Allotment Inspection

Morning Visit

Just a few steps through the main allotment gates I was approached by David (the committee chairman) asking if John (the secretary) had caught up with our John. I answered probably not as John hadnt been around much. He explained that there was to be an inspection on Thursday and the alleyway would need to be cleared of all the hedge trimmings. I did admit the mess was my fault and that id tidy it up straight away. So my first job of the day was to walk the wheel barrow up and down for a bit. Again, couldnt find my pink gloves and opted for the thickest looking pair I could find. It appears that no gardening glove can stand up to two inch thorns (I know I said they were about an inch the other day, but I happened to find bigger.) Ok, it didnt take that long, but its a bit of a boring job when your on your own.

Doing My Research

As with all problems these days, the simple solution is Google. I was told nettles produce nitrate and nitrate is acidic which is what our tomato plants could do with in their soil right now. When I told John he said its also a fertiliser (that would explain the smell.) I am tempted to use it, but I think it can wait until I have forgotten how it smells.

Besides a bit of watering yesterday, the only other real job I could find was putting canes in for the melons too grow up. Though I did pick up some potatoes, courgettes and shallots for our tea, and my first attempt at making ratatouille (I was pretty impressed with the result.)

Industrial Action Makes For A Productive Evening

John left for work yesterday evening, only to ring ten minutes later saying the leisure centre was closed due to industrial action and did I want to meet him at lotty. Its been nearly a week since we were there together, so of course I jumped at the chance. Though I had cleaned up the hedge cuttings there were still weeds around the outside which needed seeing to. John got out the strimmer and set to work while I found myself gloves, a rake and a sweeping brush. I had only swept one pile before John asked if id like a go with the strimmer. Strimming isnt really a chore its quite fun (yes I know its not a toy.) By the time the string had come off halfway down the side edge John had got the top looking like you could eat your dinner off of it. Once the strimming was finished it was back to lugging the wheel barrow back and forth (looking like I was pushing a pushchair up a hill.) But with us working together it wasnt long before we had the tidiest looking bit of alleyway in the whole allotment, and the eating of peas and sweetcorn could begin.

Thank you John for making the weeding and clearing up more fun.