Caged Courgettes
In an effort to stop the courgettes taking over the entire raised bed I planted them in a polycarbonate coldframe with the lids removed. This protected them early on and has now had the beneficial effect of encouraging them to grow upwards rather than sprawl everywhere. I’ll definitely do it again.
B&Q Tower garden
Apparently B&Q make it easy to grow your own
Here’s an interesting contrast. I was really impressed by the quality of the planting in the B&Q garden at Chelsea where the ‘Tower Block’ had balconies dripping with wonderful edible plants. Contrast my visit to the local B&Q two weeks ago when the Grow Your Own display was just one of several featuring dead, dying and neglected plants. There is no point in B&Q promoting themselves as ‘green’ when the plants grown by their suppliers are left to die. Think of all the time, energy and water needed to grow those plants and transport them to B&Q. What a waste.
Posted in Stephanie's Blog
Tagged b and q, b and q plants, B&Q, garden centre, Grow your own
#rhshampton
The Garlic Farms garden was appropriately delicious
Tucked away in the Grow Your Own marquee was a glorious garlic garden (@thegarlicfarm) with a delicate pastel planting consisting largely of members of the allium family, interspersed with herbs. The summerhouse at the end of the gravel path had a magnificent garlic thatch – fantasy of course, but it did look wonderful.
Close-up of the roof on the Garlic Farm stand
We are now eating our own potatoes – the Charlottes have cropped well and taste great and we should have the first picking of runner beans this weekend. The soft fruit is in full swing and Andrew is picking plenty to freeze as well as supplying our 5-a-day.
Posted in On the Allotment
Tagged Grow your own, Potatoes, Runner Beans, Soft Fruit
Saturdays 10 April – 1 May at Wortley Hall Walled Garden just outside Sheffield. Four half day workshops, as part of the Soil Association’s nationwide Organic Farm School. Covers the essential knowledge and skills required to successfully grow your own produce using organic methods. Each session costs £15 each. Soil Association members get discount: £12 per session. www.organickitchengarden.co.uk
Posted in Garden Courses
Tagged Grow your own, Soil Association, Wortley Hall Walled Garden
