The first of many raised beds

After I responded to an add on FreeCycle, I obtained some timber for making raised beds.  The wood was from a man who repaired sheds during the summer months.  A couple of pieces were a little rotten but once cut away the remaining wood was fine.  An hour or so later and few splinters I've built a couple of raised beds.  A little "rustic" perhaps but functional.  No more cutting the edges of the beds, just the grass!

Getting ahead!

I had a quick visit to the allotment today and planted 25 garlic cloves (Albigensian Wight), and sowed 70 broad beans (Aquadulce Claudia).


The garlic needs to be overwintered to produce bulbs and not enlarged cloves.  This is a large softneck variety and will be ready for harvest in June next year.


I specifically chose Aquadulce Claudia as these beans produce a better harvest if overwintered.  My Grandad always said the beans produce a better crop if they are sown in November.  I have also read they get less problems with black fly.

Weights so far

So, this is what I've harvested.

Potato - Desiree - 8lb 1oz

Potato - Rooster - 8lb

Beetroot - Boltardy - 4lb

Sweetcorn - Kelvedon Glory - 9lb

Butternut - Metro - 2lb 4oz

Pumpkin - Jack O' Lantern - 20lb 8oz

Onion - White - 8lb

Onion - Red - 6lb

Shallot - Unknown - 5lb

The crops left on the plot are leeks and parsnips.  I've not had any leeks yet but I have lifted a few parsnips.

Parsnip - Gladiator - 1lb 8oz

Allotment Update - October 2010 - Photographs

Here are a few pictures of what the plot has produced this year.

 White and red onions, and shallots.

Jack O' Lantern pumpkins (10lb & 10lb 8oz) and butternut squash

 Sweetcorn

 Rooster potatoes

Gladiator parsnips

Allotment Update - October 2010

I've spent a few hours on the plot over the last couple of days.  The grass has taken hold again and is trying to get the better of me.  I will win, honest!


Each bed is being cut to size and dug over very deeply.  I would like to frame each bed with timber but this will prove very costly if I have to buy new wood.  A little later in the year I am going manure each bed, apart from the ones which are going to be used for parsnips and carrots.