The weather here has changed for the better, the flu has left and the Bride’s knee is better—so, the gardening here has been fast and furious of late. Whilst I was lying about with the flu, the Bride worked like a horse in the lottie, accomplishing great things. When I was better, I had to force myself to move about, as the aftermath of the flu was a sort of tiredness that I had never known. During a recuperative stroll in the nearby park, the Bride turned her knee on a twig—a freak accident, so then I had to take over the gardening work while she was laid-up. Right then, that’s the disruption here.... We had started our plantlets out on the bedroom windowsill and they have done well. Most all is in the ground now and the purpose of this posting is to update you on the process. The broad beans were finally so leggy that they had to be put into the ground with only a minimum of hardening-off. I was seriously running behind. The broadies went in and so did the spinach. Here you can see that both have progressed. Beetroot and parsnips are there as well. The beetroot is up but the parsnips are only hinting at breaking through the soil’s surface. Perhaps you recall when the spuds went in. Here they are today. Can you see a difference between the first foto and the second...other than the apparent foliage showing from the chitted seed spuds? The bean wigwams and the leeks went in on the same day. It was a tad early, but the corn plants at home on the windowsill were getting very tall, so...in they went. I plant them like I do spuds and fill in the trenches as they grow taller. Finally when the ground id level, I run my furrow-maker through the patch in-between the plants, effectively earthing them up. I irrigate the plants in the furrows between the plants during the summer. Well, the strawbs that we bought last year have all made it through the winter and were beginning to bloom. There came a weather warning of ground frost...and out I went to cover the plants: The Bride noticed that the strawbs were beginning to blush—that means tiome to net them. Whilst betting, she discovered that one of the blushing beauties had peck damage. It looks like the blackbirds have already been spot-checking for quality. A few days later there were more blooms and some fruits beginning to swell, so then it was time for laying the hay. I only did it on one half of the bed because I have three different types of plants—an early cropper and two later croppers. One is a new one for me, so I am curious. The Malvina had huge blossoms, so I am very curious to see what the size of its fruit will be. The Bedouin tent that you see in the background is Enviromesh to protect my brassica’s (Brussels Sprouts). I haven’t forgotten the toms and paprika’s (Bell Peppers). Two types of tom this year. However before planting, we had to remove all the soil in the greenhouse, and then replace it with a compost, garden soil and well-rotted, year-old horse manure. Then after about ten days’ waiting, I planted the toms. Since the planting the tops have grown quite a bit and I have seen the very first blooms. The feeding can begin. After making the comfrey tea, the plant stalks that were left over were used as mulch for the tom plants. Pshew !!! That was a lot of work...good thing that iot was spread over several days. Still, when you work all day—you have no inclination to cook a meal at home, so pizza’s were ordered... ....and daslook, or wild garlic was harvested and sprinkled over the tops. Payment after a period of hard graft. Mmmmmmm
Everything looks great Sjoerd! You are WAY ahead of us here in Ontario. I've only just gotten the onions and peas in
Thank you HUMMER-- I shall post more as things begin to develop. Cheers MART-- You are too right about the pizza. I almost drool just looking at the pic myself. I appreciate your very nice words CAYUGA-- That last comment made me blush a little. You are right, ODIF-- it's exciting and getting exciting-er by the day. It is just so darn hot at the moment. Yeah NETTY--I suppose that it is far cooler over there at the moment...but summer is on its way. I am so pleased that youi like the lottie, 2 OF--Thanks for your compliments.
As usual Sjoerd, it’s all looking great, we look to be at a similar point although what I think are your broad beans are looking way better than mine.
As usual, Sjoerd, I'm impressed with you and the Bride, the work and accomplishment. The flu you were stricken with may well have been what got me in late February. After the congestion cleared up, I felt a weariness like none I ever experienced. It took about a month to regain stamina.
Thanks so much, EJ--Those broadies are looking fine innit, and even have some beans on them already...its just that they are so short. GP--Yes, that was a mean flu this time. I am pretty much back to normal now. Well, let me say that I am working like I am anyway. hahaha.
Sjoerd, I tell myself I'm back to normal, whatever normal is. Now I await the heat/humidity to abate and mosquitoes to leave me unbitten long enough to finish setting out plants. Gardening is never finished, only allowed to rest in winter.
