Today’s Haul

Got down the allotment today for the first in a few weeks and had a couple of nice surprises. Firstly there was not too much weed growth since my last visit and secondly I found a very unexpected thing in my apple tree. I noticed 4 or 5 apples in the tree but also a large yellow squash! I had planted some pattypan squash along the back fence behind the tree but this was not one of that variety. I suspect a stray seed from a different variety. The plant had worked its way up the tree where it had then flowered and fruited.

As you can see from the photos I also came home with a butternut squash, some parsnips (not ready until after first frost but I had to pull a couple up to see how they are going), apples, a giant beetroot and some corn. Unfortunately my neglect of the plot during the summer due to jury service and working away meant that the corn did not get enough water and many of the cobs are dried out. I think that could also be the cause of my sorry looking leeks.

So I now have left some parsnips, squash, leeks, broccoli and sprouts left growing. The plan now is to concentrate on getting the plot cleared and ready for spring. I am going to go down the raised beds route and I think it will be more practical and manageable for me and will also be trying the no dig method.

Tags: allotment, beetroot, broccoli, butternut, pattypan, seed, squash

Category: Gardening & Allotment