I’ve mentioned before that our clay soil can move seamlessly from too hard and dry to dig to too wet and claggy.
After having had a lack of rain, for what amounted to eight months, the weather has turned wet. On Saturday, our soil was just right for digging and we had hoped to dig over more beds on Sunday. The problem is that with our weather it seems to be all or nothing and more rain fell on Sunday. Once the ground becomes wet in winter it tends to stay wet. Hopefully, the moisture will soak into the ground but if the top layers stay wet and sticky our digging may have to be put on hold once more.
On Saturday we managed more clearing. Some beds needed weeding. The weed seeds had been waiting for some rain to trigger them into germination.
Our cardoons needed cutting back and tidying. They are already putting on new growth. At this stage, there is no hint of the giants that the plants will become.
The onions and garlic that I planted in September are now shooting, hopefully they will put on a bit more growth before winter sets in.
We still managed a small harvest last week. Martyn picked another bucketful of quinces.
We grew one or two purple cauliflowers after being gifted some free seeds from Thompson and Morgan. They were planted rather late and we weren’t expecting a crop but we harvested one on Saturday. It looked and tasted like a cross between a cauliflower and broccoli. As is the case with many purple vegetables the colour faded when cooked.
The few potatoes were uncovered when the beds where potatoes had grown were cleared and dug. No doubt there are still more hiding in the ground that will emerge as volunteer plants next year.
For some years now we have failed when trying to grow spring onions despite them having been easy to grow in the past. This year we decided to try growing them in a crate of compost and it seems to have worked. The onions haven’t grown very big. In the past, we always managed to keep spring onions in the ground over winter and pull them up as needed so we are hoping these do the same. They may even grow a bit bigger.
The trees are still hanging on to their autumn colour.
There are lots of new sights and smells to interest Ruby,
During our walk around the lake at Nostell, we could only spot one of the cygnets so I am guessing the other five have left the lake. One is obviously reluctant to leave its parents.
In the photo below, Ruby is looking longingly across at the field that is set aside for off lead activities. When we arrive at Nostell, she makes a beeline for the gate. She had already had a game chasing her ball when we arrived but seeing the field was unoccupied she fancied her chances of a second session. Unfortunately in winter the field becomes a bit too muddy so any games have to be located elsewhere.
Finally last week’s meals. I made a chicken and vegetable casserole in my slow cooker. I haven’t a photograph but I used some of our potatoes, onion and carrots along with some celery and mushrooms.
I also made a turkey stir fry that used, some of our frozen peppers, carrots and spring onions. I also added celery and mushrooms.
On Sunday I made a tagine that used some of our squash, a red onion and coriander. It was based on this recipe but I used ras el hanout instead of the spices.
As always until next time stay safe and well.
I am once again linking to Harvest Monday at Dave’s Our Happy Acres Blog
That fuchsia is so beautiful. The purple cauliflower looks really good, it’s such a shame when they lose their colour on cooking though – you know how I like a colourful plate 😊 which is why both your dishes look very appealing.
It seems to happen a lot that purple vegetables lose their colour, Belinda unlike your potatoes,
I do hope your soil sorts itself out, we never seem to get the ideal weather either. That purple cauliflower is fascinating, I’ve never had one. Good to see your onions, garlic and spring onions doing well. Tasty looking meals as always.xxx
It’s rained a lot this week too, Dina
The purple cauliflower is beautiful! And it does remind me of the Jacaranda I grew. We’ve not had rain in over a month, but it is in the forecast for tomorrow. I’m keeping my fingers crossed we get a good soaking.
I remember the jacaranda, Dave. Now it’s started it doesn’t seem to want to stop raining.
Your purple cauliflower looks similar to the Jacaranda broccoli that I grow which is a cauliflower, broccoli cross. I so enjoy seeing your flower and landscape photos. I hope some day to travel to England.
Dave said the same thing Sue. If you get to England pop up to Yorkshire for a visit.
The weather can change everything so quickly in the garden can’t it? As you say, it’s probably far too claggy to dig now. There’s always something. It’s only barely a fortnight since we cleaned my drive, and already everything is growing back as verdant as it did through the summer. Maybe more so now because it’s having the rain. Ruby’s looking very pleased with herself in that lovely photo of her too. Having just been given a load of pumpkins from my friends Pumpkin Farm, I’m off to checkout your recipe. Very proud of my friend’s farm because it’s been named as one of the Top 40 pumpkin farms in the UK by BBC Good Food.
Early in the week the soil was fine but we have had lots of rain since then Deb. Ruby us always pleased with herself when she is on a walk.