Springwatch returns to the TV tonight and reminded me that Spring is rapidly turning into Summer and we haven’t shown you what’s been happening on the veg patch for a while.
We’ve been digging and weeding and generally getting the soil ready to plant fruit and veg, and also, having fun in between the hard work. Some of us work harder than others 🙂
Some of us like climbing trees. This was a few weeks ago when the apple trees were in blossom.
The trees have now set tiny fruit.
We were lucky enough to win some new toys in the SCW raffle and so the kids play cricket…
…and toboganning in between the jobs.
The potatoes had to go in first, but the soil was still cold and wet so digging was no fun but we’re very pleased to say that they’ve all popped up now and are about to flower so we’ll have more digging to do in a few months when we dig up all those lovely potatoes.
The broad beans went in at around the same time
and since then they’ve grown taller and taller,
Joe is our yardstick,
until now, they tower over his head and have flowers on, which is great because flowers mean beans.
We’ve planted other kinds of beans too, the kind that climb up canes and if you climb up their beanstalks you’ll find giants.
Everyone seems to think the idea of leaving Joe inside the wire is very amusing. They all do it. You’d think he’d know better than to fall for it every time.
Lots of things are flowering.
Strawberries are nearly here.
The blackcurrants are small and green 🙂
Joe has noticed that Spring is in the air…
but others just like to climb fences.
Some things are already good to eat. These are our first radishes of the year.
The polytunnel was dug over and prepared for this year’s tomatoes.
And now we’re growing several varieties, including a heritage variety we’ve never grown before.
And we have back-ups ..
They’re all growing nicely and have given us another job to do. We go every evening to water them and check that we haven’t trapped any bees or butterflies in there.
The skies above the allotment are full of screeching and swooping Swifts
and it’s a joy to have them back. The bees are enjoying the Lavender and we’re enjoying the sun, and the Buttercups..
Some days though have been so hot that we have started the day at 7:00 am to beat the heat. Joe said he was willing to start that early but when it came to it, he seemed to need more sleep.
We all hope you have as much fun this Summer as we plan to do 🙂 x
softonsashadotcom 
This post makes me feel very envious of ‘The Good Life’ when I see just how much food you are able to grow for yourselves… as well as a pleasant reminder of just how much I did manage to plant and reap in my past better health and bigger garden days.
Unfortunately nowadays it takes me all of my time, strength and energy just to sow, plant and water my Runner Beans for myself and some of my family to enjoy in a couple of months time.
So lovely to see all your little helpers here happily getting on with those various and necessary tasks to ensure a good harvest.
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Runner beans are veg and flowers all in one so they’re a great thing to grow. I know you eat the pods too (I just shell them and freeze the beans) so they’re very rewarding. I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a couple of poorly weeks but I hope the sunshine will restore your strength and allow you to get out and enjoy your garden this summer. I’ll keep you posted on developments in mine if you’ll show me yours 🙂 xx
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What a lovely blog Linda, so enjoyable to see how the fruit and vegetables are growing, especially those beans! I love seeing your preparation for the tomatoes and hope the Heritage ones are a success, they are such pretty shades. I’m glad to see your winnings from the SCW raffle are being played with and had a chuckle thinking of poor Joe singing ‘Don’t Fence Me in’.
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Bless poor Joe, he has such an innocent, trusting soul 🙂 You’re right, the heritage ones are hopefully going to be a marbled red/yellow and their flavour gets a wonderful write-up so, we’ll suck it and see 🙂
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So lovely to see things coming to life. When I was small I loved helping my dad on our small holding. looks like the cricket set has gone down a treat, can’t wait to see what you produce this year.
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Neither can I, Theresa. You can’t count on anything. It could get blight, go to seed or get munched by slugs, but it will get me out in the fresh air so I’ll be happy x
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Glad to see you back! You are responsible for hooking me on on-line jigsaws, thanks to your lovely Sasha jigsaws. I really enjoy your stories and photos.
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Thank you Marijke, I’ll try to add a jigsaw every week x
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Love your stories. You certainly have green fingers too
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Beautiful garden! And what a lovely helpers you have!
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