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Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 17 Entries.
Saturday, February 27 View Page
My last successful year was 2017, when I managed 350 pounds. What with studying, periods of ill health, broken bones, working full time and (also working throughout) the wonderful Corona Virus, I haven't produced anything for 3 years. So I decided to give it a good go this year. Looking through my seeds, I am pleasantly surprised at the calibre of what I have, so I shall start everything, and see what survives.
 
Saturday, February 27 View Page
My last successful year was 2017, when I managed 350 pounds. What with studying, periods of ill health, broken bones, working full time and (also working throughout) the wonderful Corona Virus, I haven't produced anything for 3 years. So I decided to give it a good go this year. Looking through my seeds, I am pleasantly surprised at the calibre of what I have, so I shall start everything, and see what survives.
 
Monday, March 1 View Page
Apologies for the double post. Before starting work. As can be seen in this picture, my allotment has not been properly dug for about 3 years, I planted some potatoes last year, but nothing other than that.
 
Monday, March 1 View Page
Apologies for the double post. Before starting work. As can be seen in this picture, my allotment has not been properly dug for about 3 years, I planted some potatoes last year, but nothing other than that.
 
Saturday, March 13 View Page
Progress. I'm hoping to make space for 2, maybe 3 plants. Basically the strongest plants will get planted. It is not clear which shows will take place this year. I have a couple of local shows (within 15 miles of me) and maybe the official GPC weigh off in Southampton, which is about 115 miles away. I'm hoping to produce something for the scales, and my PB is 407 lbs, so that's my target.
 
Saturday, March 13 View Page
Progress. I'm hoping to make space for 2, maybe 3 plants. Basically the strongest plants will get planted. It is not clear which shows will take place this year. I have a couple of local shows (within 15 miles of me) and maybe the official GPC weigh off in Southampton, which is about 115 miles away. I'm hoping to produce something for the scales, and my PB is 407 lbs, so that's my target.
 
Saturday, April 24 View Page
Seed starting day, spanning 5 years, so some may not germinate. I have 3 planting sites, so I'm hoping to grow 1 squash and 2 big orange AGs.
 
Tuesday, April 27 View Page
First to germinate are 2 of the 613 White 2017.
 
Wednesday, April 28 View Page
Next up are 2 1085.8* Oliver 2018, and a 613 Oliver 2019
 
Wednesday, April 28 View Page
One 2269 Paton 2017 and a 480 Smith 2018 also germinated.
 
Saturday, May 1 View Page
3 planting sites prepped today, calcified seaweed, lime, alpaca manure and compost added. I've never used alpaca manure before, apparently it doesn't need to rot down before use. It's worth a try.
 
Sunday, May 9 View Page
5 of my AGs are doing well, only 1 squash made it up through the potting soil, and does not look healthy. This year my germination rates have not been as successful as I hoped for, mainly due to my not having an airing cupboard anymore (my boiler got condemned and replaced earlier this year....) so my use of the spare bedroom window sill is obviously not as reliable. I shall have to rethink for next year. I also have a relaxed work competition happening for tall sunflowers, and my colleagues are doing MUCH better than me, this is my best sunflower... 12 days after sowing.
 
Sunday, May 9 View Page
Potted up are two 614 Whites, 2269 Paton, 480 Smith and 613 Oliver.
 
Monday, May 31 View Page
Planting out day. 2x 614 Whites (2020). Covered with an open ended cloche.
 
Monday, May 31 View Page
A 480 Smith (2016). Grown just 20 miles away from me in the town of Ware. I've already called her 'Sarah Jane'.
 
Monday, May 31 View Page
The 2269 Paton (2017) gets the third planting site.
 
Wednesday, June 16 View Page
Today I culled the weaker of the two 614 White.
 

 

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