This is it then kids, sabbatical time. This will be the last week of deliveries and farmers’ markets for at least 2 weeks, probably three. I will decide later in May when I know what new season produce is available, including my own stuff. The current offering has got very tired, limited, or very expensive, so it’s a good time to take a break. Having said that I won’t be putting my feet up much, I will take the opportunity to concentrate on growing, spending more time with the bees, as well as taking some time out for R&R. I’m really looking forward to it, it’s just what I need.
I apologise for the inconvenience that my break will cause you, but I am hoping that absence will make your hearts grow fonder and that you will welcome me back on my return with open arms.
It’s a pity it’s not this week, because the weather forecast is amazing – certainly better than we have had on our last few summer holidays. Today has been lovely, but the temperatures will increase day by day with almost continuous sunshine for the entire week. The icing on the cake is that even though skies will be clear overnight too there is no indication of any frosts, which is why I have been emboldened to transplant tender summer plants a couple of weeks sooner than I ordinarily would, albeit in the polytunnel and greenhouse.
Today I planted another 50 tomatoes in the tunnel, so that makes 130 in the soil so far, and the prompt planting should result in an earlier start to the cropping season if the weather doesn’t do a U-turn and bite me on the bum! Outside I planted broccoli, cavolo nero and lettuce last week, I have another row of lettuce to get in tomorrow. The early potatoes are showing through and need earthing up, and I must hoe the beetroot before it gets completely overrun by weeds. I also need to attach the flail mower to the tractor and cut the overwintered cover crop, the Italian rye grass is now the best part of three feet tall! It has the leguminous vetch growing amongst it, and after cutting both will be turned into the soil to increase its organic matter. The winter squash will be planted into it.
This week there will be spring greens and chard, courgettes, short cucumbers, little gem lettuce, mixed mini plum tomatoes, aubergines, sweet potatoes, beetroot, leeks, mushrooms and carrots. Apologies for last week’s, I was sent the wrong ones and I was not impressed by the replacements. The stored crops from last season really are on their last legs now, the potatoes aren’t too bad but you may need to rub a few emerging shoots from them, it’s just that time of the year. As for fruit – avocados, Spartan apples, oranges and lemons are your options.
I discovered a Mallards nest in one of my compost bins last Tuesday. At the time there were 5 eggs present, but by yesterday I reckon there were nine and she is now sitting on them. Apparently she will be on the nest for up to 28 days, only rarely leaving it for food and to stretch her legs. Meanwhile up on the top pond there is a mother with 12 tiny babies – at least there were this afternoon, it will be interesting to see what the number is in the coming days. The first goslings of the Canada Geese appeared on Friday, plenty more will follow soon from the numerous pairs that are resident.
A less happy bird tale was of the discovery of a dead Nuthatch at the base of a hedge not far from the potting shed door. It could of course have died from natural causes, but on researching the breed it appears that they can sometimes be extremely protective of their territory and will fight interlopers. This could have been the fate of my bird. Sad.
When talking about the weather earlier I didn’t mention rain, or the lack of it. Of course we need some, but it doesn’t look like there will be any for a while so there is little point complaining about it. However, if by the time I next communicate with you there hasn’t been any precipitation I beg your permission to moan my ruddy head off. Until then slap on the factor 50 and enjoy this wonderful time of the year when everything is fresh and new. Go for a walk in a bluebell wood or amongst the now blooming wild garlic, marvel at the maximum volume dawn chorus (which has been waking me up), and of the melodious singing at dusk of the late to bed Blackbird. There are likely to be spectacular sunrises and sunsets and night skies filled with stars, we all just need to take the time to stop and observe.
I am jealous of everyone that keeps on reporting that they have heard a Cuckoo, I still haven’t, so pipe down will you!
Have a good May, I’ll be back before you know it.
Phil