Planting

Things are moving along quickly now at the allotment and I have not had time to update for a while so I think a list is in order.

1. Seeds planted in the greenhouse by Mum - Basil, Coriander and Tumbling Tomatoes courtesy of Gardeners World free seeds hanging basket trial. Plus Sorrel, Cauliflower, Leeks, Courgette, Chard, Peas (so the mice don't get them) and Cardoon (I've never tried these but they look great, apparently you eat the stems of the leaves)

2. Thomas planted potatoes, onions and shallots, and now considers everything he plants to be his - although he has consented to share with us!
3. More digging and path laying (see the labels on the left of the path where the potatoes etc have been planted). As we haven't got enough wood yet to put in edging for the beds we are just using planks to walk on whilst we plant. Not ideal but it does allow us to put in plants and then think about the layout when we have finished digging.

4. Radish planted in the bath - just until it is time to put in the carrots. Apparently if you plant carrots in a bath they don't get attacked by carrot fly, something to do with how high they fly off the ground. I'll let you know if it works.

5. A week after planting the seeds have sprouted in the greenhouse - these are the peas (and cauliflower above them). The weather over Easter has been so hot and sunny we have been everyday to water the seedlings and open the greenhouse.

6. And the onions are sprouting.

7. The weed pile grows bigger still. I am in the process of reading up about companion planting and have discovered that the Mexican Marigold effects the growth of couch grass and bindweed, plus has a insecticidal effect on keeled slugs - sounds a winner to me, must see if I can source some. Has anyone got any other tips for companion plants that subdue the growth of weeds? I need all the help I can get!

8. Spring has well and truly sprung.

Happy Gardening