Category Archives: Veg plot

No dig diary, 12th February 2024

Posted on February 12, 2024 by james

Running out of heated propagation space is starting to look inevitable, so today I have cleared some space in the house for my “backup” propagators. One of them is definitely looking rather sad and could really do with a replacement … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 11th February 2024

Posted on February 11, 2024 by james

I had to go out and do some weeding today. The state of the veg beds was quite distressing, with Hairy Bittercress like this: and sycamore seedlings already out of the ground and growing away. I managed to get two … Continue reading →

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Memory Lane, 5th May 2022

Posted on February 11, 2024 by james

This is the first pineapple plant that actually survived when I tried to get it to produce roots in a jar of water, one year on. I suspect it has split into three separate plants, but information about pineapple propagation … Continue reading →

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Memory Lane, 4th May 2022 (last time!)

Posted on February 10, 2024 by james

This is how I have supported my broad beans for the last few years once they’ve been planted out. They seem to do really well which is lovely, but also it’s a problem because the strings just don’t do a … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 10th February 2024: How many?!

Posted on February 10, 2024 by james

When I dragged myself out of bed this morning the evidence of an overnight frost was there for all to see, but at least it was sunny and being outdoors appeared quite inviting regardless of the mud that keeps trying … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 9th February 2024: Bitter about the hairy cress?

Posted on February 9, 2024 by james

What is it with Hairy Bittercress? It’s an absolute pig to get rid of and seems to spread like crazy. I weeded my entire plot right at the end of August last year and normally that would be it until … Continue reading →

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Memory Lane, 4th May 2022 (again again): Oi! Sycamore! NO!

Posted on February 9, 2024 by james

Each spring, over several weeding sessions, I have to get rid of buckets full of sycamore seedlings that are trying to grow in the veggie plot. Thousands of them get absolutely everywhere. And when it’s not the keys (or more … Continue reading →

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Growing your own is too deer

Posted on February 9, 2024 by james

One of the bigger problems I have with “pests” in my veggie plot is the local roe deer. As I’ve posted before they’ll wander in and start noshing on whatever appeals to them, which is often what might appeal to … Continue reading →

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Memory Lane, 4th May 2022 (again): Bees a-bumbling

Posted on February 8, 2024 by james

My summer broccoli (or calabrese if you prefer) didn’t do very well in 2022. Or perhaps did rather too well, I’m not sure. It formed nice heads that just accelerated through “ready to pick” and charged on straight to flowering. … Continue reading →

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Cheap alternative to Charles Dowding’s module trays

Posted on February 8, 2024 by james

Charles Dowding has designed some lovely module trays for starting off his seedlings. I’d use them in a heartbeat. Unfortunately in the volume I’d use them, I really can’t justify the cost. I particularly like the fact that they have … Continue reading →

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