Saturday – 15 October 2016

Now autumn has arrived I find I spend more time checking the weather forecasts. The light disappears not long after the work day and so the opportunity to make a visit to the allotment throughout the week has diminished. My weather watching is now in hope of a dry weekend and the opportunity to spend some significant time at the allotment.

Saturday morning provided that opportunity. The forecast was for a wet afternoon and so significant or not, I was determined to spend some time at the plot.

I looked over some photos of the allotment taken in May. The plot had taken on good shape with the work I had put in over the wet winter months and I was proud of the achievement. Having a plan and sticking to it one step at a time really paid off.

If you have read my post Yea, I shall return with the tide, you will know the summer came with some personal setback. I spent some well needed time reflecting on my personal needs and coming to terms with the loss of my mam. It had finally caught up with me.

Although a lot of that time was spent at the allotment, it was more a personal retreat. And though I made progress, it was purposely slow and steady.

A few beds constructed, a harvest of onions, garlic, potatoes and strawberries. A late but successful crop of beetroot.

I have been impressed with the first year growth on the two Rhubarb plants and the Blueberries. Nothing to harvest this year but both have performed well. The blueberries look wonderful in their autumn clothes.

Getting married was a joyful event in September and following the honeymoon I was ready to dig deep at the allotment again and return to the blog.

The weeds have grown but then they always will. The structure of the beds and paths put in place earlier in the year will make the task of getting back on track for a new season much easier than last year.

I began that process. Some beds have been weeded and dug and I have topped up the paths with more woodchips. After just a few days of activity at the allotment, it’s beginning to take shape again and this is exciting.

I planted out our new season garlic. As the allotment garden starts to go to sleep, there is something special having the opportunity to get the hands dirty and put something into the soil and look forward to a new season.

Read my article: Why you should plant garlic this autumn

My plan is to continue to clear the existing beds of their weeds and to lay more woodchips to top up the paths. I know it will soon be back as it was at the end of May and then I will spend time through the final stages of the autumn and through the winter building more beds and more paths on the half of the plot that has so far been uncultivated.

It’s exciting knowing I have do much more of the plot yet to establish. So much more growing space. So much more opportunity to grow a wide variety of fruit and veg.

Allotment gardening isn’t a race. It’s a patient advancement. It’s about planning and thinking. Taking each step in turn to how the garden is to look. Most importantly, it’s about enjoying each progression and the fruits (& veg) of your labour along the way.

The difference in how I feel about the next few months is significantly different to how I felt last year. There is the excitement of potential. The hopes and dreams all gardeners hold… of what can be.

How is your allotment or kitchen gardening coming along? I’d love to hear from you. I’m always grateful for any advice, tips and guidance. Drop me a comment below or connect with me on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.