Wednesday, 31 July 2024

3 Paving Slabs Off Freecycle


Way too sunny and hot to be doing any work down on the allotment today, but I did pick up 3 paving slabs off Freecycle, the guy loaded 2 for me and I managed one and John was getting woodchip and unloaded them into the wheelbarrow for me at the allotment and all I had to do was get them from the drop off and pick up area to the plot.

Photos of the drawers I installed yesterday but didn't take a photograph

It was 44C in the potting shed and I was not going to spend any time at all today in there. So it was back home to get out of the trousers and into shorts as having compression dressings on one leg and surgical stocking on the other under trousers in this heat is ridiculous.

It's just so good that I can now get out of the house, drive and take myself places, I just need the disabled badge to come so I can get parking spaces where I can fully open the car door, as I have difficulty getting in and out of the car if the door is not fully open. I'm working on my fitness levels and confidence, and at least with the pain killers I can get in and out of the door without extreme pain.

Tuesday, 30 July 2024

Woodchip


A trip to the allotment this morning to drop off a tug of grass cuttings from my sister and the drawers picked up from Freecycle to help organise the potting shed some more and to be there to open the gate for a delivery of wood chippings for our small allotment community from a company that used the Arbtalk app to find someone that is after woodchips.

With it being 43C in the potting shed with the windows and door open, I only stayed in there to tidy up as it was out of the sun and until the woodchip arrived then it was time to depart.

I'm covering myself with factor 50 sunblock and wearing the Winnie-the-poo hat as advised by the Royal Marsden.

Monday, 29 July 2024

Freecycle Decking Boards


Freecycle photograph 

I managed to win 60 number 2m long decking boards off Freecycle and went this morning to collect them. Tom and his son helped me get them into the car.


They were stacked nicely with the seatbelt around them until I went around the corner at the A217 and they slid sideways.

I managed to back the car through the gates and right up to the entrance of my plots and have stacked the boards on some paving block bearers to keep them off the ground until I can get around to cutting them up and making raised beds.

Wally turned up when I was about half way unloaded and gave me a hand, with the rest, and John gave me some runner beans as his didn't get wiped out by the slugs and snails and he has too many. I have some great plot neighbours and friends on the allotment site.

Wednesday, 24 July 2024

Bits & Bobs

Two hours in the blazing sun with my Winnie-the-pooh hat on because it has ventilation built in. Watering the spuds in buckets. Fixing the hose and the splitter at the tap, trimming back the weeds on the path and clearing the entrance to my pot and along the boundary beds. The taking the hoops and netting off the parsnip bed and removing the planting membrane and all the bind weed that's gone bonkers on Plot 1 

Bamboo and weeds removed from narrow bed, and weeds in the paths trimmed back

Paths now weed free. The onions really have not grown much, where as the beds have been weeded twice and still there are more weeds than onions visible.

Parsnip bed cleared of hoops, netting and bindweed and slugs fed blue pellets of death as the buggers had eaten all 105 parsnip seedlings.

Spuds in Buckets watered

New splitter fitted and an extension added to the hose to my plot

Tuesday, 23 July 2024

Pruning the Grapevines

 


Seedless grapevines really have expanded their territory in the last month and had even stated to try and get into the greenhouse. Photograph taken before any trimming. Trimming back the grapevines so that more goodness can go into the grapes and less on gaining even more territory. Filled up the Hotbin with the leaves.




This is all new growth and it's covered the small pallet store that's against the wall.


View after some trimming back from the greenhouse and thinning out to expose the grapes a little


Flame Red (Seedless) grapes are plentiful if not small and still green at the moment.


I tried to keep leaf cover so the squirrels and birds don't spot them.


Flame Red (Seedless)


Still some more trimming to do next visit.


More trimming to do next visit


Quite a lot of grapes under all those leaves.

Thursday, 18 July 2024

Finishing Off SFG Bed 1

 

Morning spent on the allotment as it was a little overcast and sun and 31C is forecast to be coming and I desperately need to get back in control of the paths and get the bind weed off the onions and the raspberries.

The grass from the tug was broken up and laid over the woodchip then the Mels Mix was emptied back into the raised bed. The hoops were re installed but need to be pushed further into the ground, but I'm finding that difficult because of the arthritis in my hands and wrists.

I also started to weed SFG Bed 2 and ants came from everywhere, looks like ants are going to be a challenge in these raised beds.


A couple of guys turned up to clear plot 3A and start grinding the stumps. I warned then about the debris under, One guy flicked a nail up which pierced his ear Trump style and grazed his head and that was with facial protection. He ended being taken to the hospital for stiches and Tetanus jab.


Stump Grinder 


Close up of the grinding wheel 


A couple of guys turned up to clear plot 3A and start grinding the stumps. I warned then about the debris under. One guy flicked a nail up with his trimmer which pierced his ear Trump style and grazed his head and that was with wearing facial protection. He ended being taken to the hospital for stiches and Tetanus jab.

He came back later in the day and continued working, but I'm informed by Wally on the plot next door to plot 3A that the grinder lifted and fired more buried steel items at the two operatives. 

The plot needs properly clearing of all debris before they consider grinding. Myself and other plot holders have warned them what's below the bind weed and brambles either end of that plot, which they still have not fully uncovered. The were informed it was going to be a days work, in reality it's 2 - 3 days work with a couple of two man teams.    


Lifting the netting up around the beds and trimming the weeds.


I so often forget to take a before photograph and only take an after photo that I took a few of the paths before trimming. Hopefully you will see the improvement in photos taken during the next 7 - 10 days.  


I will be raising the narrow beds up to make working and weeding easier in the future.


So much bind weed I'm going to have to take long handled sears to this bed to clear the path and the bed.


Beginning to look better just for the trimming of the weeds around the beds

This is the area where I will be replacing the long beds with two smaller raised beds to make maintenance easier 
 

Paths after trimming the weeds back, I need some good path quality woodchip and then to remove the woodchips that are now supporting life and replace them with path quality woodchips. 

I will let the sun dry up the weeds and then sweep them up on a future visit.

Jane will be visiting again in a couple of weeks to review the condition of the plots so I need to get Avalon looking in a better state than it is at the moment as last thing I want is a no cult notice. 

Wednesday, 17 July 2024

Filling the Raised SFG Bed

It's been a little while since I've been to the allotment, due to the rain and my damaged foot after the scaffold boards fell out of the wheel barrow onto it. But this afternoon I did a short visit to the allotment to continue filling the raised Square Foot Garden Bed with leafy woodchip before putting grass clippings and the Mels Mix back into the bed, I had to visit today as my sister wants to cut her grass again and needs the tugs back so I can have the next batch of grass clippings from her.

Also did some catching up with a couple of plot neighbours.



Tuesday, 9 July 2024

Bird Registration

This come up at our recent allotment site reps meeting it’s for ALL BIRDS (including pet birds) not just poultry although their website still list 49 and less birds as voluntary registration, having spoken to DEFRA it will be mandatory from October to register any kept birds, regardless of the number of birds.

Monday, 8 July 2024

Second level of Raised SFG Bed 1

 

Rain has been stopping play on the allotment and the weather person this morning said that in the last week we have had the normal rainfall for this month already, then went on to say more rain is coming !!!!

Got the second level of timbers in the square foot gardening bed assembled and took delivery of 20 no 4ft boards and 20 no 3 ft boards for the new smaller raised beds I'm going to replace the 8ft x 4ft beds with on plot 1.


Stacked the 3ft boards on the patio in between the potting shed and the Plot 1 Shed. I bought 6ft boards as the company does not sell 3ft boards, but they were happy to cut them to 3ft for me which has saved me some work. I'm happy for the banding to remain on these timbers and I will pre drill the screw holes in the ends.   

I laid some block paving to hold the boards off the woodchip and stacked the 4ft boards behind the raspberries in the boundary beds. The banding will need to be removed as the 3ft boards will lap the cut ends and will be screwed into these boards.

Something or someone has stripped my little blueberry bush of all the berries that were on it and I was going to harvest today. 


The guys delivering the scaffold boards managed to overload the wheel barrow and the wheel barrow fell over and the boards hit me across the big toe and the one next to it (index toe?) . It was an accident, but the index toe is really bruised and went more black the next day.  

Friday, 5 July 2024

The Companion Planting Playbook for Beginners

I was sent a copy of this book by the Author to read and review and I have to say this book it's very informative on the subject of Companion Planting which is a subject that most allotment holders get into once they, get past their first year and start thinking more about secessional sowing and how to max out the growing area they have. 

This book is a great addition to the permaculture books that I have and again covers principals and gives guidance on how to apply rules and guidelines, to assist the reader in getting more out of their growing space. 

The summary below is what I usually include in my reviews but this summary was provided and there is no point in reinventing the wheel so I've just included it and apologise for the fact it's written in American English rather than English English  


Hardback £23.59
Paperback £8.09   

Introduction

The introduction humorously highlights the frustrations and challenges often faced by beginner gardeners, contrasting the hardiness of weeds like dandelions with the fragility of cultivated plants. It introduces the concept of permaculture, specifically companion planting, as a transformative solution for creating sustainable, low-maintenance gardens regardless of available space. The author promises that with initial effort, a garden can become self-sustaining, addressing common issues such as soil quality, pest management, and space constraints. The introduction explains that companion planting not only reduces the time and resources typically required for gardening but also enhances the yield and health of the garden without relying on artificial inputs like fertilizers or pesticides. The text outlines the structure of the book, which includes a detailed guide to the benefits and practical implementations of companion planting, known as the "GROWER" method. This method covers everything from the basics of companion planting to specific strategies for optimizing garden layout, managing pests naturally, and choosing plant pairings. The author uses personal anecdotes to underscore the effectiveness of these techniques, encouraging readers to overcome gardening challenges and achieve their gardening goals with less effort.

Chapter 1

The chapter explores the intriguing world of plant communication and companion planting. Plants primarily communicate chemically and through underground mycorrhizal networks, altering behaviors and sharing resources in response to environmental cues. Recent studies reveal that plants also emit ultrasonic "clicking" sounds potentially audible to some insects and mammals. The purpose of these sounds—whether for communication, attraction of pollinators, or distraction of predators—is still uncertain, though their frequency varies with the plant's health.

Companion planting is presented as a sustainable alternative to traditional monocultural farming, which harms soil quality, biodiversity, and increases reliance on chemical interventions. This method involves planting diverse crops in proximity, promoting mutual benefits like improved soil health, natural pest control, weed management, and enhanced pollination. This approach not only optimizes space and increases yield but also aligns with permaculture principles, emphasizing sustainability and ecosystem balance.

The chapter also addresses concerns related to companion planting, such as initial time investment and space requirements. Despite potential challenges, the benefits of companion planting—demonstrated through historical practice and recent studies—suggest a compelling case for its effectiveness in creating a self-sustaining, productive garden environment. The narrative encourages embracing companion planting for a healthier, more efficient garden ecosystem.

Chapter 2

This chapter explains the scientific principles underlying companion planting, emphasizing the natural interactions and chemical communications between plants. It introduces the concept of allelopathy, where plants release chemicals to protect themselves from pests, diseases, and competition, thereby influencing soil health and nearby organisms. This process, driven by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can have both beneficial and harmful effects on the environment.

The text elaborates on how companion planting serves as an effective pest management strategy and enhances soil health by fostering beneficial microbial interactions. These microbes help break down organic materials, making nutrients more accessible to plants. The chapter also discusses structural strategies for pest control, such as using physical barriers and attracting predatory insects, which naturally manage pest populations without harmful chemicals.

Additionally, the narrative addresses common myths about companion planting, clarifying that while it offers numerous benefits, it does not guarantee pest or disease elimination and is not universally successful in every garden scenario. The importance of soil health, the role of microbial activity in nutrient cycling, and the need for diverse soil biota to maintain a healthy garden ecosystem are also highlighted.

Overall, the chapter aims to demystify companion planting, presenting it as a science-based approach to gardening that leverages natural plant interactions to promote a healthier, more sustainable garden environment.

Chapter 3

This chapter focuses on the strategic planning and design of a garden with an emphasis on companion planting to maximize space and plant synergy. It begins by underscoring the importance of prioritizing function over beauty in garden layout, advising that plants should be placed based on their environmental needs rather than aesthetic desires. The chapter then delves into setting clear gardening goals, which could range from reducing grocery bills by growing fruits and vegetables to creating a flower garden for aesthetic enjoyment.

A sizable portion of the chapter is dedicated to explaining the concept of a "guild," a grouping of plants within a garden that supports each other's growth and well-being. The roles within a guild—such as attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and covering ground—are detailed to help gardeners understand how to effectively assemble their plant communities. Practical considerations for garden planning are discussed, including soil quality tests, sunlight requirements, and pest control strategies.

The chapter also covers the preparation and ongoing management of soil, emphasizing the importance of soil health as the foundation for a successful garden. Methods for testing and adjusting soil pH, determining soil type, and improving soil structure are provided to equip gardeners with the tools they need for a thriving garden.

Finally, the text discusses layout designs that optimize space usage, like dividing garden space into blocks or using vertical gardening techniques, especially useful for those with limited space. The chapter concludes by highlighting the importance of planning, research, and creative problem-solving in establishing a productive and sustainable garden.

Chapter 4

This chapter focuses on the benefits and methodologies of using simple companion planting techniques to maximize garden yields without increasing labor. The concept is based on creating vegetable guilds, specifically pairings of just two crops, making it ideal for beginners and those with limited space. This approach moves away from the complexity of polycultures, aiming to simplify gardening through effective dual plant synergies.

The chapter highlights several classic pairings, such as basil and tomatoes, which are not only culinary complements but also share mutual benefits when grown together. Basil helps enhance tomato growth and protects against pests, while tomatoes provide shade for basil, helping retain soil moisture. Other pairings discussed include carrots and onions, which help each other by repelling respective pests and improving soil structure, and marigolds with peppers, which enhance pest control and attract beneficial insects.

Key to these pairings is the ease of care and maintenance. The chapter provides specific instructions for planting, watering, and harvesting, ensuring that even novice gardeners can follow along and achieve successful results. It also discusses the importance of soil preparation, positioning for adequate sunlight, and proper spacing to avoid competition for nutrients.

In summary, the chapter offers a straightforward, accessible introduction to companion planting that emphasizes practicality and effectiveness, making it possible to double the yield without doubling the effort in gardening.

Chapter 5

The chapter emphasizes the dual purposes of herbs in the garden: enhancing culinary dishes and providing medicinal benefits. A significant point discussed is the ancestral use of plants in medicine, with many contemporary pharmaceuticals being derived from these traditional uses, though now often synthesized for stability and mass production.

The text highlights specific herb pairings, such as rosemary and sage, and their benefits for both the garden and kitchen. These pairings not only help in pest management and disease prevention but also enhance each other's growth and the garden's overall health. Rosemary, known for its aromatic qualities and drought resistance, is particularly noted for its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

Care and maintenance tips are detailed for each herb pairing, emphasizing the importance of proper sunlight, watering, and soil conditions. For example, rosemary and sage thrive in full sun and less frequent watering, benefiting from being planted together due to their similar needs but non-competing nutrient uptake.

The chapter also covers the harvesting rules for herbs, stressing not to overharvest and to encourage regrowth by focusing on new growth and pruning before winter. It concludes with a broader discussion on the benefits of companion planting, such as improving soil health, managing pests naturally, and maximizing garden space efficiently.

Chapter 6

This chapter focuses on companion planting strategies for fruits and their beneficial plant partners, emphasizing practical techniques for small garden spaces. It highlights how growing your fruits can be both a cost-effective and gratifying experience, providing fresh produce directly from the garden.

The chapter outlines several key pairings, such as strawberries and borage, where borage supports strawberry growth by deterring pests, attracting pollinators, and potentially enhancing fruit flavor through soil mineral improvement. It discusses the care, benefits, and harvesting methods for both plants, noting that borage is an annual that needs replanting each year, while strawberries are perennials that spread to cover and protect the soil.

Additionally, the text covers apple trees paired with comfrey, another member of the borage family, which offers similar benefits in terms of pest control and soil health. Comfrey also acts as a trap crop for apple pests and provides ground cover to prevent soil erosion.

Another notable pairing discussed is blueberries with rhododendrons, which share a preference for acidic soil. This section explains the specifics of maintaining soil pH levels for optimal growth and details the benefits of each plant, emphasizing blueberries' health benefits and rhododendrons' aesthetic appeal.

The chapter concludes by advocating for the integration of companion planting in gardening practices, highlighting the ecological and personal benefits of such methods. It encourages gardeners to experiment with these combinations to maximize their garden's yield and health, leveraging companion planting as a strategy to enhance both beauty and productivity in the garden space.

Chapter 7

This chapter focuses on the integration of flowers in the garden, not only for their beauty but also for their functional roles in enhancing garden health and productivity. The chapter covers several key pairings of flowers with vegetables and highlights the benefits of such arrangements.

One prominent example is the pairing of marigolds with various crops. Marigolds are easy to grow, edible, and serve multiple purposes such as pest and nematode management, attracting pollinators, and acting as a trap crop. However, marigolds are not compatible with plants like beans and cabbage due to similar pest attractions, and they fare poorly with blueberries due to different soil pH requirements.

Sunflowers and cucumbers are another notable pair discussed in the chapter. Sunflowers function as natural trellises for cucumbers, help in soil detoxification, attract pollinators, and improve overall crop yield. The author humorously notes that whole sunflowers can be grilled and taste like a mix between corn on the cob and artichoke.

Nasturtiums paired with roses serve dual purposes of beauty and functionality. They attract beneficial insects and can function as trap crops for pests, while both plants add aesthetic value to the garden.

Finally, the chapter discusses the benefits of other flower-vegetable pairings such as petunias with beans, and zinnias with cauliflower, emphasizing their roles in pest control, pollination, and even soil health. Each section of the chapter details the specific care and maintenance for the plants involved, ensuring optimal growth and yield.

Chapter 8

This chapter delves into overcoming the challenge of limited gardening space, a common obstacle for many aspiring gardeners. It emphasizes that while the ideal scenario would involve ample space to grow a variety of crops to one's content, reality often requires making the most of smaller or unconventional spaces. The text introduces several strategies for maximizing limited areas by adopting methods like companion planting and permaculture principles.

For those with small yards, the book suggests replacing grass with gardening areas. Simple methods like mulching can transform a grassy patch into fertile land ready for planting. In scenarios where soil is scarce or non-existent, such as concrete patios or balconies, raised beds and container gardening are recommended. These methods allow gardening on hard surfaces by using containers that can be filled with soil and plants.

Urban dwellers with minimal outdoor space are encouraged to explore vertical gardening using structures like PVC pipes or gutters to grow upward rather than outward. This technique is particularly useful for apartments with small balconies or limited floor space, enabling the cultivation of vining plants and the use of hanging baskets.

The text also addresses the extreme scenario of having no outdoor space at all, suggesting indoor gardening as a viable alternative. Here, the focus is on smaller, shade-tolerant plants and the use of growth lights to compensate for the lack of natural sunlight.

Finally, the chapter advocates for practicality and minimalism in gardening choices, especially in constrained spaces. It encourages growing only the crops that one will consume and suggests quick-growing varieties to maximize yield within limited time and space. This approach not only ensures efficient use of space but also aligns with sustainable living practices.

Chapter 9

This chapter of the text outlines various natural pest management strategies through companion planting, an environmentally friendly approach that uses the natural properties of certain plants to protect gardens. Key methods discussed include using aromatic herbs and flowers to either mask the scent of crops or attract beneficial insects that prey on harmful pests. For example, the chapter details how cilantro, dill, and fennel attract ladybugs that help control spider mite populations, while plants like garlic, chives, and marigolds are effective against aphids by repelling them and sheltering predatory insects.

Furthermore, the text emphasizes the importance of identifying common garden pests like spider mites, aphids, thrips, whiteflies, leaf miners, snails, and slugs, providing specific plant suggestions to counter each pest. Strategies vary from creating unfavorable environments for pests to using trap crops that serve as sacrificial plants to distract pests from more valuable crops.

The chapter advocates for a holistic approach combining several types of companion plants—those with strong scents, those that attract predators, and trap crops—to optimize pest control. However, it acknowledges that while effective, companion planting is not a foolproof solution; pests will still be present, but their numbers should not be overwhelming. This method not only helps in managing pests but also promotes biodiversity and reduces the need for chemical pesticides.

Chapter 10

This chapter provides an in-depth look at how various climates affect companion planting. It outlines five climate zones—tropical, temperate, continental, dry, and polar—each characterized by distinct environmental conditions influencing what crops can grow and how they should be paired.

In tropical climates, where it is consistently hot and humid, all crops thrive year-round without winter interruptions. Key crops such as coconuts, bananas, and mangoes excel here, with suggested companion plants like bananas with sweet potatoes and mango trees with nasturtiums.

Temperate climates, with warm summers and mild winters, allow a diverse range of crops to overwinter, leading to extended harvest periods. This zone is conducive to growing almost any plant, benefiting from neither extreme cold nor extreme heat.

Continental climates feature warm summers but harsh, snowy winters, limiting winter crop production unless grown in greenhouses. It is advisable to start plants early indoors to extend the growing season.

Dry climates, receiving minimal rainfall and resembling deserts, present the toughest growing conditions. Strategies like using raised beds, shade netting, and frequent irrigation are essential. Plants like peppers and basil, which are drought-tolerant once established, are recommended companions.

Polar climates are the most challenging due to the persistent cold and ice, making outdoor planting impossible without artificial environments like greenhouses and growth lamps. Hardy crops like spinach and peas might survive under such controlled conditions.

Each section emphasizes the importance of understanding one's local climate to optimize plant pairings and schedules, ensuring a successful harvest by selecting appropriate companion plants for each climate zone.

Chapter 11

This chapter provides practical guidance on overcoming common gardening challenges. It emphasizes the importance of preventative measures, such as improving soil quality through amendments based on soil tests and adapting to local climates by selecting region-specific seeds or seedlings. Planning is crucial, and the chapter suggests planning plant guilds by considering which plants are compatible, their needs, and space requirements.

To prevent and address common problems such as pests, diseases, and poor yields, the chapter advises regular garden monitoring and maintaining a garden journal. It discusses how companion planting can reduce pest infestations and diseases, and the necessity of interventions like using netting or natural pest controls when needed. The text also highlights issues related to soil management, emphasizing the need for frequent soil enrichment and the dangers of overwatering and overcrowding. Each section provides solutions to these problems, including adjusting watering practices and thinning out plants to manage space effectively.

Overall, the chapter serves as a guide for both novice and experienced gardeners to effectively manage their gardens by understanding and preventing potential problems, and by continually learning from experience.

Conclusion

Companion planting is endorsed as an integral permaculture practice to establish an eco-friendly and biodiverse garden, aligning with natural processes. The text underscores the futility of opposing natural systems, advocating for human stewardship over nature, which coexists with numerous other species. Despite skepticism regarding its efficacy, various studies affirm the benefits of companion planting. It follows the inherent resilience and thriving of natural landscapes like forests and fields, which flourish without human intervention. The narrative criticizes the use of harmful chemicals in gardening, which not only targets pests but also detrimentally affects other life forms. The author argues for growing one's own organic, non-GMO produce to positively impact the environment.

Emphasizing the learning and experimentation inherent in gardening, the author views each challenge as a chance for growth and improvement. The process of designing a garden, or "guild," tailored to personal and environmental factors is highlighted as requiring considerable effort but rewarding. The author aims to ease readers into practical gardening experiences, encouraging even those with minimal space to engage in gardening. The book's goal is to inspire action through hands-on practice, fostering a self-sustaining garden ecosystem that minimizes maintenance while maximizing natural benefits.

Monday, 1 July 2024

Raising SFG Bed 1

 

There was some nice cloud cover this morning so work continued on making the Square Foot Gardening Beds higher so that I can get at them for planting and weeding

I completed excavating the Mels Mix from Square Foot Garden Bed 1 on Plot 1


All the Mels Mix removed and placed in square flower buckets Pulled as many mares tail roots that I could


Magic Cardboard added and watered in place 


First barrow load of woodchip from the drop off and pick up area 


Six wheelbarrow loads of woodchip later


Watered in the woodchip to make it bed down on top of the cardboard and to soften up the cardboard so it interfaces with the ground under better


Ended up putting two hoses on the pile whilst I put the tools away and locked up to go home for a late lunch.


Donated grass cuttings from my sisters back garden, which will go on top of the woodchips in the SFG raised bed once I've completed assembling the next frame and added some more woodchips.