A video to show how we cultivated a neglected plot over 2 seasons

[Sparkly]

I do have the benefit of being a teacher so that means I do spend the holidays at the plot.

My sister in law was a teacher and loved getting away from it all by gardening.  She especially liked planting things in neat rows and finding they stayed where you put them.

Cheaper than a 'gym'.

Soil nice and black.  Our allotment is very pale brown.

LOL! There are alot of similarities with gardening and teaching. Both unpredictable and hardwork hehe

The soil is great on our site.

[Sparkly]

[chriscross1966]

I like the trick with the climbing beans protection.... might habve to steal that idea :D.... How did you get on with the butter beans?... I'm going to try them for the first time this coming year, both stadnard Lima and the outsize Giganda types (got a taste for growing shelling beans this year with some Borlottis which were excellent, I just wish I'd planted more....

chrisc

[Sparkly]

Giganda types

These are what we grew. Got a good crop really, although we were advised that due to their size they are tricky to dry so we froze most of them. Ideally we would have left them to dry on the plant like we did with the bolotti, but since they have such a long growing season they were still growing when frosts were forecast. I gave up and harvested, hence the freezing. They are beautiful though! From 1 wigwam (8 plants) can't remember the weight, but it was easily enough for 40/50 single meals.

Planting early did seem to make a difference as last year the yield was alot smaller.

[greensausage]

Love the video - great looking plot after all your hard work - thank you for sharing

[Digeroo]

I also like the look of your bean protection.  I have also had some success with putting cling film round the whole wigwam.  You then just cut it off when you are tired of it.

borlotti - due to their size they are tricky to dry

I put quite big beans on the radiator or the window sill still in their pods.  Was very cautious to start with but have done germination tests and they all pop up fine. 

[emmy1978]

Wow Sparkly-that's fantastic-so inspiring! I see you are a pumpkin carver after my own heart! Was the face Jack Nicholson in the Shining?

[Sparkly]

I put quite big beans on the radiator or the window sill still in their pods.  Was very cautious to start with but have done germination tests and they all pop up fine. 
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I did manage to save some as a few pods had started to dry out, but so many were still green.

[Sparkly]

Wow Sparkly-that's fantastic-so inspiring! I see you are a pumpkin carver after my own heart! Was the face Jack Nicholson in the Shining?

Hehe well done. Ant did the Jack Nicholson carving, not me.

[emmy1978]

Well, it's ace. OH just said -I'm trying that one next year!!!

[manicscousers]

brilliant, sparkly, looking forward to seeing it first hand next year

[caroline7758]

Very impressive- an inspiration to newbies and oldies alike!

[flitwickone]

superb well done

[blackcountrysteve]

excellent footage....something we can all aspire to try and achieve
well done

[SMP1704]

Sparkly, you have inspired me to do something similar with my four years worth of lottie photos.  How did you create it - powerpoint?  Go on, share your secrets............. ;D ;D ;D

[reddyreddy]

wow, very inspirational. note to self - must take more photos!!

[Sparkly]

Sparkly, you have inspired me to do something similar with my four years worth of lottie photos.  How did you create it - powerpoint?  Go on, share your secrets............. ;D ;D ;D

I used moviemaker. Very easy to add in either video/photo elements and add titles.  ;D

[Sparkly]

wow, very inspirational. note to self - must take more photos!!

Definately take alot of photos. We have been doing a 'monthy' (well nearly monthly) update on our youtube channel and it is really good to have a look through past episodes!

[Duke Ellington]

Well done Sparkly!! you have a lovely looking plot.

Duke :)

[cornykev]

Top banana Sparkly.    ;D ;D ;D

[tonybloke]

well done sparkly and ant!! ;)