Finally got round to planting out the Kale (just the purple ones). Also planted out Monarda that I got from Hardy’s at the Wisley flower show. It was quite a laugh, although we weren’t really there for long enough, but never mind. The voting for best flower arrangement was a particular hit. And I managed to restrain myself to ONE plant and a couple of packets of seed. And proper Epsom salts for the raspberries, which have now had their first dose. They are fruiting very well so far, although the yellowing between veins is still present.
We’ve had a couple more people have a look at the “pond”, which is now utterly horrific, overgrown with grass and yuck; still waiting for the quote…
Florence fennel is a pathetic disappointment. Most of the beans are over now, a few odd runners to come. Have ripped out the cucumbers, they went all mildewy and the fruits weren’t growing. There is a huge global artichoke, have had to fight the black fly off this one. Apples have been lovely, big and very juicy. Strawberries are still carrying on, although there is increasing evidence of weevil damage. Sungold tomatoes have been great, and got one or two good ones off the Black Krym, the rest went down with blight. Can’t get through the one tiny row of beetroot, have to give it away.
Overall, looking quite lush and healthy, but badly in need of more weeding, clearing and tidying. The new compost bin is buzzing with fruit flies, which is not great, but hopefully will settle down soon. Have started using the contents of the old one. And have got nearly a dozen packets of seed waiting to sow. This is worse than the spring! Just picking and watering and feeding takes up all the daily time, sigh.