Allotment alchemy

As the allotment growing season begins to wind down I’ve caught up with some regular but important tasks.

Harvesting the last of the carrots has been fairly productive with plenty of good roots available to put to store – should last a few months in damp compost.

I’ve cleared the last of the broccoli plants – these have been very successful this year. Due mainly to being completed covered over with horticultural fleece from the moment of planting out in late spring. I was snipping off small ‘green trees’ almost every other week with no sign of white or black fly, and no caterpillars either. Also I think being covered with fleece provided additional protection from both strong wind and the very harsh and hot sunshine during July and August.

I’ve recently planted out over wintering onion sets and garlic. In the picture below is just the completed bed with leaf mould incorporated – really pleased with the improving soil condition in this spot. Also after clearly one of my no dig beds of carrots I’ve applied a top dressing of leaf mould in readiness for next season.

Garlic & overwintering onion bed

Talking of leaf mould; I have discovered ‘gold’ … The pictures show before and after (after about a 2 year wait I hasten to add). The resultant transformation from leaf to leaf mould is wonderful stuff. Rich, earthy, pleasant to the touch and smells great. Pure ‘gold’.

Holding pen

Raw ingredients

Plenty of winter digging awaits to prepare for next year.

At home, I’ve been maturing the butternut squashes. As can be seen from the photos quite a variety in sizes, with the largest about 15 inches in length.

I’ve also got some late tomatoes going in the small green house – still picking fresh and very tasty toms. Yumm…