".

Tue 27 May 2008
Weather : Overnight rain. Dull day.
Progress : The river has dropped back a bit today. Turned in the top dressing on plot 3c and planted two rows of Leek (Musselburgh) from a pot of seedlings I had grown at home. Roughly earthed up the Picasso Potatoes on plot 3b. Dug up more rogue Artichokes from plot 4. Put up more wire supports between the iron posts for the Asparagus. The Asparagus Beetle has arrived and have already taken the top out of one stem. Put up the wire supports for the Artichokes in their new position in plot 1. Tied back the second sowing of Broad Beans in plot 2a. Put some beer into a couple of the slug traps having found an unfinished can in our hedge this morning.

Wed 28 May 2008
Weather : Rain all day.
Progress : Managed to get to the allotment briefly in the afternoon. Serviced the slug traps and picked some Spinach and Asparagus. The river had risen again and I saw the Egret there on a fishing trip.

Thu 29 May 2008
Weather : Dull and humid.
Progress : Took the car onto the allotments to deliver 8 bags of stable manure and the kitchen compost bin. Turned in a row of top dressing on plot 3b for a second row of Turnip then realised I should have been on plot 2d. Went to 2d and sowed the Turnips. Weeded the Radishes in plot 1 and resowed into the gaps. Put up the sticks for the Runner Beans in plot 3c. Cut down and cleared the remainder of the Swiss Chard from plot 3c and composted it. Serviced the slug traps and put in a few more. I have devised a cheap method of using plastic cups set into the ground containing the bait then coverering them with an inverted butter tub with a couple of entrance holes cut into it then weighted down with earth or stones. Had to give the Broad Beans another careful squirt of bug killer as the Blackfly are rife at present. Transplanted a row of Garlic in plot 1, taking the plants from those which overwintered. Just remembered, I forgot to check for Asparagus Beetle today.

Fri 30 May 2008
Weather : Sunny spells and humid.
Progress : Double dug and top dressed the remainder of plot 3c. Hoed between the rootcrops in plot 3d then sowed a row of Beetroot (Cylndra) in the same plot. Sowed a few Runner Bean seeds into the spaces on plot 3c. Checked for Asparagus Beetle. Tied on some more horizontal canes for the Broad Beans in plot 2d. Noticed that a small area of the Potatoes in plot 2c were wilting. It doesn't look like blight and I checked around the allotments to see if anyone else had the problem which they hadn't. It looks more like it has been sprayed with something, either accidentally or deliberately. I have left them until tomorrow to see what happens. There is a row of Spinach next to the Potatoes where the end two plants looked also to be affected so I picked off the leaves in case they were taken for eating. A bit later I found that the end of the row of Artichokes had a problem with some leaves. This looked like some sort of mildew and not likely to be the result of a spray and it has happened since I looked at them yesterday. Again, I will leave them for 24 hours to see how it develops. Picked the first Peas (Kelvedon Wonder) as very small pods whih we will eat as Mangetout. The Broad Beans that I have picked so far we have eaten the whole pod but today I picked some very large pods to shell in the normal fashion.

Sat 31 May 2008
Weather : Sunny spells and humid.
Progress : My Sweet Potatoe order arrived in the post this morning. There had been quality control problems with the George Jet variety I had ordered so they sent Beauregard in it's place. I potted them initially until I have the ground ready. Made new sowings of Parsnip, Salsify and Scorzonera in plot 3d as germination on my first sowing is extremely poor. Did some general hoeing. Put in canes and tied up the tallest Tomatoe plants. Consulted an 'old timer' about the damage to my Potatoes and he agrees that it is weedkiller. Although we think it is probably accidental, he recalled that the previous owner of my allotment had a similar problem once. However, that was due to a revenge attack from someone with whom he had upset. Went back to the allotments later with my daughter-in-law so that she could pick some Spinach and Broad Beans. Did a bit of hoeing between the Sweetcorn. As the allotment contact person was on site, I showed him the damaged potatoes so that he was aware if any information came to light.