4 - 8 November
Other than visiting the plot to harvest fresh vegetables, our gardening activities have fallen into the categories of tidying and protecting.
On the plot the carrots and beetroot have been covered by a thick layer of straw. We leave these vegetables in the ground and harvest as we need them so the straw covering will hopefully afford some frost protection. When removed the straw will be reused either as a mulch of as composting material.
In the garden the pots in the garden that contain fruit trees have been wrapped in bubblewrap to protect the roots from frost damage.
Our use of weed control fabric has reduced the time needed to clear beds of spring and summer crops and so we are using the freed time to tackle areas of the plot that have long needed some attention.
We have half of one of our plots that has been used to grow flowers. This was edged by a fence along which grow a very rampant blackberry, Each year every effort was made to restrain it but despite our efforts it gradually invaded more and more space. This year drastic action has been taken. Read more on Martyn’s blog here
Another area that is difficult to keep weed free is the border in which the kiwis, a couple of gooseberries and the cherry tree grow. This is edged with native primroses that each year have to compete with strangling weeds so this year weed control fabric is being used here too.
Once the are is completely weeded and the primroses have been replanted the fabric will be covered with wood chip mulch.
The garden greenhouse is in need of some attention, however some things are just coming into their own.
The cyclamen that I grew from the collected seed are growing well and beginning to flower.
The saffron crocuses planted last year are shooting so I wonder whether they will manage to flower this year.
One surprise find was that one of the grapevines on the plot had produced lots of bunches of grapes that were making every effort to ripen. If on;y I hadn’t taken my eyes off the ball I may have noticed sooner and taken steps to help things along. I must keep an eye on them next year!
9 - 14 November
Continuing on the theme of tidying and renovating the primrose border. The area has now been covered with weed control fabric and the primroses replanted through it. The path behind the fencing has been mulched with wood chippings but the primroses still need a suitable mulch.
We’ve also been busy clearing the bed that contains our ancient blackberries and the bed alongside it that was planted with annual flowers this year, This are has long been a bit of a mess but is mow looking more presentable. At least I won’t have to do battle as I prune the bramble this year as it has had its most severe pruning ever! More here on Martyn’s blog
We attempted to grow sweet potatoes on pots in the garden greenhouse this year. Over summer they made plenty of growth with vines scrambling amongst plants on the floor of the greenhouse. Was the top growth had died down we tipped out the pots but were disappointed as the tubers are very small. Back to the drawing board.
In the garden the lawn has had what is probably the last cut of the year and the pond filter cleaned. Some plants in tubs have been moved into the greenhouse for a bit of added protection. Now it’s a case of seeing what the weather has to throw at us.
15 - 27 November
Visits to the plot are less regular now and are confined to tidying, clearing beds when the soil is workable and harvesting. The part of the plot where the old blackberry was making a bid for plot domination is now tidy except for the need to have a bonfire to burn a pile of old wood and twigs. An area close by which was difficult to keep tidy by just cutting the grass path due to limited access has also been tidied by laying weed control fabric covered with a mulch of bark chippings.
The compost bins are also being sorted out - to be honest we don’t really adhere to composting rules and our compost bins tend to be enclosed piles of whatever is about at the time with only a slight nod to layering. We also commit the cardinal sin of adding weed debris to our compost - with the exception of pernicious plant material such as bindweed - with the opinion that the weeds will grow on the plot whatever we do. We have one bay devoted to filling up weeds which are covered by weed control fabric to prevent regrowth. Even this will eventually produce some workable compost which is spread on the beds as a soil improver.
The plot is providing a good supply of winter vegetables including some huge perfectly formed sweet tasting carrots - more here on my blog. We have harvested our first sprouts and parsnips of the season and were in no way disappointed.
We are hoping that the cabbages will hold on for a while and the autumn planted onions and garlic have made great growth. They have grown more already than they had in spring last year so fingers crossed that winter doesn’t upset things. I think the fact that we planted earlier than usual has helped,
As well as taking care of the plants overwinter we have to consider our feathered friends too so we are making sure we keep our bird tables and feeders well supplied and also providing much needed clean water. Another bird related task was to clear out the nesting boxes in preparation for next year. It’s also possible that we may have some winter roosters taking advantage of a bit of shelter.
28 - 30 November
Although we still have pockets of colour in the garden …
… autumn has well and truly done it’s job and the deciduous trees and bushes are shutting down for winter
I’ve moved the parsley into the cold greenhouse to try and keep the leaves fresh looking rather than battered - this way I hope to have some fresh herbs to use over winter. The rosemary is unconcerned and is producing a few flowers.
Acting on advice from Stephen, the nurseryman from Victoriana Garden Nurseries, the pot containing saffron crocuses has been moved outside.
On the plot I have started to prune the fruit bushes. About half of the jostaberries and gooseberries have been pruned. I’m aiming for the open goblet shape.
And finally we have begun trawling the seed catalogues.
Some activities are described in more detail on our blogs - links below
