Simon's Allotment

I shouldn't have to be seeking out the shade at this time of year but that's how it's been. Much too hot and still no rain - so ...

Cherry Apple

Planted out and growing away:

So, after one of the coldest winters on record it's been the driest March for fifty years, and with temperatures well above average. Ver...

Sowing lots of seeds this weekend, here's some I did earlier: Cabbages Peas

Blooming now - hellebores and pulsatilla -

Here we go again; my seed potatoes are chitting I've and sown a few seeds. I'm still eating sprouts and carrots from the plot and th...

I've done all the digging I'm going to do. This last patch is where my potatoes will be going. Spreading home-made compost: ...and d...

I always look forward to cropping the purple sprouting at this time of year - it being the first new crop of the season - but this year it a...

Mostly for my benefit, I'll update it as the season goes on. Antirrhinum (saved seed) - Sown in greenhouse 2.4, 1/2 seedtray. Pricked ...

Back home now and feeling lucky to have been able to spend much of the winter in the warmth and sunshine. Already I'm missing the fresh ...

I can't say I'm a big fan of the no dig/no weed/foraging approach to growing but that's how I've been spending my time, back...

A Beginners Guide to Shopping in Derby. Shopping in Derby is not conducted in the street but in special houses called shops. Some of these s...

A belated happy solstice to you all. Did anyone see the lunar eclipse? I missed it on account of it being too cloudy here in Derby. And too ...

November is the new January. Siberian winds, snow and penetrating frost; we've just had the coldest November night since records began. ...

I find September a bit depressing, end of summer and all that. But once I get my head round it and the leaves start changing colour, autumn ...

I'm taking a different approach to digging this year. I'm not yet convinced enough to go for a complete no-dig system but I did noti...

Besides the changing leaf colours there's also still a few flowers to enjoy in the garden and on the plot: Monkshood Evening primrose Ca...

I'm having a go at drying the last of these. Should make useful ammunition for the winter.