Maybe it is time to throw in the trowel? I was told today that my 'efforts' at the allotment are like trying to re-invent the wheel; but that the plot next door to mine was in good order and under control. So I guess that is a vote against my attempts and progress to clear and plant up the unruly patch that I took over in February. To me the potatoes, salad and peas that we have been eating for the last month have been worth the time and work I have put in because it has been something I have enjoyed doing, and I enjoy cooking and eating the food that I have grown. Of course I could have (if I could have afforded to ) just paid someone to do the growing for me. Or bought organic vegetables in one of the supermarkets. But then I would not have had the pleasure of planing, planting and being at the allotment. Each to his or her own and if I want to waste some of my time on this earth digging,weeding and sowing seeds then what does it matter if other people do not understand the reasons or logic of it. So I guess I will be battling the brambles and digging them out again soon.

Today, I just dug out enough potatoes for a couple of meals, picked mixed leaves for salads and about twenty peas. If I can I want to sow the green manure seeds soon, once the earlies are out.

Later I potted-on the lavender seedlings that I have grown from a out of date 5p packet of seeds. The seedlings are less than an inch tall yet still smell of lavender when you touch them; which surprised me.