As you can see from the picture there is still plenty going on in the allotment garden including the flowers in the cutting patch. I have been completing some jobs whilst the weather is still fine, like strawing down the paths inbetween the veg to make it cleaner to walk on when harvesting cabbage, kale etc.
In the foreground you can see the Calabrese that I have been harvesting since early summer. After the initial crop I chopped the plants down to about 6in. high and left them to it. They threw up new shoots and I am still collecting tenderstems once a week. How long will this go on - I have no idea, but it surely is an added bonus that I wish I had tried years ago.
As we have still not had a frost the Mint is still green and flourishing (although I have brought some in to the greenhouse just in case) and the green manure on the left of the picture is just coming into flower.
A few of the companion plants, Marigolds and Nasturtiums, are starting to get a bit mildewy, but on the whole they have lasted well - and, as you well know, once you have them you have them always.
The Scarlet Kale has recovered from the caterpillar attacks earlier in the year and looks very impressive and a beautiful scarlet colour when the sun hits it. Hopefully this should stand the winter well for regular pickings.
One of the books that has inspired me most this year is 'How to Grow Winter Vegetables' by Charles Dowding - it has given me lots of ideas on how to improve and increase veggie production
with very little extra work. There are still plenty of different methods, that I have read about that I want to experiment with, and I can't wait to get cracking on these next year. Meanwhile I am continuing with my winter preparations of mulching, covering and cloching against a hard winter, that is if it ever comes!
For those of you who are interested in sustainable living, there are one or two good articles at
http://eartheasy.com/ this month.
Very impressive allotment, Elaine. Ours is almost empty apart from root veg, some leeks (bolted) and scarlet Kale. I'm finding that a bit tough now. I've made a mental note about your calabrese tip....good one!
ReplyDeleteThere's still so much going on at your allotment. I love the calabrese tip, I'll have to give that a go.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking plot. I've suffered a little with the damp weather too. I'm keeping the cold frames ventilated but the air is just so damp and still. I've got lots of hardy annuals in one cold frame so I'm really hoping I can get them through the winter.
ReplyDeleteYour allotment looks great, almost as good as some in the fullness of summer. Love the calabrese tip, thank you x
ReplyDeleteIt's still looking so good, and there's not a sign of any bare earth, which is what mine mostly is!
ReplyDeleteFlighty xx
Your allotment garden looks marvellous - I hope in years to come I'll have the experience (and space) to create such a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that you have so much green in your gardens still... and that you are still harvesting. Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteYes, you certainly have a lot of fresh produce available still. I too have tried leaving Tenderstem to re-sprout. It was very successful, and I only dug it up when I really needed the space for something else. People are usually in too much of a hurry! For instance if you cut off your chicory / radicchio at ground level when you harvest it in the Autumn, it re-sprouts in the Spring.
ReplyDeletelovely..thanks
ReplyDeleteWell, that's another book for the wishlist! Impressive salad leaves in your greenhouse, even if you did lose the peas. I really must bring some of my herbs in under cover - and then remember to water them... Your plot looks wonderfully productive and colourful still Elaine, inspirational.
ReplyDeleteVery impressive allotment, Elaine you given me so much to try next season with useful tips and love things to grow
ReplyDeletehappy gardening from Linda
Amazingly we have had no caterpillars on our curly kale in spite of it being one of the few brassicas that wasn't covered with insect netting
ReplyDeleteYour plot looks most colourful and productive Elaine. I am envious of your kale - I have lost three out of four plants - completely nibbled away :( have Charles Dowding's 'Salad Leaves For All Seasons' book and the one you mention is on my wish list. Good to hear that you found it inspirational.
ReplyDeleteThere is still so much on your allotment. Love that red Kale.
ReplyDeleteThe photos of your whole garden are just beautiful showing that vegetables are just as ornamental as well ornamentals.
ReplyDeleteHave been catching up with your latest posts Elaine and what a busy and organised life you have. Your allotment is a mine of greengrocery and the cutting patch a great idea. The soup recipes ideas were scrumptious and such pretty colours too. Good tip too about the pickling onions - using the onion greens as they shoot a la chives.
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks wonderful! I love that everything isn't lined up with military precision. It looks like a happy party! :o)
ReplyDeleteSuch a healthy, abundant plot. Great work!
ReplyDeleteyour garden looks wonderful! Great pictures too :)
ReplyDelete