Monday 20 September 2021

Monday

 Good morning!  Well, we are back to damp and dreary today after some rain yesterday afternoon and overnight.  I did water at the allotment because the still-growing plants looked a bit parched but I won't need to worry today.  

We did have some very nice sun yesterday morning so no complaints there.
The first think I did was make the apple and sultana chutney.  I did half quantities and used Thermione because that way I don't have to keep going back and stirring.  It worked fine and now I have two small jars of chutney.  I offered one to Chris but she and Steve don't really use chutney (what a lot they miss) and I forgot to give one to Beth yesterday - so she will get it later on in the week.   It's a nice chutney, nothing special and I did add a few chilli flakes.  If I make it again, I will double the spice, I think.

Once that was done and cleared, it was breakfast and then I drove down to the allotment.  Suddenly, there's quite a lot to do down there with a lot of stuff more or less finished and looking tatty.
I set to and pulled out all the baby corn, forked over the space, gave it all a good weeding and bashed out the clods.  Later on, I will take the tiller down to break them up more but not until I have more cleared earth so I can do it all together.
I decided that it would be best to take just one thing at a time and get that done - a bit how I tackle the spring work too.  If I look at everything that needs doing, it's more than a bit daunting, but one thing at a time is manageable.
So that was yesterday's bit.  The other significant things this week are clearing the sweet peas, the runner beans and mowing and strimming (won't have to do that last all that much longer until spring).  I've organised tree pruning with Jeff for late November.
Then I really do have to cut and dig the new beds before it gets too damp or cold.

There are four things that are still growing and/or producing nicely apart from the fruit trees.
The autumn cropping broad beans are starting to flower - yay.
The dwarf French beans have lots of babies - well, toddlers now!
The yellow courgettes are really getting into their stride.
The raspberry canes are still fruiting merrily - I popped another small bagful in the freezer yesterday.

Once home, I had lunch and then Beth, Alex and Dave came round for a family chat about stuff.  It was lovely to see them all.  Beth is 'matron of honour' at her best friend's wedding next Saturday and needed to turn up the outfit she is wearing (it's not a posh wedding) so she did that while we chatted, after Dave and Alex left.  Alex and I are invited too so that will be lovely.  I'm the designated driver so that will keep me on the straight and narrow, for sure.

So it was a lovely day yesterday.

Today there's two things in the diary.  Circuit training at midday and then tuition (must NOT forget) after school.
I have a whole load of washing to deal with this morning so I expect there won't be any allotment work done today but that's OK, there's time to spare, isn't there.
Have a super day and I hope the weather is kind to you.  xx

14 comments:

  1. Glad you had a good dsy yesterday and with any luck today will be just as good

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    1. Hope so. I have plenty to do - always a good sign. :-) You too, Diane. xx

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  2. I know what you mean about how things are starting to look a bit tatty and finished for the year and oh my is there a lot of sorting to do.
    One bit of ground conquered at a time is my philosophy.
    Hope the weather is kind to you too x

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    1. Yes, there is. At least with my small plot, it's not totally disconcerting, but I hate for it to drag on. Time to start and, yes, definitely in bite sized chunks! That way, you can see progress.
      xx

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  3. I have to tackle the garden at the cottage in the same way and whilst I concentrate on one patch I can hear the weeds growing in another! My problem is it often gets too hot and then I have to start another section that is in the shade so I do end up with half weeded beds all over trying to dodge the sun!x

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    1. Evil, aren't they, utterly evil!!
      You have two gardens to deal with, of course. Much harder work. Good luck.
      xx

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  4. You can't beat jars of homemade chutney in the larder can you 😀

    Doing the Autumn clearing and tidying in sections is the only way isn't it. On my old plot I had to keep my head down and concentrate on small areas so I wouldn't get totally overwhelmed. Things are much easier now!!

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    1. It's a very satisfying feeling, yes. Such deliciousness!
      xx

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  5. I've pulled most things out of my deck garden. Just two pepper plants left now and they are on last legs. Flowers are still doing okay, but can tell it won't be long before I need to make some changes.

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    1. Good for you, it sounds like you are well on top of things.
      xx

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  6. I am allowing things to dry out here in readiness to clear them out. The tomatoes were harvested today as well as those eggplants that were ready to be picked. Still lots of small ones on the plants, and the same goes for the peppers.

    I noticed Harvey has started to clean up some of my large containers so one less thing for me to do.

    Like you it is one thing at a time so I do not get overwhelmed.

    God bless.

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    1. I've never tried aubergines - maybe, one year. Do you grow them in the ground or in pots?
      xx

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  7. It sounds like you'll be busy at the allotment for a while yet. I'm assuming that what you do now to clear the plants and prepare the beds is essential for a good harvest next year. xx

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    1. Well - in the past, we have been very neglectful of the autumn clearing but this year I want to be right on top of it. The soil definitely does need some TLC and I have various bits and bobs to add to it. Also, actually having the weeds up instead of just the bits you can see, is reaping dividends. I'm just sorry that they had free rein for a month or so in June/July as they really fought back. I know we will never win completely but being on top would be good.
      xx

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