Deb and Em's Allotment Diary

[4pygmies]

There are quite a few plants you can buy to put in in the Autumn Emsey - Spring cabbage, hardy Kales, Cauliflower, Calabrese, and overwintering Spring Onions. Plus it will soon be time to plant Garlic, Shallots and Onions, they should be in the shops now and then you can sow Broad Beans to stand over winter too. I think Endive and Chicory can be sown too but I don't bother with them these days as I find them a bit of a pain and not really worth the bother..

[alicat]

Aug 25, 2008 13:49:47 GMT 1 @emseypop said:

Brute cauliflowers are just a type of caulie I think, nothing spacial The witch. I feel a bit demotivated today. I went to the plot for the first time since I went to Belfast yesterday, didn't stop as Sean was waiting for me, just dropped a few things off. I went back today. The whole area I'd dug over was just grass, with a few slug eaten, pumpkins and squashes here and there. I set about turning the whole lot over. The chairman came over to have a word, he said they were very disappointed I hadn't kept on top of the weeds better. He's talking about the 2/3's of the plot I haven't even made a start on yet I am really trying, but after a few hours there I really do get tired, and knowing I have to walk up a giant hill home, stops me from pushing myself more I suppose, Its difficult to work around the kids and the weather ATM. He said didn't John borrow you something to get the weeds down a few weeks ago?
Just before I went away John came up to me just as I was feeling like packing away and going home, he started chatting telling me our plot used to be his and how he was shocked at the state of it and how he used to turn the whole plot over 3 times a year. He offered to borrow me a scythe, which I felt I had to except, he said there was no rush to give it back as he didn't need it on his plot. So I took the scythe and felt I had to stay and use it.
I promised the chair man I would try to borrow a strimmer, but I had no idea how I'd get it to the plot and find the time and the energy to do the whole plot before it had to be returned I carried on turning the grass over and pulling up mares tail. Then I got the scythe out of the shed, I felt really self conscious as though everyone was watching me and set to work. the chair man came over to me again and told me to stop, he said I'd never got it done with that, he thought I'd been borrowed a sickle type thing. He said he'd strim the plot for me with their strimmer next time they were doing the communal areas. Which is very nice of them and will be a big help, but makes me feel like a bit of a burden. I was called over to the tea shed, I really didn't feel like going but pushed myself, because I get the feeling it would be frowned upon if I didn't go, and also, if I didn't go today, I may never go again! John was making the tea this time, as he has every time I've been in there, (he at the site everytime I go too) he somehow manages to make me feel like I'm forcing him to make my tea and then he washes my cup up after like a myrter too ( I am reluctant to squeeze my ample bottom past him in such a confined space to make my tea and wash my cup so I dare not make a stand)! He also asked me if he could have his darn scythe back too! Something he pressed me to borrow and said he never used, he asked as if I'd pinched the bloomin thing! There are some nice people there, there is a really nice couple who are organising an allotment show and it sounds good fun, the chairman himself is very nice and I can see why he has a problem with the weeds as everyone has an immaculate plot and they don't want weeds seeds blowing about. I Just feel keeping up to their standards feels like an impossible task. I'm clearing weeds away as fast as I can but need to put something into the space I'm making, any ideas? I'll plod on, my best bet is to cover as much as I can with tarp I have found a supplier but haven't really got the £40 ATM. Sigh Maybe I should just call it a day, it feel like a bit of a weight on my shoulders today.

Hi Em

Sorry to hear you are having a rough time of it of late, With kids to look after and Hubby its hard too find time for yourself and enjoy your allotment. - don't give up though cause I think you will feel even worse. 4P has mentioned the veg you could grow ( and I have taken note ) but what about green manures (featured on GW.) The best thing is as long as you turn them back into the ground before they flower they will fix in lots of food for your veg next year. Also helping to supress the weeds. - It's worth a thought, and I hope the other allotment people are more helpful next time you go.