A Non Dig Day

When first contemplating the potential of plot 63, the area of land under consideration didn't appear that big, and a quick scout and then the drawing of a plan in terms of the proposed project, was organised on the basis of 'how difficult can that be?', we'll have this ship shape in no time.

After two weeks of constant digging, considerable assistance, and still we haven't dug the whole site, am beginning to realise that the plot was far bigger than the initial wander considered. It's a slightly different thing doing rather than the initial imagining, and the task somewhat bigger than perhaps I had given credibility to, If it were not for Peter, Darryl, Karen and various other offers of assistance, not to mention our neighbour Chris (who must imagine what on earth did i let myself into) goodness knows how little would actually have been achieved.

Today however, was to be a non dig day, on the basis that we ought to plant something on the allotment and their were various other items to complete on the'To Do' List.

Our good neighbour - who is now looking to move - completed the potting bench to die for by adding a work surface, and then turned his attention to screwing down and securing the decking in front of the shed.



Whilst all this enterprise was taking place, several rows of potatoes were sown, including Second Earlies (Charlotte), Psycho Myra as I call them (Sarpo Mira), and some Desire. Much to my chagrin this required digging, which rather operated against the notion of a non dig day, but several considerable holes later, filled with manure, compost and the seed potatoes themselves, lunch was taken.



The Shed was offered a thorough coat of protective stain, as was the decking, before attention turned to the raised beds. Two already have strawberries, and the third has now been sown with 2 different carrot varieties, Sugersnax and Chanteney, plus two rows of Celtuce, an oriental vegetable that suggests both the leaves and the roots can be harvested.



With the weather closing in, a small area at the front of the plot behind the rather spartan display of pansies was sown with cornflower which is hoped will add some colour and interest to the front end of the site.



Whilst a fair number of jobs continue to be completed, the To Do list seemingly grows as more things are found either as a consequence of another job that has been completed or just the natural progress that is being made. A board with various To Do items is on display in the poly tunnel, and once again anyone that wishes to get involved and 'dig in' so to speak is more than welcome. Please contact Karen or Ray.