tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77010020699148028392024-03-19T08:30:32.888+00:00Galadriel's GardenGrowing towards self-reliance in the English countrysideGaladrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.comBlogger548125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-10598504729246753752024-03-19T08:30:00.008+00:002024-03-19T08:30:00.130+00:00Life vs gardening: not enough hours in the day<p>March is a busy month for me, partly because it's the start of the gardening year for my climate. But my life is also busy with two birthdays, plus work, school, and extracurricular activities. Often I feel like there just isn't enough time in the day to get everything done; there's just too much to do.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxi3T2-eTfEhNI57t4b7SntFzH4FwkLSRM6utitRWH1IO7eDjvcKWCrp-No9MRW_7BHY3MMlWupQPXMr_DovczUuTRnXB1D-MwxD7kUHR7z-HnccZ8A2aNu7zoHd3EkrHH_MhTj6TgwpY2o04WwqFxTbrCZX6W3J0B4O3VPbXbuGTpDaUHi_Za9-1TfUb/s1280/DSCF0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Close up of a bright yellow daffodil" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxi3T2-eTfEhNI57t4b7SntFzH4FwkLSRM6utitRWH1IO7eDjvcKWCrp-No9MRW_7BHY3MMlWupQPXMr_DovczUuTRnXB1D-MwxD7kUHR7z-HnccZ8A2aNu7zoHd3EkrHH_MhTj6TgwpY2o04WwqFxTbrCZX6W3J0B4O3VPbXbuGTpDaUHi_Za9-1TfUb/w300-h400/DSCF0014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only two daffodils this year: not enough! March 2024<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I sowed my broad beans individually in pots and toilet paper tubes more than a month ago and finally I've seen a couple start to emerge: about 5 from 160+ (so far). It's been kind of cold for the past several weeks so I hope they've just been biding their time now that it's warmed up to above 12C. </p><p>I do really need to get some more seeds going, but I've held back because of the cold. This past weekend was the first nice weather we've had for a while, but it coincided with those unavoidable life events (the son's orchestra concert and the daughter's birthday party). I did at least manage to drag the husband and daughter up to the allotment for an hour afterward. And then stopped by after work/school with the daughter yesterday.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yM-GvQ5fgZzcD905qpRnHVrcSy5wlb7xx_gOxUr3_Lb5d8Td2MRxUxOMbC8PGPSGLqUsfFt0gfQVfEKqs4_XqvwMy-rsw_7_MIpPdDvFokEhQ2r7gxy0XnnueeKJgxoA2TW04RvJ71Ov-H4OOqLvCtMOKr_5zhN9e19V28iKsh-cDui8xbH6gXGMm4QS/s1280/DSCF0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Multiple bare brown branches covered in pink blossom" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yM-GvQ5fgZzcD905qpRnHVrcSy5wlb7xx_gOxUr3_Lb5d8Td2MRxUxOMbC8PGPSGLqUsfFt0gfQVfEKqs4_XqvwMy-rsw_7_MIpPdDvFokEhQ2r7gxy0XnnueeKJgxoA2TW04RvJ71Ov-H4OOqLvCtMOKr_5zhN9e19V28iKsh-cDui8xbH6gXGMm4QS/w400-h300/DSCF0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almond still in flower, March 2024<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Luckily seeds earmarked for March usually still have enough growing time when started in April instead, and our two week Easter break from school/work is coming up very soon. However, I better get most of it done in those two weeks, or I'll have missed my chance.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-66960864088437041242024-03-12T08:30:00.008+00:002024-03-12T08:30:00.129+00:00At the allotment, March 2024<p>The son and I have been gradually sheet mulching at the allotment, one weekend at a time. When are we not gradually sheet mulching, though? Except in the height of summer, we're always at it. Winter is the best time for it, but early spring works too. I've got several large pieces of old carpet I've collected over time which I've laid down on our paths, and this weekend I moved some to the very front of the allotment next to the gravel road. This is more of a long-term grass control than the sheet mulch, but obviously can't be planted--unlike the sheet mulch. Instead I'm collecting all my planters and large containers for that front carpeted area this year. Maybe next year I'll shift it all to a new area and use this area for more sheet mulch and planting.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeMMmQWTFwGN8XuFLblHVzOLbuJZULTLxP2uizt4hYGDWzC8cEndaxz_Fc0UhYBZ8WfRayMARMDu8WBfREWb0RnZwmLE77Pxoqlk7IX3u0S3_-4zuef3i2X6wXSPOqtSb-w1XtIKSEKiGz4OyEn8WZ1aZjKKum0D263emvhD6O2zM4no6FjWgf24ejNaL/s1280/DSCF0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A pair of untrimmed leeks soaking in a white plastic tub" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeMMmQWTFwGN8XuFLblHVzOLbuJZULTLxP2uizt4hYGDWzC8cEndaxz_Fc0UhYBZ8WfRayMARMDu8WBfREWb0RnZwmLE77Pxoqlk7IX3u0S3_-4zuef3i2X6wXSPOqtSb-w1XtIKSEKiGz4OyEn8WZ1aZjKKum0D263emvhD6O2zM4no6FjWgf24ejNaL/w300-h400/DSCF0020.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely leeks, Mar 2024<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>The only thing really growing at the allotment is the garlic bed, planted out last autumn. It looks good, growing strongly. I have a few last spindly leeks and the rhubarb is just sprouting up; we've eaten both of these within the last week. I'm ready to get planting but it's still a little cold for most seeds. Need to wait a bit longer.<br /></p><p>I did start 160+ broad bean seeds in toilet paper tubes and individual small pots back in the middle of February but I've yet to see them emerge; they are still stacked up on my patio table. These will be the first to plant out just as soon as they show me some leaves. Hopefully they aren't just going moldy...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oqe2H8ZEq2pZkkn-59gE6kWIJ1QdYY1ByNAGkU3muqZZdgiMlAKpjMolX-EGZoAJOVf3bd7nDuUwRN9jfk2iOFn9kylZviNDwWfHWRIUpaFu3909ifhyj4fZD0U1V3Fe_JYMKNOWkRbXVZJPNre89W3-JsoUuT8G6UO6qZRmihMNQaRvHecIsAytGg15/s1280/DSCF0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lots of peeled, raw parsnip pieces soaking in a white plastic tub" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oqe2H8ZEq2pZkkn-59gE6kWIJ1QdYY1ByNAGkU3muqZZdgiMlAKpjMolX-EGZoAJOVf3bd7nDuUwRN9jfk2iOFn9kylZviNDwWfHWRIUpaFu3909ifhyj4fZD0U1V3Fe_JYMKNOWkRbXVZJPNre89W3-JsoUuT8G6UO6qZRmihMNQaRvHecIsAytGg15/w300-h400/DSCF0018.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last of 2023's (so sweet) parsnips waiting for dinner, Mar 2024</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>I have sketched out a plan for growing at the allotment this year (in pencil, subject to erasure), focusing on just a few main production crops including broad beans and snap peas, corn, squash, tomatoes, leeks and beets. Then I will also hopefully get my lettuce and pickling cucumbers in planters and maybe I will get climbing beans in the ground somewhere as well (if not, I'll grow them at home in the kitchen garden). </p><p>I haven't sketched a garden plan as such, but I'm also limiting varieties to just a few, mainly cabbage, kohl rabi, zuc and parsnip; and then following on with late season/successional crops: radish, fennel, pak choy. I can't grow these at the allotment because of pest pressure, but the ducks have sorted that out for me at home.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-71549829089863156562024-03-05T08:30:00.030+00:002024-03-05T08:30:00.150+00:00Feathered friends working (and photos!)<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY7yZwHuMpw6xMMDS9PrNUCFTQW2OTGvAEw9Qpx9xsTu1TdxUkc7xArbwwjhHbLZZxD5LSKU8A5-1ltQHdvC6W3xerzUcrvpTTzIzpg4HRq7jGuAgFkfJUqbn3aXo0pi4R_MPub51AteNFJpXeGrMeh6x9r-K_cHJYr_9eyAFqlqGOuJcOQVZ9lHn0Qb1/s1280/DSCF0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A small girl stands inside French doors with a view of a garden and laundry on a washing line outside" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY7yZwHuMpw6xMMDS9PrNUCFTQW2OTGvAEw9Qpx9xsTu1TdxUkc7xArbwwjhHbLZZxD5LSKU8A5-1ltQHdvC6W3xerzUcrvpTTzIzpg4HRq7jGuAgFkfJUqbn3aXo0pi4R_MPub51AteNFJpXeGrMeh6x9r-K_cHJYr_9eyAFqlqGOuJcOQVZ9lHn0Qb1/w300-h400/DSCF0024.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The daughter (age almost-4) and the back door<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I can go out my back door! This has been possible since the start of December actually. And I can take pictures too! This has always been possible...</p><p>The laundry line had to be relocated when the old umbrella-style one broke last year. Now my laundry sometimes blocks my view of the garden, although this time of year the view is a bit dismal. Have a look.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSFBPc6XFExOUyG_0nL3vxWHHt4qM6AkjJ7AfKHeXcemISTfqrNW9JrJwDpD9tsoG76MqobIOF8Okk8WTNOkZjB6lAxk3hPi4zTKNMlQ5onUnwITuaygxqqw8rxQyp6Jcy23wzvCE0ajoWTh5xUUMZbkdxTUNaSrHlI2NKAluoO2SSmEGGlzvw7BSXT3n/s1280/DSCF0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A mostly bare garden bed with detritus strewn about, with a washing line full of laundry hanging in front of a house" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSFBPc6XFExOUyG_0nL3vxWHHt4qM6AkjJ7AfKHeXcemISTfqrNW9JrJwDpD9tsoG76MqobIOF8Okk8WTNOkZjB6lAxk3hPi4zTKNMlQ5onUnwITuaygxqqw8rxQyp6Jcy23wzvCE0ajoWTh5xUUMZbkdxTUNaSrHlI2NKAluoO2SSmEGGlzvw7BSXT3n/w400-h300/DSCF0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The not so beautiful view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>On the bright side, the micro-climate of the patio does make the laundry dry faster than when I used to hang it out in the middle of the lawn. </p><p>The chickens tractored the veg beds for me over a week or two (chicken tractor on the right, reflecting light) except the far edge at the left, still growing a couple pak choy, fennel, and strawberry plants. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4PwdBoExKsAXWrVPKMSxdJH22IMC7WYHRjQm9bbZslEl1R4DrqyXfQmNxIn-5TQjxBeJ9dPjqPWY7o3ysMSaaW3SbmnDbPKgwsLIGlB28eOCwt7SFovHuUt2nF16C7Nfh8EUAjZJhfiS_-iIdIGbfNDjRfYMXNHFw3xqzD5Y8enncNFJSN9yCGEggg2P/s1280/DSCF0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Two small fennel plants growing in mostly bare ground with some wire surrounding some small pak choy plants behind" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4PwdBoExKsAXWrVPKMSxdJH22IMC7WYHRjQm9bbZslEl1R4DrqyXfQmNxIn-5TQjxBeJ9dPjqPWY7o3ysMSaaW3SbmnDbPKgwsLIGlB28eOCwt7SFovHuUt2nF16C7Nfh8EUAjZJhfiS_-iIdIGbfNDjRfYMXNHFw3xqzD5Y8enncNFJSN9yCGEggg2P/w300-h400/DSCF0001.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feathery fennel in front, pak choy fortress at back<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I've sent those four hard working chickens back into the yard with the rest of the flock; we started the tractor with the four non-laying oldies, but their work ethic was pathetic so we swapped to the younger still-laying hens who completed the job admirably. I may let them have another pass before I start planting--it's a little cold for most seeds still, and there are still a few weeds here and there. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FgTQ7po94dIIuGWxgl5Ve1bWDs25GREZrtW8CjN5V4Io-LLnIJRHUugSaW26NQUV8FMr2r7WT6iU0TSPH3R5DrDsq_KjeAsc6HdhYtsboBi3DRbV0noonmojvgSmg8JG0rlu5DcFiJB80mAyjI9mRbCl0ebdfuVsedFo1v-U559UhAGjexp01r6QhdUr/s1280/DSCF0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A colorful hen perched on an oil drum inside a chicken yard, with other chickens on the straw beneath her" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FgTQ7po94dIIuGWxgl5Ve1bWDs25GREZrtW8CjN5V4Io-LLnIJRHUugSaW26NQUV8FMr2r7WT6iU0TSPH3R5DrDsq_KjeAsc6HdhYtsboBi3DRbV0noonmojvgSmg8JG0rlu5DcFiJB80mAyjI9mRbCl0ebdfuVsedFo1v-U559UhAGjexp01r6QhdUr/w300-h400/DSCF0008.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three of the four oldies in their yard<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>The two ducks have had a good amount of free range, slurping up all the slugs and snails. I like to have them out on patrol, but they poo so much! So I lock them back in their large yard for a week out of every three, to give the rain/worms/etc time to clean up. Incidentally, Boy Duck is obsessed with the new back door: he comes charging up to it several times a day and pecks it with his muddy beak (Girl Duck has absolutely no interest in it whatsoever). I should have chosen a brown door instead.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpQU8fmKXOjyX00yhv2UK_KH5JQAnKNw1hpWr6qEOvxhkb7KF6b3R4DrkUmXNc8jLoKvpaAMCdQNFSKVPShJnjCPLxJ1OKpnI9w_G7KWBLx0kZh7MCOUIzhGbtBQcsObbqcttgQ0Jq8qZdFv5NGZjllysbwftP2Wsuwrvnt3exnlkEewSCxKQxkhfzO9o/s1280/DSCF0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Two duck eggs in a secret nest surrounded by ivy" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpQU8fmKXOjyX00yhv2UK_KH5JQAnKNw1hpWr6qEOvxhkb7KF6b3R4DrkUmXNc8jLoKvpaAMCdQNFSKVPShJnjCPLxJ1OKpnI9w_G7KWBLx0kZh7MCOUIzhGbtBQcsObbqcttgQ0Jq8qZdFv5NGZjllysbwftP2Wsuwrvnt3exnlkEewSCxKQxkhfzO9o/w400-h300/DSCF0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Girl Duck!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-30233967024180496292024-02-27T08:30:00.003+00:002024-02-27T08:30:00.139+00:00Trimming and planting trees<p>The whole family worked to trim back the very overgrown hawthorn hedge last weekend, collecting a very big pile of sticks and branches for next year's wood pile. We treat this hedge more as a coppice, and it's on a 5-7 year cutting rotation. We cut a few last winter too and this winter took down the rest. South facing, it has let in a lot of light! But I liked tall green wall it gave us as well, so I don't mind the overgrowth either. I expect a lot of new growth this spring.<br /></p><p>The husband was in charge of the electric saw, I commandeered the loppers, and the son was on transport duty. The daughter helped by digging holes quietly in the far part of the garden, away from all the sharp stuff. </p><p>I mentioned to the husband that the laurels need it too, but not until later in the year; they are part of the same hedge, both planted by a previous owner. Although laurels can be cut back hard too--even to the ground--I don't coppice them in the same way as the hawthorns; unlike the hawthorns, they grow in the shade of the mature horse chestnut tree and block out the view of at least three neighbors. A welcome privacy feature, I treat them as an actual hedge and try to just trim them back every other year or two.</p><p>And on the subject of trees, the husband also planted out a pot grown quince that I started from seed several years ago; our local greengrocer used to sell quinces, and over a few winters I scattered seeds in several planters on my patio, with fingers crossed. Well, two are still alive: one that was planted out last year (and we'd thought died in a hot/dry spell, but happily has new growth) and this one, a year younger. The first is planted against the fence and the second is near the chicken yard, free standing.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-83309138021469804862024-02-20T08:30:00.011+00:002024-02-20T08:30:00.249+00:00February sowing and pruning<p>More than a hundred broad bean seeds later, I've almost run out of small pots. Hopefully they sprout quickly so I can transplant, otherwise I will run out! They are all stacked up in trays on my patio table now, waiting for a leaf or two to emerge. I don't normal start these in pots, but I decided to try it this year, to improve on survival rates (I would estimate that my usual pre-sprouting and then sowing direct sometimes results in 25% or less survival: pretty bad).</p><p>I sowed some warm season seeds in trays for my kitchen windowsill for later pricking out: tomatoes, chilis, etc. I used to sow these individually in modules but I don't bother now: it takes up too many trays. I sow at least two or even three different kinds of seed in a tray with a little stick as a divider, and label which side is which; I will prick them out into modules or well spaced in trays and then pot on to small pots as they grow. These take a lot of babying! But I like growing and eating them.<br /></p><p>In anticipation of an apple harvest this year--my little trees have produced biennially ever since I planted them and last year had no apples--I very lightly pruned them, taking care not to cut any branches with buds on them. The Sparta tree had twenty or more water sprouts without any buds; the Laxton Fortune is less vigorous (and a partial tip bearer unlike Sparta) so I took only about three smaller branches off, all of which were growing too high/in the wrong direction. Both trees grow against my fence and I prune/train them down to within my reach, about 2 m tall; this is only necessary once a year to keep them in their allotted spaces. Luckily the growth can be kept in check easily with a pair of hand loppers.</p><p>I also pruned my fig tree and its companion grape vine, trying to keep them both within their own spaces too. I have to be careful not to let the vine overspread onto next door's conservatory--which it is planted next to--but onto its own arbor. To that end, I keep it pruned down to one main stem growing up one of the arbor supports. I have to pull off wayward shoots during the growing season too, about once a month.</p><p>The last winter pruning to do is the roses and currants (black, red and white). I have some nicely rooted redcurrant cuttings from two years ago that need transplanting; it's so easy to get currant cuttings rooted: take some pruned wood, stick it in the ground, leave until next winter. I save all the other woody prunings for my kindling pile.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-57183309724464403612024-02-13T08:30:00.002+00:002024-02-13T08:30:00.124+00:00Starting off the new season<p>At the weekend the whole family went up to the allotment for a bit of sheet mulching, the first visit there since the end of December. Not much had changed, other than the garlic sprouts being marginally taller. We had to track down a couple of composter lids which had blown away (one near, one a bit far) and get the roof back on the chicken house--luckily all chickens are safe at home though their roof here needed a quick fix recently too. I brought home three leeks; there are about three still growing, my total for this season. </p><p>Also at the weekend I got down my boxes of seeds and went through all the packets, throwing out some very old seed and organizing the rest by which month I will sow it: I have little dividers marked Jan-June. I also threshed the few dried bean pods I'd saved in the summer for seed--when I have a lot of bean or pea pods I put them in a cloth bag and whack it with a stick like a pinata, but there were only a few dozen so I just broke them open by hand; I'll look forward to sowing these in April.<br /></p><p>I have several packets of seed to sow indoors this month: tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, chilis, eggplant; and broad beans outdoors. In the past I usually pre-sprout the broad beans in a small plastic bag of damp compost in my garage; once most of them have a little white root sprout, I sow them in the ground. While pre-sprouting is more successful than just direct sowing them straight from the packet, it's still hit and miss--mice/birds/slugs/whatever seem to get a lot of them anyway. I'm going to individually sow them in pots and toilet paper tubes this year using my <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2023/04/using-waste-wool.html" target="_blank">waste wool method</a> in the hopes I have better success. It's more work to have to transplant 150-ish starts but if that means I get 150 plants, that's worth it.</p><p>We gave <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2022/04/chicken-tractoring-and-new-transplants.html" target="_blank">the chicken tractor</a> a quick tune up (it needed a little bit of waterproofing material on the roof ridge), and after more chicken wrangling than seemed strictly necessary, it's up and running. My veg patch at home needs some serious scratching and pecking, so half of the flock is hard at work while the other half (the newest rescues) are looking on longingly from their yard--it really only fits four chickens at most. I still don't know which is preferable to a chicken: the very small tractor which gets fresh ground every day, or the much larger yard which gets muddier every day (though we also raked in a pile of garden debris at the weekend so it's not quite as muddy now). In one they have enough space to walk about five paces one way and three the other, but like I mentioned it has fresh plants/grass/weeds/bugs every day; the other they can run laps and flap up to different levels if they like, but it's a mudbath this time of year.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-55221366872394876352024-02-06T08:30:00.008+00:002024-02-06T08:30:00.134+00:00Eating all that squash<p>If you recall, I really outdid myself with <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2023/10/squashes-and-squashes.html" target="_blank">squash in 2023</a>. We are down to 12 from 21 in total, still hanging out in the living room: the "small" ones are lined up on the windowsill and the remaining four Big Ones in the corner on their own cotton mat. Many of the "small" ones are actually bigger than those I have grown in previous years--I would call them "big" if it weren't for the massive ones on the floor!</p><p>So how to get through (at an estimate) around 150 lbs of squash? Well, first off it's luckily a very good keeper. The son and I harvested these in mid-October and the majority of them have stayed perfectly sound with no special treatment. A couple started to develop a soft spot, but were discovered quickly; after cutting out the soft spot, the rest of the squash was still good to eat, which we did. </p><p>The big squashes have been mainly simmered in the slow cooker, pureed and then frozen in muffin pans to make nice little portions. We do this for quite a few things; after freezing, the "muffins" go into a freezer bag. I can take out the portion I need easily. I particularly like to put a couple into a stew to thicken it up, and if paired with a tablespoon of vinegar, makes the stew look and taste as though it has tomatoes in the broth. Not sure if it would work as a tomato substitute for something like pizza, but maybe I should try. <br /></p><p>The puree is also a tasty side vegetable in its own right, particularly with some butter swirled in, and I have used it in place of mashed potato for the top of shepherd's pie too. It's rather like sweet potato in taste, color and texture. Of course it makes a great pumpkin pie too.<br /></p><p>The smaller, easier to chop squashes--i.e. the ones that don't require a hatchet--are very nice cut into bite size pieces for stir fry, stew, curry, etc. Big or small, I don't peel them as there is no difference in taste or texture with the skin and flesh. However, I don't bother trying to cook/eat the seeds as they have a very woody outer casing; I have some saved for this year's planting, but the chickens can have the rest.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-67919045689744231002024-01-30T08:30:00.001+00:002024-01-30T08:30:00.130+00:00State of the flock, January 2024<p> The chickens and ducks have been confined to their separate yards for the past several weeks, though luckily not under <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2023/04/freedom-finally-for-poultry.html" target="_blank">lockdown</a>, unlike the last two winters. They both have had short periods of free range, but I am trying to keep the grass alive (and what few vegetables are still left in the kitchen garden). </p><p>We currently stand at eight chickens, four newly adopted last September and laying well. The other four are much older and three are not laying (and the fourth, youngest, very irregularly). If they make it to April, our two oldest hens Rock and Cookie will be 7 years old, breaking our house record for elderly chickens. We commemorate all our chickens' birthdays on the same day, for simplicity's sake: 1 April; it is however the actual hatch day/birthday of both Rock and Cookie whom we bought from a local breeder.<br /></p><p>And Girl Duck and Boy Duck, also known as Brown Duck and Black Duck (even though he's not black) are back into their breeding season, which seems really early: Girl Duck started laying a few eggs in December (!) when they were still free ranging, but seems to have stopped since they've been locked in their yard. Or maybe she has a secret nest I can't find. I think she lays eggs when she's free ranging because she can find enough slugs and bugs for her protein needs, while her corn/wheat feed alone is too low for making eggs. When it warms up a little bit more and the grass starts growing again, I'll let them out and hopefully she'll lay a few more.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-17568548839621489932024-01-24T20:58:00.000+00:002024-01-24T20:58:14.999+00:00Gardening on, January 2024<p></p><p>Most of my gardening recently has been remembering to water the houseplants every other week or so. I've not had a lot of success with houseplants in the past, but I'm adding to my collection slowly and trying to improve; they are particularly welcome this time of year when I don't get outside much.<br /></p><p>I have pulled several daikon radishes and carrots from the kitchen garden this month, as well as a few pak choy leaves and sprigs of fresh herbs. We have just had a cold snap with hard frosts for about a week or more, but the radishes and pak choy haven't been bothered by it; I still have the pak choy surrounded in a small wire fence to protect it from pigeons/chickens/ducks and it continues green and leafy.<br /></p><p>I noticed the daylilies are sprouting up again and the young shoots are particularly nice; however they are also in the duck yard and I'm not convinced they are poo-free--I'll leave them for the ducks for now. It would be nice to transplant some around the garden for next spring.<br /></p><p>I've not been to the allotment since just after Christmas, about a month ago. The son and daughter and I did a quick bit of sheet mulch and came home. I have some cardboard saved up from my work that really ought to be used up at the allotment, but my boots finally bit the dust and I don't have any replacements yet; I don't want to be trekking in the mud in either my pink or white shoes! Call myself a gardener...</p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-42221207960921850962024-01-16T08:30:00.000+00:002024-01-16T08:30:00.136+00:00Grand total of garden food, 2023<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Vegetables: 277 lb 14 oz </b>(incomplete)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Fruit: 2 lb 10 oz </b>(incomplete)<b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Eggs: 571 </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>My very best year for veg totals since recording began! The clear winner was the squash at more than 63 lb, with runners up zucchini at just over 53 lb and cucumber just over 40 lb. Honorable mentions include 22.5 lb green tomatoes (I only got 8.5 lb of ripe ones), 16 lb cabbage, and nearly 10 lb of lettuce! I marked the total incomplete as I didn't include the garlic or corn harvest, nor the dozen or so squashes still hanging out in the living room for later eating (these will be counted for 2024's total).<br /></p><p>Rather a poor year for fruit; no apples or pears, and hardly any cherries, almonds, strawberries or raspberries. I did pick a good amount of blackcurrants, redcurrants, and several bunches of whitecurrants (all three went into a jug of wine) but didn't record them (maybe two or three pounds--not much).</p><p>We got four new rescue chickens in September and our egg collection totals suddenly jumped. These hens would have been 18 months old at the time and closing in on their 2nd birthdays now; they're our youngest chickens but I'm surprised they're still laying so well at their age. 18 months is considered too old for production at the farm, hence the rescue.</p><p>Every year I try to break the previous record, but I've come to the realization that a lot of this growing business is just luck. It was a lucky year for a lot of things, including things I've never had much success with like cucumber and zucchini. I've put in the work for years improving the soil which was surely a contributing factor; and I tried out <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2023/04/using-waste-wool.html" target="_blank">a new method</a> of transplanting seedlings which helped keep my plants alive--though the weather might have helped here too, as it was warm and dry in May. So just the perfect combination of work and good luck. Long may it continue!<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">See previous grand totals: <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2023/01/grand-total-of-garden-food-2022.html" target="_blank">2022</a>, <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2022/01/grand-total-of-garden-food-2021.html" target="_blank">2021</a>, <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2021/01/grand-total-for-garden-food-2020.html" target="_blank">2020</a>, <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2020/01/grand-total-for-garden-food-2019.html" target="_blank">2019</a>, <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2019/01/grand-total-for-garden-food-2018.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2018/01/grand-total-for-garden-food-2017.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2017/01/tally-of-garden-food-2016.html" target="_blank">2016</a></div>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-53996701584686044482023-12-19T08:30:00.004+00:002023-12-19T08:30:00.126+00:00Christmas break, December 2023<p>I do need a break, but with a three year old it's not likely! Regardless I'll be taking a blogging break for the rest of the month, to return in January with my yearly garden food totals (I've been keeping tally on my calendar in the kitchen).</p><p>I've got a few more garden vegetables for Christmas dinner, waiting to be harvested: a very small <b>Savoy cabbage</b> (I mean, how much cabbage can we eat at once anyway?), a couple of <b>parsnips</b> and <b>daikon radishes</b> (sizes unknown, but probably comparable with the cabbage). I also have some of last year's <b>almonds</b> for some festive stollen bread, a lovely fresh <b>duck egg</b> went into gingerbread for a house and cookies (made the gingerbread dough yesterday, will bake it tomorrow); and I have a Christmas pudding made with our dried <b>figs</b> and dried <b>apples</b>.</p><p>I'll see you back here in 2024, and until then, a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-2435663274905679552023-12-12T08:30:00.001+00:002023-12-12T08:30:00.132+00:00Growing and eating in December 2023<p>The son and daughter came with me to do a little sheet mulching at the allotment this weekend, for the first time in about two weeks but we didn't stay long. Too rainy and muddy (and whiney). I was hoping the final savoy cabbage might have grown a little in my absence, but it's just as tiny as ever. Nice and firm head though--we'll eat it at Christmas regardless. There's one leek bigger than a spring onion, so that is also earmarked. Other than that, it's slim pickings. </p><p>There's more to eat at the kitchen garden, though that too is mostly past it. I've picked a few more fennel bulbs which don't look so nice after multiple frosts; once they're all gone I'll start on the radishes--I can't see them getting any bigger at this point. I've got both Spanish black and white daikon growing and while the fennel has been ok sized--around 4 or 5 oz each--the radishes look more like 1 oz each. <br /></p><p>We are gradually working our way through the pile of squashes, though to be honest, I think they are going to last us till next autumn when we starting picking them again! The husband chopped open another big one weighing more than 16.5 pounds, and I made most of it into puree for the freezer, though we ate it every day for a week too (either as a side veg or stirred into whatever slow cooker meal I made each day); the last of it went into yesterday's chicken and vegetable curry. It makes an acceptable substitute for tomato in a curry or stew: a bit of squash puree stirred in and a tablespoon of vinegar for acidity, and it's hard to tell it isn't tomato. I put a couple dozen of its seeds to dry for next year's planting. I may save seed from a few others as we eat them (the seeds themselves have thick husks and aren't so good for eating).<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-64130869610747376122023-12-05T08:30:00.001+00:002023-12-05T08:30:00.133+00:00Smarter than I thought<p>I had a surprising encounter with the two ducks last week, when I brought some cabbage leaves home for the chickens. I gave most to the chickens in their yard, but Girl Duck was quacking at me so I tossed a few down for her, which she set to eating at once. But then as I walked back to the house, she followed me, quacking more. Unsure of what she wanted, I waited for her as she walked past me to the water butts and the empty drinking tub there. She stopped at the tub and quacked again; so I went over and filled it up. She backed away quickly, so as not to let me too close to her, but when I stopped she came right over, squeaking this time (the "happy" noise) and got her head right under the water, not even caring about where I was. That's the first time I've ever had a duck show me what she wanted, like a dog or cat might--certainly I've not had a chicken do so. I never gave ducks much credit for brains, but maybe they are smarter than I thought.</p><p>After months of being locked in their yard, the chickens finally got their first hour of free range yesterday, as our back door has been replaced (it both opens and closes! unlike the old one). It was too much trouble to walk all the way around from the front door so I didn't bother, but I will let them have an hour a day now as long as no avian flu restrictions come into place. The ducks themselves have been mostly free ranging all autumn, though I did lock them in before the workmen came with the door--although to be honest, they would probably just hide; while they are shy of us, they won't even come out if strangers are in the garden.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-7355325634423261132023-11-28T08:30:00.006+00:002023-11-28T08:30:00.129+00:00First frost, November 2023<p> Although we were forecast frost last month, and subsequently harvested all our squashes, it's not till this weekend it actually touched down. The son, daughter and I all visited the allotment that morning to do a little sheet mulch and clear back some of the encroaching brambles and it was cold! It's maybe a little early for it, but a frost in the garden and allotment means death to slugs and snails. Or at least a setback in the population, so I definitely need some good hard frosts in winter.</p><p>Speaking of slugs and snails, every time I turn something over or pull something out at the allotment, I uncover an unholy amount of them. I really desperately need some frost, but the best thing would be some concentrated duck action there--and for that I need some secure fencing. I had hoped this would be the year, but funds don't allow it; maybe next year.</p><p>However, my own garden is well fenced and my two remaining ducks (Girl Duck and Boy Duck) have been free ranging for a few weeks. I still have some veg in the beds but the only thing I've excluded them from is the pak choy, about five or so heads surrounded in temporary wire. I would really like to let the chickens free range too, but I don't trust them around the remaining veg; unlike ducks who are mainly focused on slugs and bugs--and don't scratch up the soil--chickens much prefer plants and I don't dare let them at my radishes, fennel, chard, etc, unsupervised.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-63262237932144883932023-11-21T08:30:00.017+00:002023-11-21T08:30:00.134+00:00Harvesting for Thanksgiving 2023<p>Nearly Thanksgiving already? We are hosting some friends, feeding a total of three adults, three teens, and one toddler. It's actually the husband who does most of the cooking as my workplace (a school) has scheduled vacation days only; I will be making pies the day before but he'll do most of the rest. This year we are eating:</p><p>Pumpkin pie with homegrown <b>squash</b> and our own <b>eggs</b>. We're still getting a couple eggs a day (unlike in previous years). And there is plenty of squash. In fact, we'll be serving it as a vegetable side too, either in cubes or as puree.</p><p>Homegrown <b>cabbage</b> from the allotment. There are only two winter cabbages this year, as the slugs and bugs disappeared the rest, but one is ready to pick now. I was thinking of saving it till Christmas, but might as well eat it with friends.</p><p>I will have a good prod around the rows to find a couple of nice <b>parsnips</b> too--hopefully there are some good sized ones, like the one I dug up last week.</p><p>Our turkey came from the supermarket, as did the potatoes, but we'll make some gravy using our <b>garlic</b> and <b>herbs</b>. <br /></p><p>And one more pie: cherry pie from last year's <b>cherries</b>, waiting in the freezer all this time. <br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-91116347448539177642023-11-14T08:30:00.011+00:002023-11-14T08:30:00.133+00:00Root veg<p></p><p>I pulled up my largest black radish only to discover it had been mostly hollowed out by slugs. What should have been an 8 oz root ended up being just 2. None of the other radishes seem to be so big, though there are probably several which are around 2 oz. After this disappointment, I decided I should probably dig up some of my other roots, and accordingly have retrieved one very large parsnip, beautifully unblemished and a whole 12 oz. Hopefully the rest of the parsnips at least will be equally successful; but I won't be in a hurry to dig them all up.</p><p>Additionally, I've been cutting the fennel one by one, ranging between 4 and 8 oz each. These have been better growers than the radishes, with only a little slug damage. Technically not a root veg, but it certainly looks like a bulb.<br /></p><p>There are still some small beets at the allotment which I will try and harvest soon--the son and I have been going up maybe once a week to sheet mulch, but the weather isn't cooperating! I'm going to try and stop by after work in the next day or two.</p><p>I had only a few carrots come up, probably because it was so dry after I sowed them in spring. And then the few I've pulled up haven't been worth much: small and bug damaged. Next year I might grow them in the containers I grew cucumbers in this year, though I will probably have to top them up with some sand to lighten the compost in them. Carrot fly can't reach them if they are 18 inches off the ground, and hopefully I can keep them better watered too.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-23422844701381025422023-11-07T08:30:00.001+00:002023-11-07T08:30:00.129+00:00Keeping the wood stove going<p>Those <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2023/02/a-whole-week-of-gardening.html" target="_blank">kindling bundles I made</a> during the past year have been excellent in starting our wood stove, and far more convenient than rummaging out a handful of twigs from the wood pile. I trim a handful of dry sticks, up to pencil thickness, to about 30 cm long (a good size for the stove); I then wrap a strip of a dry yucca leaf around the handful and twist the ends together, tucking them in to keep it nice and tight. The bundles then go to the wood pile in their own convenient stack. </p><p>It's true they are somewhat time consuming to make. However, one thing I like to do on nice days is sit in the sunshine in my garden; these are good days to make a few kindling bundles if I have any twigs on hand. I'll collect my materials next to my comfy garden chair and make some at my own relaxed pace.</p><p>I have a couple of overgrown hawthorns at the hedge at back, earmarked for a hard pruning this winter once all their leaves have fallen. Although hawthorn is a good dense wood and a quick grower--and takes pruning very well--its slight drawback is it doesn't grow very straight. It has fierce thorns and can grow in some pretty strange contortions, making it less desirable for firewood. Nevertheless, it will go into the green wood pile for next winter--and I'll try to negotiate with those thorns to make some more bundles.</p><p>As well as keeping us warm, we heat water on the stove for
hot drinks, cooking, washing dishes; we also do occasional
cooking (I will hard boil eggs on top, for instance, and we've even baked pizza
in the firebox--now that's an exciting meal!); we dry laundry on racks in front of
it, and I've even dehydrated vegetables above it. Although we have to buy in fuel to run the stove, I don't mind spending a few hours throughout the year making the prunings from my garden into bundles to keep the stove going.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-85001817327955293852023-10-31T08:30:00.014+00:002023-10-31T08:30:00.143+00:00Winter stores<p>Looking at my winter stores, I've had varying degrees of success this year. Did I grow enough? Probably not to keep us alive, but certainly enough to keep us in vegetables.<br /></p><p>I tell you what, after all those jar woes and the <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2023/09/pickles-everywhere.html" target="_blank">endless-seeming supply of cucumbers</a>, I'm not totally convinced I grew enough. This seems crazy, given that at the time I could barely keep up with them, and almost every single one went into a pickle jar. But I wish I had more. I feel happy with the amount of green tomato pickles however.<br /></p><p>Dried veg: several jars of zucchini and cabbage leaves, a small amount of kohl rabi. Several dozen Glass Gem corn ears (I tried it unsuccessfully as popcorn, but had better success processing into masa for tortillas). Lots of garlic--not dried, though in the dry storage section of my pantry.</p><p>In the freezer I have pureed squash--as mentioned in my last post--and several bags of various berries, some picked locally/wild and some from the garden/allotment.<br /></p><p>Food still in the ground: a few fennel bulbs--these have been surprisingly tender and mild. A few big black radishes, slightly more parsnips and carrots (though I can't confirm how large they are, unlike the radishes). Some beets, leeks and a couple cabbages and pak choi.<br /></p><p>And it appears squash will be on the menu until further notice. I made <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2023/10/pumpkin-pie-anyone.html" target="_blank">that pumpkin pie</a>--it didn't last long: yum. Pumpkin pie is very
special to me: partly because of childhood memories, and also partly
because it's such a lot of work to start from a whole pumpkin/squash.
Of course it's worth it and that big squash made a beautifully dense,
dark orange pie.</p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-15851742077118296362023-10-24T07:30:00.001+00:002023-10-24T07:30:00.147+00:00Pumpkin pie, anyone?<p>While inspecting the progress of curing (allowing the stems and skins to dry out and harden, in preparation for storage), I noticed one of my biggest squashes had a soft wet spot at the blossom end; luckily all the others seem to be curing just fine. This one, since I spotted it quickly, was also fine: for cooking immediately.<br /></p><p>The husband took it outside and split it into big chunks with the hatchet--it was certainly too big for any knives and cutting boards we own. The inside was slightly slimy near the soft spot, but after cleaning out the seed cavity and washing thoroughly, it was ready for cooking--no bad smells or colors. I wasn't able to weigh it whole, but I weighed each chunk separately: 16 pounds total! Definitely a record for me. If you look at the <a href="https://gardenofgaladriel.blogspot.com/2023/10/squashes-and-squashes.html" target="_blank">photo in the previous post</a>, this was the red-orange squash at the top right.</p><p>I decided not to save seed from this one, as one trait I hope to select for is long storage ability. There are several more squashes of a similar size which will hopefully be better candidates; the chickens got their pick of the seeds and stringy bits.<br /></p><p>I put more than half to boil in my big stock pot on the wood stove, then most of the rest to simmer in a slow cooker on my countertop. There is one chunk remaining, waiting its turn later on today, after the others are pureed and in the freezer. Though I did tell the family I might make a pumpkin pie... <br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-69627501317824910772023-10-17T07:30:00.003+00:002023-10-17T07:30:00.254+00:00Squashes and squashes<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dvwbPQs3tXj48itjBpZ56qOWXvfyK6q4NfhjdO2uyfFbgR7pnd-0awnt5GkSBCY0Xd9ETW3ZlK9chyphenhyphenPFGtHNln0PEEbxj85zk4kEiknVXeVTfZwYRyPWiQnEtlvfzWYCo7-RXuZ0ETXIQ59Alujfuwio8fJvwjD_HAf1GIsbrZq8AcmS4SqZHwhNuBAb/s2048/IMG-20231012-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A boy smiling behind many squashes of different sizes and colors" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dvwbPQs3tXj48itjBpZ56qOWXvfyK6q4NfhjdO2uyfFbgR7pnd-0awnt5GkSBCY0Xd9ETW3ZlK9chyphenhyphenPFGtHNln0PEEbxj85zk4kEiknVXeVTfZwYRyPWiQnEtlvfzWYCo7-RXuZ0ETXIQ59Alujfuwio8fJvwjD_HAf1GIsbrZq8AcmS4SqZHwhNuBAb/w400-h300/IMG-20231012-WA0000.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The son, after we'd picked all 20, October 2023<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>So many squashes, temporarily taking up half my dining room floor. We were forecast frost over the weekend, so the son and I got them all home from the allotment. And the two from the kitchen garden too. All of these grew from the seeds of one squash, except for the long butternut squash. I'll be saving seed again, but from which one? Flavor and size I think will be my indicator.</p><p>We picked a couple of immature but still good sized ones too; one has been eaten already, though it took us two days to get through it. It tasted like a zucchini, not yet sweet like a squash. I liked it though--we had it roasted with lamb, and then the next day in a moussaka. </p><p>Speaking of butternuts, other people at the allotment have grown them, and I was even proudly shown some, but I can safely say mine is the biggest. Though only you and I know, as I'm not one to show off<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-59843198098957500162023-10-10T07:30:00.039+00:002023-10-10T07:30:00.135+00:00Working while it's still warm<p>While the lack of light and angle of the sun both feel autumnal, we are having a bit of unexpected warmth this week. I even harvested a couple of late figs, which I'd thought were long past. Both sweet and juicy; one was so ripe it was almost jam.<br /></p><p>My autumn sowing and planting are finished in the main; only some cauliflower seedlings remain in pots for possible planting out later this month. And then again, maybe not--I've overwintered them in the ground and in pots, and either way was successful. </p><p>Both at home and at the allotment I still have some veg in the ground, to be harvested when needed. The son picked the biggest squash (as far as we could judge--it was a tough call) at the allotment this weekend, and so it starts. We tried to weigh it on our small kitchen scale but we got up to 6 lb and ran out of weights; we guessed it is probably in the vicinity of 10 lb. It's out on the patio for a few days to cure; it will be the start of our October window display--and for eating later on in winter. We would have picked a few more, but we'd walked there and couldn't carry them; the son kept threatening to drop it, it was so heavy.<br /></p><p>Normally October's weather isn't pleasant for gardening, and I usually begin my slow descent about now. I'm glad of a little extra outdoors time before winter however, and though I don't plan on doing too much, I'll enjoy it while I can.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-11709514470042109672023-10-03T07:30:00.001+00:002023-10-03T07:30:00.145+00:00At the allotment, October 2023<p>At the allotment this weekend, the whole family helped plant out the garlic bed. The son and I had sheet mulched gradually over the week, and he and the husband added a bit more mulch on top to make it nice and deep (well composted horse manure and straw from the on site stables). We then planted about 120 big cloves and covered them over, criss-crossing some artichoke trimmings over the top in the hopes of detering any curious birds--not that they eat them, but they sometimes pull them out if they can see the tops poking up.</p><p>The chickens and ducks are back at home because of a rat infestation at the allotment; since they've gone, there have been dead rats all over the place. Good riddance. We've observed that the rats won't eat poison if there is chicken food on offer. So no chickens=no chicken food=no rats. I had to harvest my Glass Gem corn because some of it had been nibbled; I probably lost about a quarter or more of the cobs but the corn patch at home is untouched, thankfully. Hope we can at least last till spring before any rats move in here (and the poultry can then go to the allotment again).</p><p>I thought I'd finally got the last of the cucumbers, but it looks like I still might get one more small batch. Will I grow this pickling variety again? Yes, but I need about twice as many jars! I also finally got the last of the green tomatoes, but couldn't salvage them all from the blight. I pickled the last few.</p><p>Still growing, not ready: some leeks, kale, purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflowers, Brussels sprouts and cabbages.</p><p>Still growing, ready or nearly so: beets, green and purple beans, spring onions, squashes (and cucumbers!).<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-15613413136073208152023-09-26T07:30:00.014+00:002023-09-26T07:30:00.133+00:00Winding down? Not quite yet<p>Much of the summer harvest is done and gone now, like zucchini, cucumber (almost, anyway) and tomatoes; despite this, I still manage to walk out my back door every day and pick enough veg for dinner (yesterday it was baby squash, chard, celery and herbs). The allotment too is still yielding a regular small harvest of things such as beets and green beans.</p><p>Some of the harvest is an all-at-once job like the squash and corn; these are still on the plants, maturing away. I hope to get them in by the end of October, weather permitting.</p><p>There are a few plants just coming into their own now (the end of September!): achocha (a spikey little green fruit on a very vigorous vine) which has self seeded for years now; and the Lazy Housewife climbing beans, only just now producing pods. The other climbing beans have been producing all summer (a pretty purple variety), and both were sown and planted out at the same time. Well, better late than never I guess.</p><p>I am hopeful for a some autumn/early winter veg, looking promising now: the bulb fennel, parsnips, pak choy and black radish (a cooking radish). Also hoping for some spring onions, a few last kohl rabi, and some daikon radish--not quite as forward as the others, but we'll see.<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-23053205954581970402023-09-19T07:30:00.017+00:002023-09-19T07:30:00.131+00:00Pickles everywhere<p>After a lot of back and forth, I decided to pick all the remaining green tomatoes at the allotment; while most of the plants show evidence of blight, it's still pretty mild and hasn't affected much of the fruit (yet). Well when I say all the tomatoes: that was indeed my intention, but after filling a big bag full I had to stop at about halfway.</p><p>I made my usual green tomato pickle with them, but ran out of jars--again--before I ran out of tomatoes. I absolutely love this pickle, which is more like a sour salsa really. In fact, for this batch I used the same pickle ingredients but blended it up into a chunky paste like salsa, and left it to ferment for two days on my countertop. Now it is so so tasty--even tastier than the chunky pickle I love so much.</p><p>I am also still not quite finished making cucumber pickles, as the plants refuse to give up: I'm reduced to making them in a large plastic ice cream tub from my work, as I'm completely out of jars. Currently I have three each of the 1.8 L jars of green tomato pickle and cucumber pickles, plus a 3.3 L of cucumber and another 3.3 which is mostly cucumber but has some other random veg (this is a fermented pickle rather than a vinegar pickle, and the one I keep dipping into and topping up again). My fridge and countertop are both full--the husband is even hinting about getting another small fridge just for pickles...<br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7701002069914802839.post-33135403766809706672023-09-12T07:30:00.001+00:002023-09-12T07:30:00.140+00:00State of the flock, September 2023<p>After spending a rather large wad of cash on materials, the husband and son have revamped the at-home chicken coop/run to make it potentially impervious to wild birds. It still needs to be netted on top to be so, but as we are not yet under a government housing order for poultry, I'll keep it unnetted (and because there is a big horse chestnut tree currently shedding conkers and the start of its autumn leaf fall, right above the run).</p><p>Now because of this turn of events, we have now adopted another four rescue hens, bringing our total to eight chickens. These new ones are settling in at home; unlike some rescues, they seem pretty calm and are curious rather than nervous. They are a bit ragged looking with maybe more bald patches than some we've had. But they seem healthy and should be back to full feather (and bright red combs) in a few months.<br /></p><p>We'd arranged to pick the new ones up a few weeks in advance, but it turned out to be the hottest day of the year. I was really concerned about them dying of heat exhaustion in the box on the half hour drive home, so in addition to large ventilation holes, I also put three big ice packs on the floor, covered with an empty paper feed sack. All four made it home alive; I set their box on its side inside the run and left them to find their own way out. Within half an hour there were two scratching a nice new dustbath, one having a big drink, and one flapping up to perch on various surfaces: obviously they weren't too bothered! </p><p>The old lady hens are still at the allotment with the ducks for another week or two at least; I'm not quite ready to introduce everyone until the new ones have completely settled in. Integrating new chickens is hard on everyone.</p><p>The two ducks, boy and girl, rule the run at the allotment I'm sorry to say. Every day I visit, I have to peek inside the little coop to count all the hens, as boy duck won't let them out! Well, they are allowed if they sneak out, but when he catches them he chases them back in. Naughty duck. I would particularly like the ducks back home to go on a little slug hunt in the veg patch, but again I'll probably wait another week or two at least.</p><p>Eggs; two old hens are still laying once or twice a week, as is girl duck. The new ones (the son has chosen "the Specklies" as their cohort name--we've run out of individual names) have produced six eggs in two days. Not bad. <br /></p>Galadrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14695865849968553113noreply@blogger.com0