Grow Your Own Magazine

Can't believe it's nearly Christmas. Went to the lottie yesterday, with grandson in tow. Bitterly cold most places, but the lottment site is sheltered and the sun was out so it was bearable. Planted out Aquadulce broad beans (sown in cold greenhouse in cell trays). Also the Solent Wight garlic and overwintering Jap onions (also sown in cell trays).

On returning home, whilst feeding the guinea pigs I noticed that the daffs have started growing in the shady (woodland) border. ...

rustylady

Saturday was really cold, spent time putting a new floor into the new guinea pig run. Sunday went to the lottie after waiting for daughter and grandchildren. Managed to clear the runner bean haulms and burnt some of the dry(ish) bramble stems and perennial weeds. Days are so short now - roll on Spring.

rustylady

Really cold today, minimum temp last night minus 1, but daytime only got to 5. Did a bit of tidying up in the garden, then decided to build the floor for the new guinea pig run. Just as cold in the workshop, but finally got it done. No major problems and I hope it will work well. Broad beans still in cell trays in the greenhouse, good germination but can't plant them out while it's this cold. Some rain today, hope it's dry tomorrow - if so will try to get to the lottie.

rustylady

Minus 1 recorded on the max/min thermometer on the apple tree. The grass was a bit crunchy and the dahlias have now officially had it. Cut them down and dug up the MASSIVE tuber of the one I wasn't impressed with. Tidied the big border in front of the greenhouse, cutting back all the dead topgrowth of the gypsophila, raked more leaves and put into another black sack for leafmould. That's 4 bags so far, but I've noticed that one of them has daughter's name on it!! Cut back some of the tall shoots...

rustylady