Author Archives: james

Swimming, 20th October 2020

Almost didn’t make it to the session today. Unintentionally I left home late and then was stuck behind a van being driven very slowly for the first couple of miles, then behind a heavily-laden articulated lorry with a trailer, also … Continue reading

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Veg plot 2021: Going “no dig” in the polytunnel?

I’ve been pondering today on switching to “no dig” in the polytunnel. It’s a 30’x14′ tunnel containing eight 6’x4′ beds with wooden sides, several of which are rotting away and should ideally be replaced this winter. However, I’m thinking that … Continue reading

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Swimming, 19th October 2020

Only five people in the pool today so it was very quiet, but the really good news is that the bridge that has been closed since the start of September has now opened once again meaning a much easier drive … Continue reading

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Veg plot 2020: Winter salads

Today I transplanted the last of the salad leaves that I’m attempting to keep alive through the winter in the greenhouse. These were a mustard called “Pizzo” which took me a little longer to get hold of than the rest … Continue reading

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Veg plot 2020: (Almost) the last of the tomatoes

Yesterday afternoon I picked over all of our non-cherry tomato plants to collect all the ripe/mostly ripe ones which are apparently going to be made into soup, and the green ones that will be made into chutney, so this is … Continue reading

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Would you like some dinner with your roast parsnip?

Whilst I appreciate that it can be fun and a challenge, growing monster-size vegetables isn’t really my thing. My primary goal in growing vegetables is to produce a harvest that tastes excellent and I don’t tend to concern myself with … Continue reading

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Swimming, 16th October 2020

Another very quiet day at the pool. There were only six people in my entire session and we ended up swimming one per lane line. My arms really weren’t in the best state for swimming — I think the switch … Continue reading

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Veg plot 2020: One last picking of the chiles

This afternoon I’ve taken all the remaining chiles off the plants. They’re not going to get any more ripe now. We’ve done really well this year though, so I’m not complaining. I’ve not weighed them all, but in this basket … Continue reading

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Veg plot 2021: More onions planted out

Almost the last of the onions to be planted out, these. I have a few left from some seed I found after sowing the main batches that aren’t quite big enough yet. These ones are brown onions, Bedfordshire Champion if … Continue reading

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Veg plot 2020: Last of the courgettes

My wife harvested what will probably be the last of the courgettes for dinner this evening. What is left on the plants aren’t really growing any more and are getting nibbled by the wildlife. I think it’s probably time to … Continue reading

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