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Some listeners have expressed an interest in hearing the program in the old format, i.e. World Music. So in addition to my programs of Folk, Americana and Indie music I will be presenting ethnic & fusion music from around the world.
This week: Joiking/Dance/Latin Beat from Norway? Aint no such animal. Oh, but there is! Also music from Ethiopia, Algeria, China, Taiwan, Turkey, India and Croatia. Take a listen at: www.tinyurl.com/radiouppergalilee |
Something about the Blog Author
- Arik
- London, United Kingdom
- I arrived in Israel just before the age of 16 I lived there for 22 years most of the time on Kibbutz working mainly in agriculture and a year spent working in a school for children with learning difficulties. I returned to the UK in 1987 At first I worked as a careworker and after gaining a place at a college in Hull I studied for two years gaining a teaching certificate qualifying me to teach adults with learning difficulties. I returned to London and gained a post working as a support worker for Mencap. I moved onto work at a Daycentre for people with learning difficulties. 17 years ago I established a horticultural project in close proximity to the daycentre for adults with learning disabilities which enabled people to gain horticultural and life skills in a work based environment. We grew vegetables and sold them locally. During this time I was coached, for a number of years, by a leading horticulturalist and RHS examiner in the area of growing vegetables. I also co-established with another colleague, a counselling service for adults with learning disabilities. I have an Advanced Diploma in Counselling and more recently in Life Coaching. I am now retired.
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
News from Menachem Vinogra founder of Jacobs Ladder Folk Festival, israel
Sunday, 29 April 2012
In particular you might want to take a look at one of her latest songs written by her 'Android'.
www.facebook.com/people/Tanya-Seifert/
Tanya's Music Channel! (Utube)
Sunday, 22 April 2012
There are now new pages on this blog. By clicking on the pages link on the right hand side you will find
Page 1: Our man';in Canada (New po
On page 2 An article on Democracy in th EU.
On page 4 You will find an article on the Chinese Internal Martial Arts by paul brecher and a brand new article by Paul Bou on ; The geo politics of the Middle east.
On Page 5: You will find updates from Jacobs Ladder Folk Festival.
I have now added page 1a which has a comment on current affairs. It is not usual for me to make a comment but I felt that I couldn't let this pass. My first article which is an answer to the accusations that Israel is an apartheid state.
Page 1: Our man';in Canada (New po
On page 2 An article on Democracy in th EU.
On page 4 You will find an article on the Chinese Internal Martial Arts by paul brecher and a brand new article by Paul Bou on ; The geo politics of the Middle east.
On Page 5: You will find updates from Jacobs Ladder Folk Festival.
I have now added page 1a which has a comment on current affairs. It is not usual for me to make a comment but I felt that I couldn't let this pass. My first article which is an answer to the accusations that Israel is an apartheid state.
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Jacobs Ladder Folk Festival - Ginnosar Israel
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This is going to be one heck of a festival for blues lovers http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KXyPxktt6iU "Rocky Butte" by Delmark Goldfarb www.youtube.com
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Friday, 20 January 2012
Plot News
9th October 2011
Great news unexpectedly I moved onto the plot! This is what it looks like!
. One of the sections of the plot before I started. Further on in the season when I had both sections of
the plot. At the front Onions and garlic have been
sown.
9th October 2011
Great news unexpectedly I moved onto the plot!
12th October 2011.
It has been quite a job dealing with the soil which was compacted. I haved used a mattock (pickaxe) to break through and in the process pulled out sackloads of rubbish including metal bars! I then turned the soil over. As there was free recyled compost available I wheelbarrowed it down and covered the first part of the plot. The following day I sowed onion sets and a row of chard seedlings. I will keep you posted.
17th October 2011
Things are changing at a rapid pace. The first half is full on Japanese onions, elephant garlic and regular garlic. There is also a cupboard for tools.
31rst October 2011
A lot has happened since I last wrote. Half the plot has been covered with manure. The culti-tent which I erected over a week ago is full at the moment with oriental veg (which is just peeping through) and pots of broadbean seed. I have also panted a grape vine along the side of the plot. Some spring cabbage have been planted and also globe artichoke.
5th Nov I have almost turned in all the manure.
16th November 2011
Good News! I now have the adjacent section to my plot. Two thirds of which is already covered with manure (the supply ran out and i have started to cover it with compost. Unfortunately I have sustained a foot injury which should heal soon but by then the supply of compost may well have run out. That wikk mean waiting until December. I have some Broadbeans in pots which I will plant out after I see enough growth. I have also planted a semi hardy banana plant for the decorative effect. I have also ordered a cordon apple type for planting on the plot. That's all for now
26th November 2011
I rotavated my plot yesterday with my new rotovator it's all looking good and the soil is taking on a dark colour. I think I will look for more garlic to sow
3rd December 2011
Visted the site today and joined a meeting which was mainly aimed at disabled people to encourage them to be involved in growing vegetables the result of an initiative by Andrew a veteran plotholder. Raised bed have been built onsite for that purpose. I offered to support the project as I have a plot closeby and have some experience in the field. I was asked by one lady who has signed up for a raised bed whether I would water for her as she felt she wouldn't be able to lift a watering can. As I didn't see my role being in that capacity but more for emergencies and that it's really about enabling people I suggested an alternative (which is not allowed on the rest of the site) drip irrigation. I explained that I have wide experience in the field (due to Israeli background) and have used it widely, here in the UK. I also explained that I could easily source the pipes as I knew the companies that deal with it. Andrew's wife suggested that people could 'club together and order a roll'.
Time was getting on and I managed some work on my own plot. I had brought with me a rounded pliable raised bed which had tiers. I originally used it in our garden for growing lettuces on levels. I filled up at the backend of the plot with compost and manure and planted strawberries in the lower section. I went on to sow Radar onion sets. I stood on an old iron grating so as not to compact the earth. I managed to almost finish a pack but by then it was just too dark to continue I have said I will add some photos. There are also broad beans aquadulce that have been sown
9th December 2011
I visited the site to plant a cordon apple tree which I planted at an angle. This should encourage growth from the side.
I will soon be mentioning my voluntary work at Akiva Prinmary School. They have a series of raised beds. Prior to my garden they had already done some fine work but quite a few beds were neglected. I have cleared these
23rd December 2011
I have been on the plot today and built a box for compost. The travel wheel of my new rotovator bent while I move to another plot to another plot to help someone else. I phoned the company and they said they would replace it. After a number of attempts to remind them I could see they weren't going to. The rotovator is on guarantee! Yesterday i took it to a local welder whom i recommend Lorrie in Bunns Lane Mill Hill. He told me that he could see how flimsy the design is. We both thought it best to straighten in and add a supporting bar. This was all done at very reasonable cost. Today i placed it back on the rotovatorand I am pleased to say it looks 'the business. The Radar Onions which I sowed rather late are not yet showing but the Japanese onions are shooting up.
27 December 2011
I planted Shallots today. A bit early but the weather is so mild. I still had lots of energy so I did some edging on two sides of the plot at the same time creating a mini trench on one side to aid drainage. Banged in some posts either side of the compost box to strengthen it.
16th January 2011
There haven't been many entries lately but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy. Since the arrival of the recycled compost I have moved a fair amount of the compost. The last few days have been taken up with constructing the walkin netted tunnel. It's now finished (photos to follow). I will use it for growing brassicae..
I mentioned earlier that I have been working as a volunteer ar Akiva Primary School. The garden with raised beds was initiated by the parents. When I started the garden had some vegetables and bulbs but some beds were heavily overgrown with weeds. There is more order now.
.
22nd March 2012
I planted my early potatoes the other day and two short rows of carrots in a gap between to patches of of onions. I thought this might help deter the carrot fly. Today I planted Oca which has a similarity to potatoe. A trial run. I also sowed some brassicae seed in a nursery bed inside the netted tunnel. They will later be transplanted within the tunnel. Terry was kind enough to give me a parafin heater for my Culti tent so now I can bring seedlings from home. I also managed to tease R who was on his plot by text messages. It's normally the other round. I also brought down two more wheelbarrows of recycled compost and then called it a day.
25th march 2012
I forgot to mention that I picked two crops from mature brassicae plants which I transferred from elsewhere to my new plot. It was a risk as usually mature plants usually suffer from transplanting. The risk payed off and I harves mini kale leaves and tree cabbage leaves. I als picked some wild garlec leaves which is growing adjacent to my plot. Tomorrow all being well I will be on the plot sowing such thing as chard, carrots etc., and then I will cover with fleece as the nights are still rather cool.
28th March 2012
Today after a stint at Akiva School weeding and working with two groups who practised watering. I went to the plot. After filling two water barrels before the hosepipe ban. I sowed a row of celeriac and root parsley. I went onto water and harvest some veg which I shall give as a gift.
30th March 2012
I sowed some onion sets on the right hand section of the onion patch. Whereas the left side looks great the right side was a later planting of a different type with many gaps. I also dug oout onion seedlings from the sparse rows and filled up other rows so that they were full. A horticulturalist would most likely say that this was not good practise but i thought i would have a go anyway. I also freed up space for a batch of kelsae onion seedlings which i ordered as these are meant to be monsters! I then covered the area (with a net) in which I sowed onion sets to keep the birds off.
2nd April 2012
T asked me to help him with constructing a polytunnel for the association and then I transferred some broadbeans which I had originally sown on a fellow allotmenteer's plot onto my own plot. It remains to be seen if they will take. I also experimented by planting some courgette plants and then covering them with a cloche and fleece. I am not concerned if they do get affected by a cold snap as i have plenty more seedlings. I will stop now
3rd April 2012
Broadbeans are looking a bit deflated. I hope the rain will help them. I also poured on loads of water. Moved a few things around, added a few loads of compost onto the ground in the tunnel. I am thinking of purchasing a polytunnel to run along the back of the plot. I will use the culti tent as an extra.
I sowed a lot of seed at home an placed them in the propagators and sowed spanish black radish in the raised bed on the patio near the dining room. The onions in the raised bed on the other side look huge. I also discovered some brassicae seedlings in compost I had thrown into a large pot outside. They looked excellent so I transplanted them into tray sections. Shows how rebust they are considering we had frost.
22/4 dug over the soil at the back or the culti tunnel and further clearing the weed. I then rotivated. I moved the culti tunnel and tool cupboard back leaving a space for a grass path. I dug over in front of the tunnel, rotivated, spread recycled compost on the area in front and on early potatoes that are showing through.
I also weeded some rows of onions.
At home in the conservatory I construct a frame to hold the grafted cucumber which were purchased. Some are growing at a fast pace. One of the grafted tomato plants is showing it's first flower. That all for now
30th April 2011
I was on the plot today. I was there on Friday too. Amongst other thing I sowed a mix of cherokee beans, climbing French beans and runer beans Emilia. Some would consider this a bit early. If needs be I will protect them with cloches.
13th May 2012
I have not really found time recently to fill in The Plot diary. I have also been away which is a better excuse. Today i hoed up the potatoes. The salad leaf will soon be ready. I thinned out the row. I also sprayed a foliar feed produced by a company called Viresco which is said to promote positive bacteria. I used another of their product. I already have fully grown tomato, cucumber and aubergine in our conservatory. the Tomatoes an Cucumbers are ready to fruit.
19th May 2012
Brief Visit to water especially the block of salad thinings which I had planted in a block as was a practice of the late George Hamilton. Watered and spread chicken maure pellets. My wife accompanied me on this occasion and said how great the plot is looking. It was really nice to hear. I recently received similar comments from two veteran plotholders. Just to mention there will be a plant sale on the 27th May at the allotment site. Gordon Road Allotments, off Nether Street Finchley Central.
21rst May 2012
I don't always list my visits especially when it's just a cursory visit. today involved a great deal of sowing; Fennel, Pak Choy, Sweet Corn ( a few plants as I am running out of space), Leek seedlings _ I dibbed them in between the potaoes, which is something I haven't done before. They were planted in the trench between the potatoes. My theory is that soil will fall onto the WHITE STEMS OF THE leeks thus doing the work for me. Finished digging over a section for the courgettes. Finished off watering everything except the onions.
2nd June 2012
It's not always possible to keep up my plot diary. Recently i planted some courgettes on the plot and they started off looking quite miserable since then they have picked up. The whole plot is looking really good. Yesterday i took recycled compost to my plot for a small area that I recently dug over.
Great news unexpectedly I moved onto the plot! This is what it looks like!
the plot. At the front Onions and garlic have been
sown.
9th October 2011
Great news unexpectedly I moved onto the plot!
12th October 2011.
It has been quite a job dealing with the soil which was compacted. I haved used a mattock (pickaxe) to break through and in the process pulled out sackloads of rubbish including metal bars! I then turned the soil over. As there was free recyled compost available I wheelbarrowed it down and covered the first part of the plot. The following day I sowed onion sets and a row of chard seedlings. I will keep you posted.
17th October 2011
Things are changing at a rapid pace. The first half is full on Japanese onions, elephant garlic and regular garlic. There is also a cupboard for tools.
31rst October 2011
A lot has happened since I last wrote. Half the plot has been covered with manure. The culti-tent which I erected over a week ago is full at the moment with oriental veg (which is just peeping through) and pots of broadbean seed. I have also panted a grape vine along the side of the plot. Some spring cabbage have been planted and also globe artichoke.
5th Nov I have almost turned in all the manure.
16th November 2011
Good News! I now have the adjacent section to my plot. Two thirds of which is already covered with manure (the supply ran out and i have started to cover it with compost. Unfortunately I have sustained a foot injury which should heal soon but by then the supply of compost may well have run out. That wikk mean waiting until December. I have some Broadbeans in pots which I will plant out after I see enough growth. I have also planted a semi hardy banana plant for the decorative effect. I have also ordered a cordon apple type for planting on the plot. That's all for now
26th November 2011
I rotavated my plot yesterday with my new rotovator it's all looking good and the soil is taking on a dark colour. I think I will look for more garlic to sow
3rd December 2011
Visted the site today and joined a meeting which was mainly aimed at disabled people to encourage them to be involved in growing vegetables the result of an initiative by Andrew a veteran plotholder. Raised bed have been built onsite for that purpose. I offered to support the project as I have a plot closeby and have some experience in the field. I was asked by one lady who has signed up for a raised bed whether I would water for her as she felt she wouldn't be able to lift a watering can. As I didn't see my role being in that capacity but more for emergencies and that it's really about enabling people I suggested an alternative (which is not allowed on the rest of the site) drip irrigation. I explained that I have wide experience in the field (due to Israeli background) and have used it widely, here in the UK. I also explained that I could easily source the pipes as I knew the companies that deal with it. Andrew's wife suggested that people could 'club together and order a roll'.
Time was getting on and I managed some work on my own plot. I had brought with me a rounded pliable raised bed which had tiers. I originally used it in our garden for growing lettuces on levels. I filled up at the backend of the plot with compost and manure and planted strawberries in the lower section. I went on to sow Radar onion sets. I stood on an old iron grating so as not to compact the earth. I managed to almost finish a pack but by then it was just too dark to continue I have said I will add some photos. There are also broad beans aquadulce that have been sown
9th December 2011
I visited the site to plant a cordon apple tree which I planted at an angle. This should encourage growth from the side.
I will soon be mentioning my voluntary work at Akiva Prinmary School. They have a series of raised beds. Prior to my garden they had already done some fine work but quite a few beds were neglected. I have cleared these
23rd December 2011
I have been on the plot today and built a box for compost. The travel wheel of my new rotovator bent while I move to another plot to another plot to help someone else. I phoned the company and they said they would replace it. After a number of attempts to remind them I could see they weren't going to. The rotovator is on guarantee! Yesterday i took it to a local welder whom i recommend Lorrie in Bunns Lane Mill Hill. He told me that he could see how flimsy the design is. We both thought it best to straighten in and add a supporting bar. This was all done at very reasonable cost. Today i placed it back on the rotovatorand I am pleased to say it looks 'the business. The Radar Onions which I sowed rather late are not yet showing but the Japanese onions are shooting up.
27 December 2011
I planted Shallots today. A bit early but the weather is so mild. I still had lots of energy so I did some edging on two sides of the plot at the same time creating a mini trench on one side to aid drainage. Banged in some posts either side of the compost box to strengthen it.
16th January 2011
There haven't been many entries lately but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy. Since the arrival of the recycled compost I have moved a fair amount of the compost. The last few days have been taken up with constructing the walkin netted tunnel. It's now finished (photos to follow). I will use it for growing brassicae..
.
16th January 2012 There haven't been many entries lately but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy. Since the arrival of the recycled compost I have moved a fair amount of the compost. The last few days have been taken up with constructing the walkin netted tunnel. It's now finished (photos to follow). I will use it for growing brassicae..
More news soon.
5th Feb 2012
The weather conditions have been too difficult to even consider gong to the plot and as it is I have completed everything I intended. The last time I was on the plot was Saturday. I secures some gaps in the newly erected netted tunnel and also emptied some more recycled compost on the plot.
At home I sowed some broccoli, Brussels sprouts and though it's still a bit early I also sowed some tomato seed. It was interesting to note some tomato seedlings in one of the large pots in the conservatory which contain some of the more of the more weather sensitive varieties of banana.
13 th Feb 2012
Visited the plot today. My new netted tunnel has collaspsed under the weight of the snow. I tool it apart and will rebuilt it with extra supports
15th Feb 2012
I was back on the plot this afternoon. Not having many light hours left I raced down to the plot with a wheelbarrow full of recycled compost. ladder and tools. I thought I would remeasure and place the supporting stakes. I was surprised how fast the process went and put back half the hoops with some extra supports. I am waiting got a letter from the suppliers of the tunnel with advice on how to improve the tunnel so that it can withstand a snow avalanche.
17th Feb 2012
I returned this afternoon to the plot Terry, fellow plotholder kindly gave me some longer metal poles to secure the tunnel hoops but I am still in need of more poles or wood of 2 mtre length so if there is anyone out there with some. Unfortunately my car is too small. to collect them. I climbed up a ladder and kncoked them in occasionally being caleed by Roy, another fellow plotholder at first offering me a sledge hammer. I thanked him and said I was OK with my club hammer. He then called again saying I was making too much noise. He said he was trying to sunbathe on his plot. I sauggested that the only way to keep down the noise was if he were to offer his head for banging in the poles. He didn't seem to think it was a good idea.
I put on the side netting and secured it and just draped the top section over the top as I hope the extra poles will materialize. I also ran some wire down from some of the hoops to pegs that had been pushed into the soil.
Just an update that the tunnel is up and ready to go with a lot of strong supports.I have also been doing quite a bit of sowing at home in the conservatory. I have also decided to graft some of the branches of an apple tree in our garden as it currently produces cooking apples which can be a bit sour. I have all the resources except the live material. I am looking around for someone with an apple tree with sweet apples so that I acan tak some young shoots as graft material.
16th March 2011
I haven't updated for a while but that is because I have been so busy on and off the plot. At home I have been sowing a wide range of seed from tomatoes to cabbages in the propagators and after an initial problem with compost they are germinating well. On the plot I have been adding more recycled compost. I plated some beetroot seedlings, sowed parsnips and some Afgani leeks given to me by the wife of the man who owns the local laundromat. They oriniginate from that area. I have also done some seed swops with another plotholder R with whom we have had lots of chats. Both of us have had army experience and R knows quite a bit about growing unusual veg. I have already sowed some chinese squash and some other beans that i received from him. In general the exchange of information with plotholders is extremely informative.
New tunnel for Brassicae
Raised Beds have been erected on my allotment site, Gordon Road, N12 (off Nether Street, Finchley Central) . These are for the use of physically disabled people only. Some have already been rented out but some are still available. The raised beds are quite long enabling them to be divided up into smaller sections. People need ing extra support would need to come with support workers. There is vehicle access right up to the raised beds. There are good onsite facilities such as rooms for making tea and coposting toilet.. We receive regular deliveries of recycled compost and manure at certain times of the year. For all information and questions please email Andrew Brown:
5th Feb 2012
The weather conditions have been too difficult to even consider gong to the plot and as it is I have completed everything I intended. The last time I was on the plot was Saturday. I secures some gaps in the newly erected netted tunnel and also emptied some more recycled compost on the plot.
At home I sowed some broccoli, Brussels sprouts and though it's still a bit early I also sowed some tomato seed. It was interesting to note some tomato seedlings in one of the large pots in the conservatory which contain some of the more of the more weather sensitive varieties of banana.
13 th Feb 2012
Visited the plot today. My new netted tunnel has collaspsed under the weight of the snow. I tool it apart and will rebuilt it with extra supports
15th Feb 2012
I was back on the plot this afternoon. Not having many light hours left I raced down to the plot with a wheelbarrow full of recycled compost. ladder and tools. I thought I would remeasure and place the supporting stakes. I was surprised how fast the process went and put back half the hoops with some extra supports. I am waiting got a letter from the suppliers of the tunnel with advice on how to improve the tunnel so that it can withstand a snow avalanche.
17th Feb 2012
I returned this afternoon to the plot Terry, fellow plotholder kindly gave me some longer metal poles to secure the tunnel hoops but I am still in need of more poles or wood of 2 mtre length so if there is anyone out there with some. Unfortunately my car is too small. to collect them. I climbed up a ladder and kncoked them in occasionally being caleed by Roy, another fellow plotholder at first offering me a sledge hammer. I thanked him and said I was OK with my club hammer. He then called again saying I was making too much noise. He said he was trying to sunbathe on his plot. I sauggested that the only way to keep down the noise was if he were to offer his head for banging in the poles. He didn't seem to think it was a good idea.
I put on the side netting and secured it and just draped the top section over the top as I hope the extra poles will materialize. I also ran some wire down from some of the hoops to pegs that had been pushed into the soil.
Just an update that the tunnel is up and ready to go with a lot of strong supports.I have also been doing quite a bit of sowing at home in the conservatory. I have also decided to graft some of the branches of an apple tree in our garden as it currently produces cooking apples which can be a bit sour. I have all the resources except the live material. I am looking around for someone with an apple tree with sweet apples so that I acan tak some young shoots as graft material.
16th March 2011
I haven't updated for a while but that is because I have been so busy on and off the plot. At home I have been sowing a wide range of seed from tomatoes to cabbages in the propagators and after an initial problem with compost they are germinating well. On the plot I have been adding more recycled compost. I plated some beetroot seedlings, sowed parsnips and some Afgani leeks given to me by the wife of the man who owns the local laundromat. They oriniginate from that area. I have also done some seed swops with another plotholder R with whom we have had lots of chats. Both of us have had army experience and R knows quite a bit about growing unusual veg. I have already sowed some chinese squash and some other beans that i received from him. In general the exchange of information with plotholders is extremely informative.
22nd March 2012
I planted my early potatoes the other day and two short rows of carrots in a gap between to patches of of onions. I thought this might help deter the carrot fly. Today I planted Oca which has a similarity to potatoe. A trial run. I also sowed some brassicae seed in a nursery bed inside the netted tunnel. They will later be transplanted within the tunnel. Terry was kind enough to give me a parafin heater for my Culti tent so now I can bring seedlings from home. I also managed to tease R who was on his plot by text messages. It's normally the other round. I also brought down two more wheelbarrows of recycled compost and then called it a day.
25th march 2012
I forgot to mention that I picked two crops from mature brassicae plants which I transferred from elsewhere to my new plot. It was a risk as usually mature plants usually suffer from transplanting. The risk payed off and I harves mini kale leaves and tree cabbage leaves. I als picked some wild garlec leaves which is growing adjacent to my plot. Tomorrow all being well I will be on the plot sowing such thing as chard, carrots etc., and then I will cover with fleece as the nights are still rather cool.
28th March 2012
Today after a stint at Akiva School weeding and working with two groups who practised watering. I went to the plot. After filling two water barrels before the hosepipe ban. I sowed a row of celeriac and root parsley. I went onto water and harvest some veg which I shall give as a gift.
30th March 2012
I sowed some onion sets on the right hand section of the onion patch. Whereas the left side looks great the right side was a later planting of a different type with many gaps. I also dug oout onion seedlings from the sparse rows and filled up other rows so that they were full. A horticulturalist would most likely say that this was not good practise but i thought i would have a go anyway. I also freed up space for a batch of kelsae onion seedlings which i ordered as these are meant to be monsters! I then covered the area (with a net) in which I sowed onion sets to keep the birds off.
2nd April 2012
T asked me to help him with constructing a polytunnel for the association and then I transferred some broadbeans which I had originally sown on a fellow allotmenteer's plot onto my own plot. It remains to be seen if they will take. I also experimented by planting some courgette plants and then covering them with a cloche and fleece. I am not concerned if they do get affected by a cold snap as i have plenty more seedlings. I will stop now
3rd April 2012
Broadbeans are looking a bit deflated. I hope the rain will help them. I also poured on loads of water. Moved a few things around, added a few loads of compost onto the ground in the tunnel. I am thinking of purchasing a polytunnel to run along the back of the plot. I will use the culti tent as an extra.
I sowed a lot of seed at home an placed them in the propagators and sowed spanish black radish in the raised bed on the patio near the dining room. The onions in the raised bed on the other side look huge. I also discovered some brassicae seedlings in compost I had thrown into a large pot outside. They looked excellent so I transplanted them into tray sections. Shows how rebust they are considering we had frost.
22/4 dug over the soil at the back or the culti tunnel and further clearing the weed. I then rotivated. I moved the culti tunnel and tool cupboard back leaving a space for a grass path. I dug over in front of the tunnel, rotivated, spread recycled compost on the area in front and on early potatoes that are showing through.
I also weeded some rows of onions.
At home in the conservatory I construct a frame to hold the grafted cucumber which were purchased. Some are growing at a fast pace. One of the grafted tomato plants is showing it's first flower. That all for now
30th April 2011
I was on the plot today. I was there on Friday too. Amongst other thing I sowed a mix of cherokee beans, climbing French beans and runer beans Emilia. Some would consider this a bit early. If needs be I will protect them with cloches.
13th May 2012
I have not really found time recently to fill in The Plot diary. I have also been away which is a better excuse. Today i hoed up the potatoes. The salad leaf will soon be ready. I thinned out the row. I also sprayed a foliar feed produced by a company called Viresco which is said to promote positive bacteria. I used another of their product. I already have fully grown tomato, cucumber and aubergine in our conservatory. the Tomatoes an Cucumbers are ready to fruit.
19th May 2012
Brief Visit to water especially the block of salad thinings which I had planted in a block as was a practice of the late George Hamilton. Watered and spread chicken maure pellets. My wife accompanied me on this occasion and said how great the plot is looking. It was really nice to hear. I recently received similar comments from two veteran plotholders. Just to mention there will be a plant sale on the 27th May at the allotment site. Gordon Road Allotments, off Nether Street Finchley Central.
21rst May 2012
I don't always list my visits especially when it's just a cursory visit. today involved a great deal of sowing; Fennel, Pak Choy, Sweet Corn ( a few plants as I am running out of space), Leek seedlings _ I dibbed them in between the potaoes, which is something I haven't done before. They were planted in the trench between the potatoes. My theory is that soil will fall onto the WHITE STEMS OF THE leeks thus doing the work for me. Finished digging over a section for the courgettes. Finished off watering everything except the onions.
2nd June 2012
It's not always possible to keep up my plot diary. Recently i planted some courgettes on the plot and they started off looking quite miserable since then they have picked up. The whole plot is looking really good. Yesterday i took recycled compost to my plot for a small area that I recently dug over.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Websites to look at for the New Year
A new year and new resolutions. I highly recommend taking a look at the sites of Lucy Seifert and Paul Brecher. details on the right hand side of this blog.
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