The vegetables are growing before my very eyes.
I left some new potatoes, my Armageddon potatoes, in this tub last winter. These potatoes are always the first up and are always sturdy and resilient to cold weather.
The same applies to these potatoes in the veggie patch. They are streaks ahead of the ones I chitted.
The fruit bushes in the veggie patch are laden with flowers so I’m hopeful for a good harvest, if I ever get around to netting them. They will be moved to the front of the veggie patch in the Autumn as hubs has now widened the border.
I’ve finally planted the fifteen fruit bushes that have been hanging around the courtyard in this border. They won’t do much this year as they had all become pot-bound. Hopefully, they will thrive and produce fruit next year.
The greenhouse is full to overflowing! Tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, lettuce and chard all need potting on, along with many other plants.
Even the floor of the greenhouse is congested! I’ve now sown cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower in pots, that will eventually end up in the veggie patch protected by cages.
The parsnips and carrots are up in the experimental pots; I’ve also potted up a few leeks to see how they do in a pot.
The broad beans and onions are doing well in the back garden. The old hedgehog run-cover is doing a great job of protecting them from the dogs.
Pots are everywhere, I’m thrilled with the left over topsoil, it’s really coming in handy.
Strawberries are flowering, another planter that needs covering!
The raised beds are now all planted up.This one is a mish-mash of chard, beetroot, spinach, herbs and leeks, somehow a sole onion has found it’s way there.
This one is sown with carrots which are now up. There is also a row of potatoes, as a gal can never have too many potatoes.
Yes, even more potatoes! All the raised beds need covering with netting, in an attempt to keep the dogs out. The raised bed cages will be needed to protect the brassicas.
There are also tomatoes in pots in the raised bed area. They are doing really well given they have been out for a few weeks. Needs must when the greenhouse is full!
In other news, I decided to build a bug hotel, using a mixture of pine cones, straw, pet bedding, newspaper, pine needles, bamboo, shells, twigs and toilet rolls.
I was rather pleased with the result.
And Finally…
A few plague observations.
Endless hand-washing combined with gardening destroys your hands. Gloves are useless.
There has been a huge increase in the number of people buying chickens! I do hope they look after these poor creatures properly.
I have a sign on my gate asking for newspapers and towels for the rescue. It’s working really well with the number of donations going up each day. When this is all over I will be inundated with the things!
I’ve heard that 2020, worldwide, is going to be the hottest year on record which could result in food shortages, due to crop failure and crops not being picked. Get growing a few spuds guys!!!
The air quality is so good around here that the Welsh mountains were visible for the first time!
Until next time, take care and stay safe!
Normally I forget what I’ve sown, but this year I think it’s important to be as self sufficient as possible, who knows what’s around the corner, we sure do live in uncertain times. Thanks Anne.xxx
Wow.
Just keeping track of your growing inventory has my head spinning. Even when I sow flower seeds, they’re forgotten by the following week! I’m noticing a theme of netting and protection. You’ve convinced me that preserving your crops from marauders and exuberant dogs is a necessity!
Oh my goodness, you are not going to be without a veg or two. Did your potatoes survive the frost last week? Mine are looking a bit wilted. I love your bug hotel.
My taters are fine, the Armageddon ones survive absolutely everything, I suppose if plants are let be they grow on their own terms. I’m hoping the guests move in soon! Thanks Chloris.xxx
Wow! Your garden is amazing, so many fantastic seedlings. You are way ahead of me but I have sowed my seeds a bit later I think as I am further North and probably more exposed. I do hope you have a good harvest after all your hard work.
Thanks Sustainablemum. The garden is pretty sheltered by walls and fencing which makes all the difference. Good to know you have sown yourseeds now. I’m hoping for a good harvest, we really could do with rain as it hasn’t rained here in an age.xxx
I can only imagine how much work you’ve put into your garden. It looks amazing.
Amalia
xo
Thanks Amalia, it’s calming down garden wise now the seeds are potted on and a lot of hardy plants are out.xxx
I am having a catch up on your blog again Dina. Your garden is coming along well – especially as you are so much further north than me. I too have planted more potatoes than usual as I suspected that there might be food shortages in the months to come. Most of my tender veggies are in pots I doors as I don’t have a greenhouse. They are taking over the bloomin house like Jack and the Beanstalk lol ! Can t wait to get them planted outdoors and free up some space.
I am glad that Gardener’s World is back on TV again. I pick up some good tips from it.
I know what you mean about the clear air and blue sky. I wish it could stay that way but I think that people have short memories and will jump into their cars again as soon as they get the chance. I love your multi storey by hotel. It looks very cosy for the little critters. I think they will be snug as the proverbial in a rug in there.
I too have read online that people are saying they intend to keep chickens as a way to be more self sufficient and I groaned inwardly. It seems that animals always seem to bear the brunt of our problems. Not to mention the poor monkeys that will be tortured in the search for a vaccine for this virus. Makes me very sad.
On a lighter note, I am impressed with all your fruit trees. Do you have any cherry trees among them ? I have always wanted a cherry tree.
Hi Keggy, good to hear from you and what you are up to! I can just imagine all those plants dotted around the house! Hopefully they’ll be able to go out once the danger of frost has passed. Good to know you’ll have supplies too. I love Monty, oh poor old Nigel though! Yes, the roads are packed again now the lockdown has eased.
I worry about all the animals, mice llamas and cows are guinea pigs now. This began with animal abuse and will end with it!
I have two morello cherry trees which bear of fruit but they are sour!
Thanks Kegs, take good care of you.xxx
You garden areas are stuffed with vegetables. Ours are limited to tomatoes, greens, salad leaves and legumes as well as herbs, but we have some potatoes in a pot this year. Fantastic that the air is clear, skies are blue and you can see over to the Welsh hills 🙂
Good to hear you are growing plenty too, you can’t beat home grown, Now so many cars are back on the road no doubt the air pollution will increase which is a shame. Thanks Linda.xxx
I agree- you never can grow too many potatoes. If I have potatoes and apples, I am good to go. I use a lots of both during the winter months.
Potatoes are such a solid staple for sure. Thanks Sheryl.xxx
Well, at least the air quality is good. Kudos on all your food-growing efforts. All I’ve got growing outside is lettuce and parsley.
I’m really surprised at how clear the air is, I swear the sky looks bluer too! Throw a few spuds into large pots, they are so easy to grow. Thanks Jason.xxx
Your own breed of spud. Take care up there!
Thanks Peter. You too.xxx
I’m with you on the potatoes–you can never grow too many. And on the hands–I’ve given up on mine. I fear we will have food shortages, even if it isn’t the hottest year on record. So much disruption everywhere with this virus. Garden on!
I always feel secure when the ground is full of spuds, they will certainly keep us going for a good few months. Yes, totally agree re the food shortages. Thanks Brenda.xxx
You amaze me every time I come over for a visit ! .. If I had the energy you have I would be up to my ears in potted veggies .. I literally don’t have room in the garden due to .. well .. so many plants I just love? LOL .. I just today planted 14 native species plants .. trilliums, Jack-in-the-pulpit .. I was so thrilled to find them at a garden center that was allowed to open.
It was like Christmas to me.
But now .. with what you have said about predictions weather wise .. crop wise .. you have given me a good scare ..the human race is being sorely tested and I think we are still failing.
I too would worry about how all those people are taking care of the chickens as well.
People are just too fast diving into things they are not prepared to follow through with properly .. I am very glad you are getting donations like that !
Good luck with all your projects 😉 .. stay safe and well with all your lovelies !
Normally my greenhouse would be packed with flowering plants with a few veggies. This year I;m sowing flower seeds direct into the ground and using the greenhouse for veggies just in case there are food shortages. Yes, people do dash into things, there has been a huge increase in people buying dogs too….sigh, I wonder how many will end up in rescues, if rescues survive this. Thanks Joy.xxx
Wow! You have got a lot of good things growing … lovely to see.
I do like your bug hotel – hope it gets well used.
We have glorious sunshine at the moment, so a short walk is the next plan for the day 🙂
Stay safe and well.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan. Hopefully we’ll have a good harvest with plenty of variety. Hasn’t the weather been lovely? Cold and drizzling now though. xxx
It’s all looking and sounding good. I agree about not having too many potatoes. I like the bug hotel.
Thanks, and you too. xx
Thanks Flighty. Potatoes are a basic aren’t they? I just love them. xxx
It’s a busy time of year when you grow your own. You’ve got lots going on in your garden, you’ll be eating very well come harvest time.
I have my fingers crossed for a good harvest, but it’s early days yet. You certainly lose time growing your own! Thanks Jo.xxx
You’re just an amazement. It occurs to me that I haven’t eaten a potato in some time: maybe even years. Baked potatoes used to be a favorite, but living in a naturally hot climate, I never turned on the oven from April-October if I could help it, so maybe I just got out of the habit.
I was reading on another gardeners blog that he’d read that narcissus kept rabbits away from tulips. So, he combined the bulbs, and sure enough — only two rabbit-nibbled tulips this year. I wonder if planting narcissus among veggies would work to deter the creatures? Have you heard about such a thing?
Thanks Linda. Goodness, I was surprised to hear you haven’t eaten potatoes for years! I couldn’t last a week without them! I can understand you not wanting to have the oven on during hot spells. Thankfully we don’t have rabbits in our garden, but given how wildlife is moving into urban areas I wouldn’t be surprised if they suddenly appeared!xxx
Wow, all your neighbours will be coming to you when the supermarkets run out! You have done amazingly well, well done you! Love your bug hotel, they will all be very happy in there. I hope we don’t get a long hot summer, thank goodness for all my huge ancient trees, I can retreat under them with a long cold drink!
The more I grow, the more I can share. My next door neighbour grows veggies so we are forever swapping plants and produce. I’m always grateful for our beech trees when it boiling hot. Thanks Pauline.xxx
More like Bugingham Palace than a hotel! Wrecked hands here too and my fingernails are an embarrassment. I hadn’t heard about it being a hot summer – I can’t decide if I’m pleased or not! You’ll certainly have your work cut out keeping all those veggies watered. xx
Hahahaha….LOVE THAT! Yes, my nails are also destroyed! I prefer it warm to hot as excessive heat has me constantly feeling exhausted. Watering is such a hassle isn’t it, just doing the back garden and courtyard takes me an hour and a half! Thanks Veggiemummy.xxx
Fantastic crops you are growing Dina…. I always grew potatoes with my Dad and he would bake them ( in their jackets) and we’d have them with lashings of butter and salt! Lovely memories your crop brings! You have been busy.. our wildlife is starting to recover from the dreadful fires.
Ah yes, oven baked potatoes are simply delicious! Throw a few in the ground…just in case! Nice hearing that you grew them with your dad. I’m so pleased to hear your wildlife is recovering…those fires are burnt into my memory, hopefully they won’t kick off again. Thanks Gerrie.xxx
And PS: The Welsh Mountains! How lovely!
Apparently, The Himalayas were visible in India too!xxx
I hope all the bugs will be nonsmokers and keep decent hours. Ha! Have you named your hotel?
I am amazed at your garden. You will be eating healthy and well, due to all your hard work. Yes, heard about it being the hottest year, too. Gaaaaa hope we can keep our gardens going and yielding, too.
I don’t think I understand clearly what you’re doing with the cauliflower and broccoli: did you start them in the pot???
It all looks glorious. I can’t wait to see your potato harvest. I think you’ll be buried in the photo, though! Yum. They are the perfect food.
And 15 fruit bushes, too!!!
Blessings galore on all of it and you, sweet girl. England’s merriest gardener!
😉🌸🌺🌼🌷🥕🥦🥬🥒🧅🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔🥕🍓🍓🥔🥔🥔🧄🥦🥬🥒
Hahaha! I haven’t named the hotel but a fellow blogger, Veggiemummy did…Bugingham Palace! Love that! Oh…watering is an issue when it’s scorching isn’t it, last year we didn’t get rain for six weeks, what a nightmare that was! I started the brassicas in pots as all the shelves in the greenhouse were packed full of plants. They’ll be potted on and then moved to the veggie patch and other places, and covered.
England’s merriest gardener! That had me smiling as you always do!!! Love and huge hugs to one and all.xxxxx
Well I never…. you must have a great store of potato recipes. Your selection of green veggies are full of nutrients. Chard is a very good one. What’s with the single onion, is it an item you don’t usually grow?
We’re expecting a frost, if not tonight, by Friday. There has definitely been a northerly chill in the air with otherwise fab weather.
You’ll have to educate some us about the bug hotel. It’s probably more upmarket than many.
You and hubs are doing a lot of heavy work. I think your use of raised beds is a very good for saving backs as well as the other purpose of doggy resistance. I am sure your labours will bear lots of fruit! xxxx
I do use a lot of potatoes in recipes. The beauty of them is how well they keep in the ground here over winter, so are only picked when needed. As they begin to grow they can be lifted, sorted and frozen. I am growing onions, this one was maybe sprouting in my veg rack….it baffles me why it’s there!!! Good to know you’re enjoying good weather too, we often get that cold wind, being near the coast! I just layered natural, dry items to provide a natural home for whatever bug wants to move in, it’s up to them…Thanks Menhir.xxx
I just love your bug hotel! What a talented gal! xx
Why thank you Gill! It was pretty straightforward, hope the critters move in!xxx
Hi Dina….Well you won’t go hungry and you certainly have your work cut out for you. Exciting stuff. Wish I Lived next door:)
OMG – hottest year on record….it certainly wouldn’t surprise me but definitely not my cup of tea. Fortunately I am surrounded by trees and have lots of windows and cross ventilation…plus a veranda to sit out on which keeps very cool.
One step at a time. I have plenty of food and a little Waitrose virtually next door for fresh fruit and veg and most importantly my art supplier is still delivering.
Keep up the good work and give all the furies big cuddles from me. JanetXXXXX
How I wish you lived next door! Like you I’m not a fan of heat! Warm does it for me, it’s lovely having shade isn’t it? I love our beech trees for the shade they cast in hot weather. Good to know you have Waitrose close by and are getting your vital art materials delivered. Big cuddles passed on! Thanks Janet.xxxx
I do think crops are more protected in a garden environment than on an open allotment site excepting for dogs maybe! 😉 Our potato tops were bitten by frost last night.
Oh, I totally agree Sue. There is a community allotment not far from us and their plants are always much further behind those growing in my garden. Dogs are a major problem, they seem to gravitate to anything newly planted! Goodness, surprised to hear you had a frost! It’s been pretty warm around here. Thanks Sue.xxx