It's been a whole year since I got the allotment and there have been some successes and quite a few disappointments. The plot looks so much better than when I took it on but still not like I would like - the large weeds are still there and the old shed still hasn't been transformed!
So....here are a few things that I will try growing again and some that I won't:
I'm looking forward to the fruit trees producing this year and hopefully getting some good fruit from them (however maybe the mild winter weather we've had won't be favourable for them). I got some strawberry plants in a tub and managed to get runners off them so maybe they will be good this year, as well as the gooseberry, redcurrant, blueberries and raspberries. (I must remember to replant the raspberries from the tubs).
Veg-wise, I got a few good carrots and parsnips (despite being very nobbly!). I'll do the beetroot, new potatoes and rainbow chard again. The onions were a bit of a disappointment but will try again along with garlic and shallots. The sprouts and brocolli I won't bother trying (I got a few sprouts of a plant and they were ok but got frustrated with the bugs on them!) I will have a go at cabbage....maybe!! And I've got lots of leek seeds so this weekend I'll get them started along with a few other seeds.
The sweetcorn and the courgettes were rubbish - will give the courgettes another chance along with some type of squash but if they aren't good this time then sod it!
This year, I must remember, however, not to get carried away too early and start planting before the end of the frosts! Lesson learned!
Anyway.....I'll try to keep you posted regularly and not leave another 6 months between updates! Right...where's the soil.....
Hi,
ReplyDeleteStrawberries usually give you more on the second year, so don't give up hope for them. I've got a recipe for strawberry daquiri on my blog if you're interested.
I give veges 3 chances before I give up on them. Third time lucky - this year, I've managed to get onions from seeds.
An easy cabbage is Savoy cabbage and I had good luck with Pak Choi. My sprouts got attacked before they stood a chance, but for flavour, the purple ones are best, if you're tempted to try again.
Try a patty pan squash - I got lots of crop off those, very small and flat, taste peanutty. I've not had any luck with other pumpkins yet, the plants grow, but not the veg. I'm trying mini sweetcorn this year, as the third attempt.
Enjoy & keep us updated ;-)
Fe
Hi - thanks for the tips! Will give brocolli and sprouts another go then but in a different bed. And will have a go at cabbage.
ReplyDeleteI got some patty pan seeds last year but this a mouse found my sown seeds and had a feast! Again, I will try them this year but will sow them and keep them inside til they get stronger as well as some sweetcorn!
I have onion seeds sown and some sets too so will see if they're better this year.
Julia
I totally agree with you Julia. I've had my plot for nearly a year and although have a lot done, I still notice all I have yet to do. As for growing, its all trial and error.
ReplyDelete