At long last summer arrived last week and we enjoyed some sunshine and warmer temperatures. One day it was actually too hot to stay at the allotment. After harvesting a few things and watering tomatoes in the greenhouse we headed home.
We didn’t feel the need to do any general watering as we have had plenty of rain recently and last week the showers didn’t stay away completely.
Some beds, such as those containing potatoes, are now emptying but elsewhere plants are growing at speed.
Only a short time ago we wondered whether the climbing beans would ever get going but they have shot to the top of the canes and are beginning to flower.
Courgettes haven’t yet achieved glut proportions but it’s time to plan menus that incorporate the fruits.
All the peas have now been uncovered which, in some cases, was difficult as the peas had grown through the netting and needed to be teased out. All have now been provided with support. Fingers crossed that the wood pigeons leave them alone.
It always amazes me how suddenly everything starts to grow so quickly.
At this time of year, it is a case of plot management and harvesting the rewards of all your efforts.
The autumn sown sweet peas have been flowering for a long time this year. They have probably enjoyed the cooler, wetter conditions. The stems are now much shorter, however, the spring-sown plants are beginning to flower.
Martyn started to lift the Elfe potatoes. These are third generation grown from potato tubers that we saved last year. These had been grown from potatoes grown the previous year. We like this variety but for some reason, they have disappeared from sale. So far our potatoes have been disease-free and growing our own tubers has been very successful. It is very cost-effective too – free potatoes.
We picked just two Oullins gage plums and it looks like this will be our total harvest.
When I went to pick the blueberries, a blackbird had sneaked under the netting. It wasn’t happy when I started to steal his berries. He would be even more annoyed when he realised I had closed his access point.
Although I sowed the carrots thinly, I decided to thin them out. The thinnings were good sized baby carrots.
We decided on a day out to Lyme Park which involved a trip over the Pennine into Cheshire. The Lyme Park estate comprises of a house surrounded by gardens extending to walks in woodland and moorland settings.
We didn’t visit the house as Ruby wasn’t allowed inside.
We explored the extensive gardens, a mix of formal, herbaceous borders and more naturalistic areas.
After exploring the gardens and having a snack in the dog-friendly cafe we ventured further afield. 
We took the track up the hill towards a tower.
The tower has the rather ominous title of The Cage. This gives the impression that it used to be some sort of prison but in fact was used as a hunting lodge. Here ladies could watch the hunt in comfort and safety.
On the way up to the tower, Ruby was pestering us for a ball game so we obliged. Every effort was made to keep the ball on the path.
The slideshow below shows more photos of the garden and estate.
Finally, we used some of our freshly harvested cabbage and some onion in a large batch of coleslaw.
Courgettes featured in several meals last week. Firstly, in a chicken and courgette curry.
Some courgettes, along with our onion, garlic and basil, went into a turkey pasta dish. Some peppers, mushrooms and tinned tomatoes were also added
I also used courgettes, potato, onion and garlic in a vegetable bake along with carrot and tomatoes.
That’s all for this week so, as always, stay safe and well until next time.
I am again joining Dave for Harvest Monday on his Our Happy Acres blog.
All the veggies look so lush and green! Like yours, my climbing beans started slow but then raced to the top of the trellis.
It’s amazing how once things get a kick start the beds suddenly fill up, Dave
Still no sign of Summer in this western peninsula, in fact it’s positively late autumnal feeling!
Fingers crossed for you Debbie