Food Glorious Food

The Changes

Now that the suns coming out a bit more all we can do is watch, water, wait and weed. As iv said before everythings doing exactly what its supposed to do. There are a few sweetcorn which are about to droop which is a sign they're ready to eat. Some of the first patch of peas have been starting to die off so yesterday we removed all the pods and pulled up the plants. There is another patch and more peas were planted on Monday, hopefully John and the Blur dont have to go without their daily peas for too long. We have a few tomato plants left in the greenhouse which will be taking the peas place.

After a long wait the first beans are starting to appear. They started to get flowers a few weeks ago, and I assumed the beans would come through underneath the flowers. Everyday iv carefully checked them and found a bean. It wasnt until later when John came and showed me some big beans at the bottom that I realised I hadnt been checking the quite as carefully as I thought.

The Blur

While I was busy watering yesterday the Blur played with some whippy sticks from the brambles. I looked up just in time to see her knock a butterfly out of the air. Blur picked it up and I got as close as I dared to take a photo, but backed off everytime the wind blew it out of her hands. She played with it a while longer until it went down a hole she couldnt get it out of and luckily it flew away not long after. The Blur also decided it was time for her to plant some seeds. She had a good rummage in the seed packets and picked out some broad beans. I told her it was a bit too late to be planting but that she could try it if she wanted. She brought home the pot to put in the garden and I have put her in charge of the plants in the garden now that she seems to be showing a greater interest in it.

Mostly From Lotty Meals

We have reached the goal of getting most of our meal from the allotment. On Monday it was curry and yesterday it was pasta. We are finding red tomatoes daily, and one of the chilis looks set to be a staple ingredient for quite a while. In the process of using lotty food, John is teaching me to cook (well cook more than I could before.) The past few days of picking to cook have been great. I need to have a look on the allotment forum for more idea of what to use them for as its always nice to have new ideas.

All Go

Sun out At Last
Well we've had a few very sunny days now, which has done everything the world of good. We're getting more and more from lotty every week. On Sunday morning we had a quick pop to lotty for a look around, and had a lovely sit down on the bench with John. It was very early and very peaceful. It was back later that day to pick some apples from the tree called Mel to go in our apple pie. We also had a scout around for blackberries to go in it too. So back home we all did our bit for the pie. The Blur and I made the pastry, whilst John prepared the fruit. It looked lovely, and after watching Star Wars for 45 minutes, it was ready to fill our bellies. We had to add a little extra sugar, and of course on a hot day we decided on cream instead of custard, but I enjoyed it.

Always Something To See And Do

Having a few spaces around lotty, its been a case of 'what can we put there'. A few weeks ago we found a recipe for beans on toast using broad beans, which John would like me to make. The only problem was that we hadnt actually planted any. So into one of our empty patches went a few broad bean seeds. I dont know if they'll work as they've been planted quite late, but im sure we'll get a few. There is so much going on right now, and its getting to the point where we can have pretty much a full meal from lotty. Last night it was time for me and the Blur to face our fears and eat a vegetable curry. Onions, tomatoes, garlic, baby sweetcorn, peas, beans, potatoes, peppers, courgette and chilis all from lotty all went it. Now iv never particularly liked curry, but always loved the smell of it. With rice and nann bread waiting on the table, I served up the curry and tucked in. I was expecting my mouth to burn straight away, but to my surprise it didnt. There were so many different things to try on the plate. The peas and beans gave it a really sweet taste, and it was the best curry iv ever eaten.

And All Thats Growing

Our grapes now look like very small grapes and are tasting less like sour apples all the time. The cucumber we've just put out still looks a little wilty but were still sure she'll pick up like the melon she's been planted with who looks lovely. The outside peppers now have tiny little fruits and the tomatoes are getting bigger all the time. Quite a few of the tomatoes inside are turning red, but our problem with blossom end rot is now starting to affect less fruits all the time. After having a little look at them yesterday Johns sure that the melons inside have fruits growing. The door to the greenhouse has been open, which means bees can get in and pollinate them. There have been butterflies in there too, but I had to get the Blur to remove them before I would go in.

Whilst pumpkin 2 (Patrick) is finally having a good go at growing, pumpkin 1 (Philip) is doing fantastically. He has a good few pumpkins on him now and they are getting bigger every time we look at them. Were hoping to have one each to carve by halloween. Despite one of them being my favorite plant, iv not really gotten around to saying much about our sprouts. We have two patches, the first are doing well after having wire mesh put over them, and the second lot are some of the healthiest plants on the allotment. Their leaves feel very strong, and I am very proud of how well they have done.

Now that our pea plants are starting to go down hill, John decided it was time to put out a few that have been in seed trays. John made a support using metal poles and string, while I planted them underneath. The Blur sat with us and watched, passing things between us as we needed them. As they've been pretty much a staple snack during our time there, were all hoping they get a move on and give us some peas.

Thank you John and Blur for an especially lovely few days at lotty.

One Hot Morning At Lotty

Early Morning Sunshine

Come eight o'clock yesterday morning we were already hard at work in lotty. We had decided to pull up all of the potatoes as they were dying off and replant anything in greenhouse two that wasnt in a grow bag. So side by side John and I meticulously sifted through the first patch trying to find any left over potatoes. There were a good few in there, which were put into a bucket to await more of its own to come. Patch two yielded the least as there were less plants there, and patch three definitely gets the award for weirdest crop, due to most of its potatoes being stuck together. I think were both glad that job got done as early as it did, as we were in for a fantastically hot day. John the secretary came along and asked if we'd had any problems with our leeks and onions (which we dont) as others in the vicinity had picked up some kind of disease.

So now that we had three patches of soil left it was down to the greenhouse to pick out some plants. After laying them out and a bit of a discussion I got out my trowel ready to plant. John had covered the soil with brown sheeting which stops the weeds from coming through, and I had to cut through it with a knife to plant. In the second patch I planted out the healthiest looking mixed peppers, red peppers and aubergines, which John then created a mini greenhouse around by using metal poles, string and window panes. They looked lovely and had no problem being replanted.

We gave the cucumber and melon a big space of their own at the top of the allotment. This time John bent a pole into an arch and attached some metal mesh to it as both plants need something to hold onto and climb. The Melon went in perfectly, but the cucumber had a bit of a wilt on, which im hoping will have cleared up by now. One of the chilis went into the biggest patch at the bottom, and after a bit of a sulky wilt it was tied to a pole and seemed happier.

That Perfect Tomato

As you may have guessed I have a bit of a soft spot for a certain perfect tomato. I have found myself arriving at lotty and trying not to peek through the glass before iv reached it to see how the tomato is. Well finally she was ready. Still looking perfect but now red. Yay.

We made our way back to lotty in the afternoon our intention being to pick lots for our dinner. John put the hammock up and we all had a little go in it. We were trying to see if you could sleep a whole night in one, which means testing to see if you can sleep on your side and front. Well back and side are good, but the front is not so comfortable as your back is not supposed to bend that way.

After all the playing was done, food was collected for our salad. Leeks, spring onions, peas, beetroot, radishes, potatoes and not forgetting perfect tomato. I had a bit of a look at her before having the heart to pick her off. We had a few leftover bits of meat from our pizzas the previous day and a few slices of bread, which led to a very lovely meal.

I had a great morning and a lovely day thank you John and Blur.

Its Been A Few Days

The Perfect Tomato

Arriving at lotty yesterday, my intention was to play a bit of football with the Blur before getting on with everything. There was one thing that had to be done first though, and that was to look at perfect tomato. I could hear the Blurs gasp of surprise before Id even gotten to the greenhouse. Our perfect tomato is pretty much orange now. Iv said that by Saturday she'll be ready to eat (at least I hope she will.) The melons now have a few flowers each (pictured on the left), and once iv worked out which ones are male and which are female i'll have to hand pollinate them as they are inside. Im really hoping its not to difficult and that it works as it would be great to eat a melon that we've grown ourselves.

And Back To The Chicken Coop

Having spoken to John the chicken man, and now knowing where to get them, there has been a surge in work on the chicken coop. Whilst the Blur had a bit of a swing in the hammock John and I were busy banging in steaks and fixing chicken wire in place. Our original plan was to have a small 2m square run for them, but the base for that has now become a stand for the coop so there is space underneath for a dust bath. We have now made a fence around the coop which when finished should be around 20m square. John made a fantastic gate and it was off to the hut to find some matching hinges. We had a good rummage but only found odd ones. For once I had a good idea and suggested that we have a look at the doors which are there for anyone to take. Luckily there were more than enough. So now we have half a fence and a gate, and the coop looks more like its ready to house our chickens. We need a bit more wire for the fence, but all being well the coop should be finished in the next week, and the chickens will follow shortly after. Thank you John for all your hard work on the coop yesterday.

Potatoes And Carrots

We have up until now had a regular supply of potatoes, but Im beginning to think they're starting to run out. I had a few stored in our soil store but finding enough for our tea last night was starting to become difficult. The plants are starting to collapse and digging for potatoes is becoming a delicate job, having to hold them up so as not to destroy them and making sure the roots are replanted properly after being disturbed.

The carrots on the other hand are doing fantastically. The first lot planted at the top by John now have carrots pushing out of the ground. Were having to cover the tops back over so they dont go bad like some of the potatoes. Having completely weeded around the second lot its a lot easier to see how they are progressing. The third lot (the purple ones) have started to come through, but im reluctant to weed around them just now as I cant always tell whats what at this stage. But whatever happens it seems we'll have an ample amount for a while (which is good as they seem to be a staple of our Sunday dinners.

Just a little update on the grapes. They have put on a spurt all of a sudden and are now starting to look more like grapes. John and the Blur have tried a few each (the Blur with a sour look on her face,) apparently they taste like unripened apples at the moment. Were hoping they still have enough time to grow properly. Im not a big fan of grapes, but once they're ready im sure i'll not be able to resist them.

An Afternoon In The Garden

Weeding and Ants
Having never really spent much time doing anything out there I decided it was time I did something in the garden. I asked John what I could do and he said I can pull up anything I wanted. Starting on the pots, I pulled up whatever was inside with the intention of moving the begonia into one of them. What I hadnt thought about was one of the plants had spiny little thorns and we have no gardening gloves at home. Maybe I need a gardening jacket too, as I have scratches along my shoulder from one of the other plants. I also found a few ants nests, but only after I realised they were running up my arms. I was a bit worried about using ant killer so close to the pond, so had to be a bit careful. I know they're weeds but I couldnt bring myself to pull up the yellow flowers that are growing from behind the fence. When the flowers fall off and into the pond they look really pretty. I havnt yet finished out there, but my next job will be to move the begonia, after iv brought a little bit of compost home from lotty as the soil in the pot is full of old roots. Then I think i'll find some flowers to plant as iv not actually planted any flowers anywhere.

Lots Of Food From Lotty

After what seemed like hours at the dentist, we were off to lotty with a big box of cuttings from the garden. It was getting on for 5 o'clock by now so it was a quick visit. Whilst I went off and gave the greenhouses and a few outside plants a water John and the Blur were off picking for our dinner. I dont know if iv said before but there are two kinds of people, those who pick and try everything, and those who dont. John and the Blur wonder round trying everything (the Blurs even brought pea pods home in her pockets) whereas I dont. Im still not quite sure why, though I think it may be to do with the pleasure of growing and seeing the food develop. None the less I knew the time would come when we had to pick off the first of our chilis. But seeing as it was Mexican for tea the time was right. John and the Blur also picked peas, courgettes (there are some huge ones now), onions, shallots and radishes.

Once home John prepared all the veg and its wasnt long before we were tucking into fajitas. I wasnt sure how much the Blur would eat, but it was more than I expected. I even came back in to find her sneaking the last tortilla out of the foil and filling it with rice and peas, this was after a big glass of milk to take the burning away. I really enjoyed the fajitas, and after watching John im sure it'll be my turn to make them next time. Thank you John for our amazingly good dinner.

Weekend At Lottington

Did I forget To Mention

I knew that after a long day at lotty on Saturday I would forget a few things. The first was not so important, which was weeding behind the peas. As much as weedings frustrating by just the very fact of having to do it, I have found that you can lose yourself whilst in doing it. The second thing I missed out was chicken man. After a few weeks of trying to catch him in, John finally spotted him and called him into Lotty. He invited us up to see his chickens and give us a bit of advice. He has about 15 chickens, a few of them are older and nearly ready for the chop, but there are alot more younger ones ready to take their places. We were told where to get them and how to ensure we had a constant supply of eggs by buying three hens at 10 week intervals. The whole top of his allotment is a dedicated chicken run. This has given us a renewed energy to finish our hen house.

Not only did we look at the chickens, be we had a bit of a nosey around his plot. He's been gardening for pretty much fifty years, soo needless to say we were paying attention to what he had done. One of the ideas we picked up was to grow potatoes and onions in bags. His greenhouse is full of massive tomato and cucumber plants. John says he is one of the nicest men in the allotment and is always willing to give a bit of advice.

Sundays Quick Visits

John popped in on Sunday morning before work, and came back with a short update. Then whilst I was cooking our beef John went up again to fix the lawn mower ad finish doing the grass. I had planned on being ready earlier on Sunday so I could rush off to lotty and do more than just pick potatoes for dinner. It wasnt to be and once again it was a quick in and out. Eventually after our dinner and a bit of hedge trimming at home we were off to get a proper look. It still amazes me how much difference a night can make in lotty.

There was the usual walk around, and I had a very good look at everything. John cut off some of the old courgette leaves, and now one of them looks like a totem pole. John also did a bit of weeding around the onions while I read the onion pages in a book to him.

We got around to talking about what we have to do in winter and where we are going to put everything next year. It was decided a few weeks ago that we would create raised beds and they are to be alond the side fance of lotty, with more sweetcorn further down. With the potatoes in bags we are going to keep them in the bottom greenhouse over winter and then use six of our beds to plant potatoes periodically so as to have a constant supply.

One of the conversations we had yesterday afternoon was about how some people pick and try things, and others dont. Both John and the Blur pick peas, apples, grapes and anything else thats ready and eat them around lotty. Whereas I will wait until they are big enough to be used properly.

It was a really nice day to just sit and look out over lotty, with everything growing. It wont be long before the cooking apples are ready and i'll be treating John and the Blur to an apple and

Finally A Long Day At Lottington

An Early Start

Come 8:30 this morning we were already on our way to lotty. Having been promising ourselves a BBQ there for a while, today was the day. Nothing else doing except a whole lot of lotty. The first job on Johns list was to clear out the hut which had started to become a bit cluttered. I took the Blur off to the shop to pick up a few essentials (chocolate, tea bags and milk.) I decided whilst John was busy with his clearing out of the hut, I would have a go at rearranging greenhouse 2 and giving greenhouse one a bit of a tidy and a weed. Cleaning and mowing out of the way it was time to light the fire. The brambles and weeds cut down went onto the fire pile and John got it going very quickly with a box of rubbish and a bit of petrol. Once again we were off to the shop for more supplies and goodies to go on the fire. As soon as we arrived back at lotty John started wrapping the food in foil while I set about cleaning the plates and cutlery. The Blur was already spread out on the picnic blanket and looking forward to her burger.Given the heat on the fire it wasnt long before the burgers and potatoes (slightly boiled, and then wrapped in foil with chopped up shallots and a little bit of oil) were ready.

Mmmmmmmm having worked hard all morning we deserved ever bite of our burgers and potatoes. Having never made them myself before I was a bit dubious as to whether bananas and chocolate in foil in the fire would work. Im pleased to say that they were the best ending to a great meal.

And The Work Goes On

Once the cups and plates were washed and put away it was back to work. We started by pulling big nets over the greenhouses to stop them from getting too hot. John and the Blur weeded around the top beetroot and sweetcorn, while I planted out the last two runner beans and a vegetable spaghetti. The three other outside veggie spaghetti's had to bee pulled up as they couldnt compete with the flies and fly spray.

Having picked a spot in the newly arranged shed for more mushrooms I got to work. This time the mushroom seeds are mixed with manure, which should give them a better chance. We now have mushrooms planted in greenhouse 1 and the hut, just one more location to go. I have written on both the boxes so as to know when the 25-30 are up as we were never quite sure of how long it had been with the last lot. Taking a look at Philip pumpkin this morning we noticed that it does in fact have a few tiny pumpkins appearing. Philip has gotten so huge since being planted out, yesterday I had to put a barrier between him and sickly tomato so that it didnt just overrun the rest of the patch. We got so many things done today its hard remembering them all, so I hope I havnt missed out too much or anything important.

A Few Good Things

Not that the rest wasnt good, but a few things to remember the day by. Firstly, I was stood looking at the sweetcorn and saw a bee sitting on the maizey bit at the top. It wasnt worried about me being there so I watch it for a bit, being joined by John. Probably put better than im writing it now John said 'you can go all round the world and see lots of different things, but simply watching a bee can be as much pleasure.'

Secondly, after going to one of Johns aerobics classes once and getting stuck on a particular move, that being the pony, John and the Blur were practicing it and I was meant to join in. Well I still couldnt do it, but it led to us all having a bit of a dance around lotty.

They're simple little things which may sound a bit funny to anybody else, but for me they were two lovely moments of the day with my two special people. Its been a while since we spent so long at lotty in one day, so it's been amazing to get back to it. We all smell a bit smokey, and we're all a bit dirty and tired, but I wouldnt have wanted to spend the day any other way.

Thank you John and Blur Blur, you made it a fantastic day.