Sunday 29 January 2012

Bean Trench



Digging out the bean trench. There is about a spade depth of top soil, then heavy clay subsoil. I broke this up as far as possible to try and improve the drainage.



The trench was lined with two bin bags of shredded paper, part filled with kitchen waste and semi-rotted compost, then back filled with the original soil.This will settle back close to ground level so I've marked it with a couple of pegs. By the time peas and beans are sowed and planted in May, it should be a rich reservoir of moist plant food.


Saturday 21 January 2012

Flag

I need a new flag.

More clearing up.

Still working on clearing the plot ready for the spring.




I put these saffron bulbs in last year, but not had enough flowers to get a crop yet.

Florence fennel that ran to seed before bulking out. 

They can't be sown too early as they bolt if it is too hot, but September must have been too late. I have two varieties to try this year and will sow in succession.

The flavour is very strong when they are fresh.

Sunday 15 January 2012

Getting the plot ready for the new year.

Cut some cavolo nero, black tuscan cabbage. Sowed broad beans, a mix of aquadulce and bunyards exhibition; two rows under a netting cloche and two in the open air. The BE variety isn't recommended for January sowing but worth a try. The overwintering onions and garlic are mostly showing through. There are a few leeks left, but they are about the size of modest spring onions.

The wind has stripped the roofing felt from the shed but otherwise no damage yet from the weather.

My order of seeds has arrived from the Real Seed Company, always a sign of spring on the way.