This week on the Allotment

I had a productive day at the allotment on Thursday.

I arrived shrouded in fog but this soon lifted and the sun broke through and warmed me up. 

I planted a couple of rows of 'First Early' potatoes Pentland Javelin & Swift (6" deep, 12" apart) and earthed them up 4-6".

The gap in the row is where I have a large comfrey plant whose roots are so deep I've decided to leave it.

 I began planting my strawberry plants in the raised bed  I had prepared with a mulch sheet last week. It was a bit fiddly cutting the sheet and planting the strawberries but hopefully it'll save time in the long run not having to weed. 

I also planted my redcurrant & blackcurrant fruit bushes.

I was given some leek seedlings which had self seeded on a fellow plot holders site. I soaked them in water before planting.

I placed the leeks in holes 6" deep, 12" apart and then filled each hole with water. Once the water had drained I replaced the soil to help blanch the stems. 

I temporarily uncovered my Broad beans which appear to be growing well.

The leaves of my Rhubarb are starting to unfurl. 

I can't wait to start picking it! 

 At home I've placed my dahlia tubers in trays of damp compost in the porch to start them into growth & hopefully get some cuttings. These are the open flowered dahlias preferred by the bees.

Pompom dahlias, mixed colours 

 Cactus dahlia 'Pink Princess'

 Lay the tubers on a tray of damp compost

 Cover the tubers with compost leaving the main stems exposed and place in a light, frost free place like a porch or shed.

The garlic bulbs I planted only last week are already starting to grow. Once these have put on a little more growth I shall plant them at the allotment.

The birds have been busy in the garden collecting nesting material. This is last years nest that I removed from the nesting box in the New Year when I cleaned it out (now in the compost heap). I'm always amazed by the beautiful layers of material they use. We have a pair of Great Tits making a nest in our box at the moment and I think we may have a Robin nesting in the bush.

Hope everyone has a lovely sunny week ahead.