May 2019
May is one of the busiest months on the allotment. There are lots of jobs to do. We have sown Peas, Runner Beans, Broad Beans, Fennel, Beetroot, Kale, Spinach, Radishes and Carrots. We have also planted Courgettes and Cauliflowers.
The Potatoes have been planted and earthed up. This prevents the tubers turning green and protects the foliage from frost damage.
I have started thinning out the Carrots and covering them afterwards with fleece as thinning out releases a smell that attracts Carrot Fly.
It has also been non-stop weeding this month. It’s a good idea to keep on top of it so we have less work to do in the Summer months to come.
We have had a great Harvest of Rhubarb that has been getting used up. The Gooseberries are doing well and the Strawberries are starting to grow. We also have Plums growing which I am really happy about as we only got two from the tree last year, but this year it’s looking like we’re going to get a whole lot more.
Unfortunately we had to cut back the Pear-Tree as it had fire blight, a bacterial disease that can infect trees during bloom or during the growing season (See pictures) After cutting back we burnt them.
The Radishes I put in at the start of the month are also ready to be harvested along with Lettuce, so I’m looking forward to having a nice salad.
It’s been nice having a few visitors down to the allotment too Jon Cooper Andrea Bartlett helping out.
There are still lots more to sow and plant on the plot but I will leave that until next month.