Oh no it's not

A new series of gardener's world and a slight warming of the air last week, shades of spring? No, hope was swiftly crushed again by the weekend as temperatures plummeted back down to zero, minus seven with wind-chill. Strictly not gardening weather!

I visited the plot to drop off a caddy full of kitchen compost and noticed that the garlic and over-wintering onions are all doing well. The daffodils are just about to start flowering as well, although not quite. The raspberry canes still desperately need cutting back and the beds I dug over in autumn need digging again. The ever-elusive cold frame has still not been built. Still, if a job's worth doing, better not rush it, I say.

I ordered my seed potatoes last week. I have gone for Sarpo Mira (late maincrop), which I have grown before. They stored well last time. I hold out no hope for a dry summer this year so it is no coincidence that they are best known as the most blight-resistant variety available. I've also chosen Mayan Gold, an early maincrop which I heard someone enthusing about on Gardener's Question Time, so thought I would give them a go. The potatoes are supposed to make fantastic chips.

At the same time, I ordered my parsnip seeds, and along with them got the usual envelope full of catalogues, adverts etc. - including a leaflet for converting my bath into an easy-access walk-in number. Thanks, Thompson and Morgan, what are you trying to say?! Then again my back does get sore after digging, and I do have a milestone birthday on the horizon this year, maybe I'll send away for the full brochure... Argghh!

In other news, Wise Mike has procured an Autospade, and offered to lend it to me for digging the plot, so watch this space for a full report, just as soon as the spuds arrive and the temperature gets above freezing for once.

The magic of television

BBC presenter Joe Swift has taken on an allotment this year and they’re showing his progress on Gardener’s World. I have to say I’m glad he didn’t choose the plot next to me – I can imagine how his new neighbours must have felt, as a BBC Gardener’s World presenter pitched up next door with a camera crew! Mind you, if he’d have had the plot next door to me, then Foxy’s hole would technically have been on his plot not mine.

I’m sorry Joe, but I have a major problem with what you call “luck.” DIY stores and garden centres don’t just “give away” metres and metres of timber perfect for edging beds to any passing allotment holder; the “it’s not because we’re with the BBC” line just doesn’t wash with me! However, I’m happy to say my shed was in much better condition than your sorry affair – Joe, for £25 you were ripped off! I’m surprised it held together at all. At least it’s a fair portrayal of setting up an allotment – some highs, some lows.

Having watched the show I’m happy with my decision to do everything by hand – it seems that virtually everyone else who takes over a new plot gets it cleared immediately by the council. I think I’ve got to know my plot a lot better doing it myself – even though I’ve got to know Luther, too!