Was just about to post a request for something to sow in the space where the radishes had been. No need now. Swedes it is. Off to get a packet of seeds tomorrow.

Jack try parsley or cucumber

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These are photos taken earlier this week to show how things have moved on from the last one I posted.Everything is now fighting for space.
Went to the allotment this afternoon and sowed seed of swede (variety Ruby which is claimed to be fast maturing). Also harvested loads of broad beans and some potatoes. The Desiree are now "baking" size which is good news as the blight can't be far away now.

Thanks Delta.
The blight hasn't arrived here yet but more rain is forecast this weekend which could provide ideal conditions for the spores. Some of my neighbours spray with Bordeaux mixture but I prefer to harvest the potatoes as soon as the plants show signs of the disease.

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http://tinypic.com/r/wh1ves/5

Today's catch.  A radish that almost looks like a radish in the middle.  Spuds, toms(big ones only go in a bolognese, chilli or stew for now), shallots and an onion.  Oh, and a little cucumber behind the big tom.. It was that size three weeks ago, dont know what happened i watered and fed but it didnt get any bigger and the other one on the plant just shrivelled up and went yellow.  Will test it out tomorrow.
Green lettuce is now two foot high and basically no good, the lolo rosso overgrown too.  I just couldnt eat them quick enough.  My original plan was to plant one every week but instead just did the lot in one go... You live and learn.  The broad beans are totally finished and dead now, i will plant more next year, they were good.  Runners and sweetcorn about two foot high now, well behind other efforts on the allotment.  Bit worried about the asparagus, should i be worried about them dying, i got this idea in my head they were perennials and just leave them be, but i am a little worried now they looked a bit ropy, i havent been watering them as much as the other crops.  Spuds just seem to produce whatever, they are covered in weeds, i havent watered them that much, some of them look totally dead overground, but there are true riches underground.  God bless the humble spud, great for the amateur veg gardener's ego.  I fear I have lots of winterwork ahead though.

Excellent Aussie veg (again) Rob!
You've definitely got the knack.
The spuds look wonderful.

quitefancy the blonde 1

He's got a big one

still having problems with my carrots, had to put them in soil in a cat litter tray as I don't have an allotment.

guess we are all too busy collecting to post.. the joys of gardening.

Great reading and great tips.  Makes me feel inadequate!

Mrs H cut the leaves off the courgettes (to let the sun get to them) - is that a good idea?  We didnt get many more afterwards - lol.

Cut the leaves off? Haha, yeah the leaves are just there for show Jack

Had millions (or so it seems), butterflies laying eggs on my turnips and swedes but I think they should be ok.

Nice to see all the wildlife in the garden, feels like I'm doing my bit

Not to worry Jack, the courgette season is almost over. As soon as the nights turn colder the plants stop producing and the slugs attack the immature ones. I've had enough of them now and am looking forward to harvesting the first leeks next month.

Soil from molehills is excellent FOYLESWAR. The little devils are hunting for earthworms and there aren't many of them in poor soil. Good luck with your gardening.

Chinese proverb:
If you would be happy for a week, take a wife;
if you would be happy for a month, kill a pig;
but if you would be happy all your life, plant a garden.

Normally yes it is too late, however some of the large seed merchants advertise potatoes to plant for new spuds at Christmas. These are tubers which have been held in cold storage so that when they warm up now they "think" it is the end of winter and start to grow. If you plant these it must be in containers which you can bring indoors at the first sign of frost (so you will need a frost free shed or greenhouse). Don't expect the yield to be much using this method but new potatoes at Christmas should taste good.

It all depends if you want to harvest this year or next.
For this year options are running out and only fast growing veg like salad greens, radish and turnips stand any chance.
For next year you can plant spring cabbage now or garlic, broad beans and japanese onions next month.
You can also plant out perennial plants such as strawberries, rhubarb, blackcurrants etc provided you have space and like to eat them.

Thanks Jack. Best wishes to Mrs H.
There's a definite chill in the air this morning and the look of the veg garden will change as everything winds down and ripens for autumn. Will be going to the allotment soon to pick more beans and blackcurrants and check everything over for pests and disease.

Is he the basis for Reeves & Mortimor's Stots?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKg1H9gHWng

replanted [had started as seed in seed bed 4 weeks back ish]...

Cabbage
Sprouting Broccoli
Curly Kale


yes I know peps will say late - but they all go under enviro' mesh fleece and will be ready year end / early next  - when they should be if growing seasonally

the allotments all have their Cabbages etc [brassicas] ready and full to bursting now, whats that about, its still salad weather


the other half of me Brassicas [Swede, Brussels and Calabrese] went the same way about 3 weeks back and are coming along mighty fine, in between droopy sessions, which we all get!


any one else busy away harvesting, weeding, planting? ...

did 'we talk' sweetcorn spacings earlier in the season Foinavon?


remember the gist was spacing of 2ft by 2ft - after I had crammed them in 1ft by 6in - well touch wood look ok at the moment - first ones should be off next week so hopefully the cram' method has worked  - fingers crossed!


that curly kale kicks on Foin' and you can cut some off and more comes - seems a good 'un ...