Hi all,
Jut thought I would post some pics of what's growing so far. I have only had the allotment a few months and it has amazed me how much has grown. I expected it to be a bit of a slack first year – just preparing the ground and probably having a few failed attempts at growing things. I have been really surprised at how well things seem to have done so far and how much I have enjoyed eating what has grown. Cabbages and kale are looking a bit ropey - when should a cabbage have a tight head inside?
Thanks to all for the help so far and I am sure there will be plenty more questions as I go along!
Of course not everything grew – lots got eaten by slugs – I have whitefly on anything that is green and as soon as I touch anything it looks like a cloud has risen! I still do not know what all my plants are nor when many of them are supposed to be ready. I have tomatoes growing out of my ears and 2 pumpkin plants taking up every last bit of space I have! Mint really does grow everywhere – it broke through some old wooden raised beds that were on the plot and grew wonderfully – some seems to have just died and a new lot has grown about a foot away. Remember to clear up dead slugs and snails – the flies swarm them otherwise! Carrots and parsnips do not like me. Slugs do like lettuce – they stripped about 10 small plants in the space of a few hours overnight. Get rid of weeds – always – non stop – you just keep doing it – forever. The good news is that some plants will still grow even if they are there so chuck the seeds in anyway! My spring onions are winning the battle with a bit of help from me! My normal onions are not bothered by them at all. One strawberry plant was strangled though, poor chap.
To all those who have not long started, keep going! It is surprising how well some things grow without needing much work. Next year though I will need to sort out a potato plan. I only grew earlies this year as I expected nothing but they were great and eaten very quickly!
If anyone seems anythign that should concern me please let me know!
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Well done!!
All I can see is some mildew on your peas and I put that down to their location. i.e. next to the hedge. The hedge is reducing the ventilation in the area raising the humidity hence the mildew. The weed suppressant won't be helping either.
I see the Mint is doing its thing and taking off. Mint is a thug and should be contained in a bottomless bucket or similar.
What type of cabbage is that doesn't look like a summer variety to me.
The beetroot could have been closer together about 3"- 4" apart is sufficient this gives space for expansion. In fact I often leave one row un-thinned in order to get some 'baby' beetroot.
Overall I think you have done well and what I mentioned above are observations not criticisms, others might think differently.
I always say there is no wrong way to garden, but there are often better ways, and these generally come with experience!
Looks good to me too!
:)
I see you have a red onion. We have become addicted to them, very good flavour. Agree about the mint, it is very prolific.
You have done very well.
Thanks, i did wonder what the white stuff was - i assumed it was from the whitefly as its on a few things - still i ate some of the peas and they tasted OK!
Not sure about the cabbage - they were given to me and are jsut a mass of leaves.
The beetroot were just chucked in as an experiment really - along with some radishes and probably some lettuce at the weekend - its where my potatoes were and i though just chuck something in and see how it goes!
Yep - do like a red onion - got a load - had too many so pulled loads at every month - some spring onion size, some small, latest ones are a good size.
Also got white onions - had a small piece of one last night and it nearly blew my head off - shows how mild some of the tesco value ones can be!
Still, all good fun so far!
All seems to be going well. Things get better year on year. (weather permitting) ;D ;D
Well done Shaolin101. One other tip - savour every mouthful - you deserve it!
You should be pleased as punch with that crop! Bet you're amazed at how much you've learned in a few short months, too! Congratulations on the red onions- have not had much success here in that department.
Looks lovely - you can be very proud of a job well done.
Looks fab, you shold be really proud of that lot, especially after only a few months.
Very good especially in such a short time :)
I don't really grow them so am no expert, but perhaps you could plant the peas a bit more densely? The instructions on the seed packets seem to give too generous a spacing compared to that used by the experienced pea growers around our plot.
Thanks for the encourament all. I have learned an awful lot recently - especially recognising plants!
I have noticed the other plot holders have about 8 poles where i have 6 so next year it could be different!
Can anyone advise if the white on the peas (if it is mould) will actually damage them/stop them growing? I tasted some of the peas - just the insides and they seemed fine - really nice in fact.
Well done shaolin101 - great start to your allotmenteering career. Isn't it the best feeling taking stuff home? The peas? I'd still eat them too. I plant mine out 1" apart and in rows 6" apart - each row being about 6 foot. Not a bad crop but am intending to make the rows longer next year!
twinkletoes
I don't think it'll harm the peas at all, though you'd probably get a better crop if you planted them away from the hedge. I find that veg won't grow well next to mine, so that's where I plant flowers.
Thanks,
I have realised that i could do with a lot more. Family of 5 sharing out 2 pods that have ripened! Hopefully the rest will go a bit quicker and we might get one each!