My, haven’t you grown my little patch of vegetables….
I cannot tell you how much my heart swells with pride every single time I trek up to the lotters to see how my crops are getting on. I’ve had to do a fair amount of watering as it’s been so dry lately, but the warmth has accelerated everything hugely.
Wholesome family fun?
It’s such a calming place to spend time – that’s as long as I don’t bring Arlo who just tramples on everything within seconds of arriving and sends my blood pressure into orbit! You have these perfect visions of taking the kids to the allotment and getting them involved, but no. The reality is that until they can be reasoned with – don’t bother!
Five-year-old Sam copes with it just fine and spends most of his time fooling around with the water tank and playing imaginary games with his Star Wars figures in the bushes. He’s also delighted that he can pick salad leaves and eat them there and then.
Since my last allotment update I’ve put in sweetcorn, french beans, courgettes, more potatoes and some pumpkins. It’s all going great guns and we’ve already started eating the spinach and lettuce. Watch out soon for spinach inspired recipes… in fact if you have any ideas send them this way!
I also feel like i’ve proved my metal a bit with my fellow allotmenters – I tap the old geezers for advice whenever I can and have even been given some seedlings and a spare cutting blade. The community spirit is in fine fettle, and I’ve not got caught up in any netting or tripped over the bamboo canes either – hurrah!
Awards News
Just as a little aside… I’m delighted after being nominated for Best Food Blog in the MAD Parenting Blog Awards 2011, that I’ve now made the final five!
So if I can ask you all a huge favour… if you think this blog is any good could you please vote for me?! And then get everyone you know to vote for me too?! I’ll be forever in your debt…
Wow Katie hasn’t everything come on well!! Have you eaten any spuds yet?
Good to see the Firefighter back on two feet! See you soon Dad
My! that looks good, all your hard work is paying off.No doubt the veggie firefighter is looking forward to harvesting the fruits of your labours.
The allotment looks in fine form. You will enjoy eating all that lovely fresh produce. And congratulations on the nomination. Well deserved! You’re the first place I turn to for recipe inspiration because I know you’ll make it quick, easy and tasty. I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve recommended your sticky Ginger cake to – and they all love it.
I’ve voted in the awards for you hon, good luck!
Seeing your bit about the jam making has reminded me I need to strain the damson booze I bottled up at xmas. I did damson vodka as well as gin this year – maybe you could sample the vodka for me as I can’t go near the stuff! Jb
Thanks for voting janey b 🙂 very impressed on the damson booze making – bet that tastes lush!! Would love to sample it!