Author: Kate J

Rain, lots and lots of rain. I think pretty much the whole population of the UK right now will agree with me when we say that we are well and truly done with the wintery weather which has been plaguing us for what feels like a really long time now. And I think this is particularly true for anyone who is remotely interested with trying to do any sort of gardening. In fact it has even been on Country File how ridiculous this weather has been and I saw an interview with one farmer who was saying he was...

Following a Daddy trip to the local DIY, 2 bags of seed potatoes were collected and dropped off in the allotmenteers hands. Rising to the challenge they ripped open the tops of the bags with excitement and found…. potatoes. The whole idea of growing potatoes from potatoes (and not seeds) seemed a little strange to them at first. However they took to lining them up on a tray soon enough. A few days in the light and we’ll see what happens. They are apparently supposed to now sprout some more, the technical term for this ‘chitting’. The word ‘chitting’...

Picture the scene, we’re down at the plot, busy digging and weeding, trying to get as much done as possible before the currently sleeping toddler wakes up and/or it rains. Daughter 1 screams at full volume, I jump to attention fearing the worst. Has The Boy unintentionally put a garden fork through her foot? Has Daughter 2 chopped off a finger with her plastic, yet uncharacteristicly sharp, child’s trowel? No, another scream follows and the words ‘i’ve found a worm’ are shouted out for all to hear. Daughter 2 looks suitably excited and hurrys over to see the worm,...

So with the clearing under way, our thoughts have been turning to what we will actually be attempting to grow this season. We were very fortunate that our allotment proved inspirational to other family members for Christmas presents this year and we were provided with many seeds to try and sow. We are under strict instructions that if we were successful, we are required to share some of the booty. Tables have been created and the seeds packets organised, and re organised into categories as to what needs to be sown, at what time, and in which location. Daughter...