Hello, well these last few days have been a bit of a roller-coaster for us.
If you’ve got a pet you’ll know how much a dog really means to you, they find a place in your heart & become part of your family. Bonnie is my constant companion, part of the rhythm of my day, but I was still surprised how much my emotions were ambushed when she was really ill last week. Thankfully she’s gradually on the mend & we’re looking forward to bringing her home in a few days.
Bonnie checking out the new paving a few days before she became ill
Fortunately the work going on in our garden has been a welcome distraction, & amongst other changes we have six new raised vegetable beds, replacing at least half of the grass that was there before.
vegetable beds made from oak sleepers
This is where we’ll grow our vegetables, instead of having an allotment. We won’t be able to grow as many, but that’s quite a relief because I seemed unable to stop myself from filling the available space & growing far too much [don’t you wish you could buy half -size seed packets] …. & then I had to find ways of using it all up. At least now I’ll be restrained by space.
looking forward to growing swiss chard again, it’s such a pretty vegetable
box of delights from the allotment
beetroot from the allotment last year
Although I’ve missed the main growing season for this year, I’ll be sowing seeds like Rocket, Mibuna, Corn Salad & Mizuna this month for hardy salad leaves that’ll grow through the winter. I’ll leave space for planting garlic and broad beans in a few weeks.
I’ll sow green manure in any bare soil, it’s a fabulous crop, grown just to improve the soil ready for plants next year. Some green manures add nutrients to the soil, & the plants also act as a kind of living mulch, suppressing weeds & making habitats for beneficial insects. The plants are simply dug back into the soil in early spring ready to benefit next years plants.
What vegetable seeds are you sowing this month?
Jill
all photos: Jill Anderson
It’s ridiculous how excited I get watching other people’s kitchen garden transformations 😉 but anyway, I do, it’s how I am! It’s all looking brilliant Jill. I’m busy planning my Autumn/winter beds, it’s a bit tricky as the summer crops haven’t yet finished, but I’ve new plants that need to be in the ground. It’s all a bit plate spinning actually, well veg bed spinning! 😉 xxx
I’m glad you’re enjoying the changes to our garden Amanda, & thank you for your kind comments! I’m sure I’ll have the same veg bed spinning issues too, because you can’t always judge exactly how quickly/slowly plants grow.Btw your garden is looking great x
And I’m really pleased Bonnie is on the mend 🙂 xxx
Aah thanks! We’re visiting her today, haven’t seen her since Saturday …. there may be tears! x
Your garden looks amazing and I think the decision to limit what you grow by the space in the sleeper beds is a great idea because it will make you more productive and thoughtful about what you grow and use. Get well soon Bonnie.
Thank you Nicola, I hope it works out, I just put as many raised beds in as there was space for. I just need to curb my enthusiasm & be more ruthless….which is never easy for me!