A new plot in pictures
These photos show how a neglected plot was brought back into production.
At the start, Sept 2021
In the absence of the plot-holder the plot shown opposite had become overrun with thistles, couch grass and nettles.
The first thing to do was clear the top growth in readiness for laying ground-covers to kill the weeds over winter.
Building a shed, Oct 2021
A free supply of timber from an old garden decking became available. Ideal for building a shed.
To the right you can just make out a row of fruit bushes that were revealed when the weeds were cleared.
The shed is up and covers laid to suppress weeds, Nov 2021
Lots of hard work, Feb 2022
The perennial weeds, especially couch grass, had to be dug out. These were laid in a heap and covered as they are too persistent for the compost heap. A small area was cleared each day, and in this way the ground was gradually cleared.
'No dig' was also tried in another part of the plot. This meant laying a lot of cardboard and compost over the weeds to supress them.
The plot is all set for the new growing season, April 2022
In front of the shed you can see that early potatoes are just starting to show. To the left are the frames for beans and pumpkins, although it will be some weeks before they can be planted out.
Things are starting to grow, late May 2022
The potatoes have taken-off and the onions are doing really well in the 'no dig' bed.
Down in the left corner is a rhubarb patch and next to these are artichokes, both of which are providing a good crop.
Lots of great produce, mid July 2022
We've been picking early potatoes for some time now, and the main crop is about ready. The picture below shows the onions drying out - I've never grown such a good crop!
The lack of rain has meant a lot of watering especially for the beans which are slowly developing, but the pumpkins are romping up the canes and giving good wind protection to the sweetcorn as you can see in the middle picture.
The third picture shows the autumn raspberry bed accompanied by some nasturtiums to give colour. Also, the rhubarb bed is visible in the background.
