Nodules

Green Manure Final update. I thought I would share this picture of the super duper nitrogen nodules that have grown on the roots of my green manure. Nice to see something with my own eyes which I'd only previously read about in books.

Since chopping back these winter field beans I have discovered you have to cut the roots pretty short or they start to re-grow.

Green Manure and free turf

I am very proud to say I have now had time to do my first proper digging on my plot. It is bloody hard work, because although the soil is actually quite nice it is full of thick roots, stones, bricks, and tiny bits of rubbish, everything from sweet wrappers to sheets of glass (see below).

First, I cleared the edge next to the riding and sowed some grass seeds to re-establish the verge now the weeds have gone. While I was doing that, another new allotmenteer (I prefer the term allotmentalist) came along and started chatting. He noticed I was seeding and offered me a couple of square metres of turf for free. Moog likes free stuff so I accepted, even though it was looking a bit dead to me Moog thinks it might re-establish when we get a bit of rain.

The second bit of digging was over toward the centre of my plot, where I have dug two squares and planted some of my green manure seeds. On Saturday I had two willing helpers to help clear the soil, where we were delighted to find a massive sheet of glass, buried under a big piece of plastic sheet, and shattered into a million pieces in my soil. We got quite a bit of it out, but I think I'd better be careful what I plant!

Moog thinks I could always open up a sideline selling glass-spiked veg to secret agents, stalkers, animal rights activists etc. but I think he is being silly again.

Conversation with John

Whilst I was building my compost bins, my neighbour turned up and pottered around his plot. Before long I was drawn over by the smell of fresh produce to see what he was doing. There before me, five perfect leeks, fresh, tender, and smelling delicious. What an excellent incentive to carry on with my work! Leeks are certainly on my list of things to grow.
It turns out my neighbour is called John. I’m pleased to say he seemed impressed with what I’d done so far, and said I was “doing it right.” So that’s a good start. He also pointed out the access hole in the fence where the fox comes through to sh*t on my plot. I have blocked it with a piece of board and a brick. Foxy can find another toilet.

John also let me know that we share a fairly sheltered spot, which isn’t prone to waterlogging like some others. He thought my side was a “decent bit of dirt, underneath.” He said there are a few tree roots at the top though, which extend a surprising distance into the allotments from the hedge on the other side of the fence.