Archive for October, 2006
October 2006 by Award Winning Newcomer Linda (plot 47)
October 1st, 2006
This contribution by Award Winning Newcomer Linda (plot 47)
Linda’s Allotment Diary
Last year, 2005, I applied for an allotment at the Aldershot Road site as my daughter made the suggestion knowing how much I love gardening.
Well, how pleased am I that I made that leap, albeit with trepidation as I had not attempted to grow a vegetable of any description for a very long time – oh 30 years ago a few tomatoes against the house wall, and a few runner beans in the then garden.
When I first saw the plot it was covered in black sheeting, old odd pieces of carpet, even an old duvet and lots of clutter, and it seemed much too large for me to tackle!!
Somewhat daunted, I have to say, I made a start at clearing the plot, with the help of my youngest daughter Ursula. We did toil and dig and clear. Slowly we made some headway and actually started planting some seeds; carrots for my granddaughter first in the newly dug ground.
I decided to dig a little at a time and slowly work my way down the plot, making small manageable beds to set seeds, with the help of a book I purchased – ‘ Organic Allotments’. I worked on, never dreaming I would become so addicted.
All this since February 2006. Now in October 2006, I have very nearly worked the whole plot, but the very best part so far has been seeing our efforts materialize. Courgettes, carrots, runner beans, tomatoes, leeks, potatoes and much more all growing; so exciting, and now harvesting, - absolutely great!
I have learned loads. Courgettes need more room to grow, (bigger bed next year) Cucumbers – big leaves (um?). Next year I will attempt to grow them up a frame!
Tomatoes! Planted too many! Potatoes! Did not plant enough!
Next, I will try to grow a few different varieties.
All so exciting!
Yes, I am in good company with my excitement; Charlie Dimmock, Alan Titchmarsh (my hero) Bill Oddie ( another hero) Monty Donn, Chris Beardshaw and many more and of course, all allotment junkies!.
Lots of lessons learnt to put into practice next year, and I will have a go at growing a much more varied selection of crops. Herbs are on my list and I have already decided where they will go.
So far, so good! I will not be daunted by bad weather and will always find my plot my most favourite place to be, even if I just sit and plan what will go where next year. That does not happen often as there are always weeds to be pulled, a bit more digging to be done, checking my many compost bins to see how they are doing.
Think! Think! Think! Like ‘Winnie the Pooh’ “What else can I do?”
Fabulous, just fabulous!!!
Linda
Plot 47
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