Tuesday 9th April
In the greenhouse, the French marigolds are up and the Gypsophila, pricked out last week, are doing well. Sowed more squash seeds.
Started checking the dahlias. I usually pot them up at this stage but I have decided to water the dry soil that they have overwintered in, and move them from there if they grow.
Outside, pulled up the last of the brassicas and planted the next lot of peas. Put pea sticks in.
Friday 12th May
Planting seedlings in my raised bed
Managed to get the teenage daughter into the polytunnel to re-sow the failed sunflowers and also start the giant pumpkins. Planted spinach and lettuce seedlings into my raised bed. Still a bit cold at night so hoping they survive.
Found vine weevil in pots so tipped out completely in the chicken run.
Easter Holidays
Made use of the light evenings to sow squash, courgettes and beans in the polytunnel while learning Macbeth.
Visited allotment to water, first potato up so starting earthing up. The broccoli are too infested with aphids now to bother eating, so gradually bringing a couple of sticks home at a time for the chickens. Car also has aphids now!
Tuesday 23rd April
After a hot dry Easter break, it is back to grey weather and chilly nights.
Ready to eat, rocket, radish and baby spinach. Broad beans, not really but I can see the little beans forming.
The dahlias, that I bury in the bone dry greenhouse beds over winter, are beginning to shoot. I have been storing them like this for several years and it is really successful but you have to have a large, brick built greenhouse to do it! My customer is very lucky.
In the orchard, the apple blossom is divine, see top photo, and I love the quince flowers, above, too. Saw my first speckled wood of the year.
Monday 29th April
Not a single potato left at the Hall. Not sure what has eaten them, possibly rats. The squashes are doing well, no germination on cucumbers, maybe the seed is too old now.
Tuesday 30th April
Saw the first damsel flies emerging from the pond. It is still cold though.
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