The first daffodil of this years crop, although I don't think there will be many more just yet, as all the other daffodils seem to have heard the weather forecast and are only just poking their heads above the soil. The first broccoli as well, the winter drought  of produce is over. The plants look healthy (Rudolph) and ready to produce.





Not sure that the urine is doing the trick with the foxes, no digging as yet, but paw prints all over the newly spread compost.
Today was a day of repairs on the allotment, fixing the paths, some of which have become positively dangerous. As we are on a slope there is a constant slide downhill and into the neighbours plot. I am trying two sowings of leeks this year, an early one for autumn picking of slim leeks, and a later sowing to keep over winter. Atlanta went in today.

OK , so there is not much going on in the allotment, but loads going on in the rugby pitch next door.First hard frosts, pruning and repairing the paths, and then back indoors to the warmth. Broad beans sown in the greenhouse (Witkiem Manita as recommended by 'Gardening Which). I usually sow them in November, but they get so battered by the weather I am trying a bit later. Hopefully early enough to beat the black fly.

There's apothecary based in a narrow boat on the Lee, anything good for back ache?

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Orchids on the allotment? Nope, this is growing in the Singapore Botanical garden. Just to cheer up a grey winters day.

New Years Day

I didn't think I would be on the allotment on New Years Day in my shirtsleeves, but this is how it has been. One of the pleasures of biking to the allotment is cycling along the River Lee and seeing the wildlife. This time there were two cormorants fishing, here is one drying off, with an unconcerned Mallard taking no notice of the showing off.

I have not been on the allotment for a month, and , of course, when I get there there is plenty to do clearing up and maintenance. First job is to get as much compost on to the soil as possible, starting with the asparagus bed. Some time recently a fox has dug a hole in the bed, which is sacrilege. I hear urine is an answer to keeping them away, will take jam jar!!

I have ordered next years seeds. I am trying two yellow versions, courgette Sunstripe and climbing bean Neckar Gold. I think the taste is likely to be sweeter, but the plants are not as vigorous, so we will see.

Not sure if my neighbours scarecrow scares birds, but every now and then I see it from the corner of my eye and it certainly makes me jump.

The Tree Musketeers are a Hackney group who plant trees all over the place and look after them after planting. They have planted a Sweet Chestnut just outside the allotment. 

My guess is the squirrels will get first go at the chestnuts