{Green Lane Allotments} June #2

During the first week of June the seasons collided and we were left wondering just where in the year we actually had landed.

At the beginning of the week we were in midsummer with temperatures of 26°C and it was more comfortable to garden in the shade of the gazebo. Then the temperature plummeted and the weather changed and we were left to wonder whether it was winter, autumn or early spring. Goodness knows what the plants made of it all, but thankfully they carried on growing regardless.

It was a lovely morning when Radio Leeds visited to broadcast on the Breakfast Show. We had breakfast on the plot with a soundtrack of birdsong.

• The strawberries and redcurrants were just beginning to turn red and so the most important task was netting both to try and prevent the birds from getting to the ripe fruits before we did. All the while we were working on plant protection the blackbirds were chuntering in disgust. No doubt they had been eyeing the fruits, ready to swoop in at the first signs of ripeness.

• We planted out the remaining rhubarb – Champagne & Raspberry Red.

• At the beginning of the week the first batch of runner beans – Lady Di were planted around a tepee of bamboo canes. The next day we were warned that we may have a late frost, which was worrying, given the number of tender plants already in place. Fortunately, everything survived, and seems no worse for the drop in temperature.

• The carrots were in desperate need of weeding and so we had to risk the chance that carrot fly may sneak in and remove the enviromesh. It seemed the lesser of two evils as the weeds were in danger of smothering the young carrots. The carrots had germinated well and having weeded we were left with rows with hardly a break. Usually we do have some bare patches.

• There were a few volunteer potato shoots (springing up from tubers accidentally left in the soil last year) in the dahlia bed. So we pulled them up. These are growing in the area that suffered from herbicide contamination last year. As dahlias are also sensitive to the herbicide residue we have been watching their progress with fingers crossed and so far no sign of any problems. Some potato shoots however, have shown symptoms of herbicide damage.

• The beginning of the weekend was wet and so the only activity was harvesting. We now have a steady supply of salad leaves and radish.

• We also harvested the first strawberries – a real highlight and made possible only by the netting, which had done its job. Unfortunately netting can’t protect against browsing slugs which had been encouraged out by the wet weather and one or two berries were nibbled.

• Having used up our store onions, we harvested the first of the overwintered onions – Red Cross. Another first harvest was one of the garlics grown over winter in a tub. This was experimental as we weren’t really sure whether it was ready or not but the plant had produced a plump bulb of cloves.

• The globe artichokes are now producing huge flower buds. We inherited the plants and never harvest them. To be honest I don’t think they are worth the trouble of preparing and cooking but the bees absolutely adore the flowers.

• The sprinkling of flower buds on the kiwi plants continue to swell but as yet no sign of flower.

• We also continue to gather rhubarb and cabbage. Herbs too are in ready supply and add to the flavour of our mixed salad leaves.

• Sweet Williams are providing us with an ample supply of cut flowers. The shrub roses are also now blooming with the added bonus of strong perfume.

• At the end of the weekend we had decided that, rain or not, we would have to give the pea plants some support – fortunately luck was with us and it remained dry so we were able to do this without getting soaked.

• The plot greenhouse is now planted out with the various varieties of tomatoes, as well as housing a few early planted salad crops. The ones planted earlier are growing well and beginning to flower. We have supported these with canes, and are removing side shoots where appropriate.

• In the garden greenhouse the pineapple sage plant is growing well and has been transferred to a larger pot.

• I bought a few herb plants this week which are destined to be planted together in a couple of wooden tubs and placed just outside of the greenhouse in the garden. Some are for cooking, but others just looked or smelled nice. So far I have bought, garlic chives, Dartington curry plant, compact marjoram, broad leaved thyme, variegated thyme, variegated sage – Icterina and a small bay plant. I’ve also dug up a small clump of ordinary chives from the plot to add to the collection.

• I sowed many seeds this week, including:
- the final set of courgettes – Zucchini, Clarita & Floridor
- a second sowing of climbing French Beans – Corona D’Oro. The first sowing of these failed. Last year this variety was difficult but we decided to try again. I wonder if yellow varieties are more problematic.
- yet another variety of salad greens, lettuce – Romaine Ballon acquired free with a magazine.
- two varieties of foxglove – Excelsior & Foxy. Foxy is a shorter variety
- Sweet William – single mixed
- Pansy – Universal Mixed

• We pricked out a second sowing of sweet corn – Honey Bantam, some red cabbage – Ruby Ball, cauliflower ‘Autumn Giant’ and kale ‘Nero di Toscana’ and salad leaves – Provence Mixed and Tuscany.