Whats Happening July 2011

First it was too dry, then too wet (no pleasing us vegetable growers!) but then conditions were just right, so the last couple of weeks have seen us transplanting in every spare moment, (well, when we're not harvesting, packing or weeding that is) and we're almost caught up now.

These leeks were transplanted (and then irrigated) during the 'drought' and are now doing well



We finally got good enough ground conditions to plant our squash (not too dry, not too wet),
what they need now is lots of sun

Less watering to do as the number of plants still in plug trays lessens

The 'Hungarian Hot Wax' Chillies get going

And the tomatoes start to redden.

Rainbow and Green Chard plants just transplanted, we should be able to harvest chard from these plants through to next Spring, as long as thwey survive the winter (once they get a bit bigger that is!)

Our frindly 'Hawk Kite' bird scarer keeping the pigeons off our kales.

Lovely, almost weed-free rows of Cos lettuce

What's happening in June

We finally got the rain we so were so desperate for, about 25mm on Sunday 5 and Monday 6 June and have had more since then, and everything is growing well and no need for irrigation for now, happy again!  

Ridging up potatoes before the rain (with a little help)




Picking up the first of the new potatoes by hand



Seeding into module trays, the majority is done now, but crops such as lettuce will be seeded every 2 weeks until August.

Sweetcorn and courgettes transplanted into nice moist ground, but not enjoying the wind and cool nights since.

Our quiet bird-scarer, a hawk kite, acts as a potential predator keeping smaller birds away from the crops

Basil growing well in a polytunnel, the scent from so many plants
is amazing

Nasturtiums just starting to flower to brighten up the salad bags

Squash plants ready to be transplanted.