125 The I
“Sitting on the dock of the Bay” By Alex Webster
Dartmouth Gardener
t’s that time of year again when there is so much to do. The night time temperature has risen at last, as
a late Spring turns into Summer and growth on the plot is now accelerating at a rate of knots. The poly tunnel is fit to burst with plants eager to be
planted out in the ground. Not to mention a vast green swathe of weed seedlings appearing over night. To add to this, the other week we ventured off to our friends in Cornwall to collect this year’s batch of pigs. This years intake are a strange brew of Saddle back crossed with Large White with a distinct addition of Oxford Sandy back. As you can see, they definitely have a look of Prince Harry and Chris Evans. At feeding time one can feel at one with Lord
Emsworth of Blandings, as I sit on the up-turned feed bucket watching the scrum around the feeding trough. Now sitting on the allotment is not often done with so much to do but reflect on what’s contemplate
it’s not to rest and to do but to
Isaak
devout man of ‘The
Angler’, the
published book language after the
‘study to be quiet’
what has been accomplished. Walton, a
and author Compleat third most
in the English Bible and the works
of Shakespeare, had a favourite quote; “to Study to be quiet”. Clearly applicable to angling but also applicable to any of the more gentle past times. It implies that effort is needed to stop and reflect to take in the surroundings and learn about one’s self. Now some head to their plot at this time of year to escape the hubbub of our busy town, as does one of Dartmouth’s former media moguls, who is often spotted catching up with the news. What you choose to recline on, makes no difference but an up-turned bucket is not so comfortable after a while. The majority of seats on the allotment are old deck chairs or benches once destined for the skip, now recycled for a nobler cause. The number of chairs is also important. Thoreau in his reflective work “Walden” wrote “I have three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.” Other live stock has been taxing several plot holders this spring. Rabbits have been nibbling at anything from lettuce to shallots. Even though each plot has been fenced, they’ll take any opportunity to burrow
through any small hole. Urgent repairs with boards and staples help but I think a new fence is top of the list this winter.
Tasks for July • Sowing and planting Vegetables • Sow spring cabbage, turnips, Oriental vegetables, chicory, fennel, and autumn/winter salads. • Carrots can still be sown, but beware of carrot fly when thinning existing seedlings. • Last chance to sow French beans and runner beans in warm sheltered spots. • Plant out leeks and brassicas for a winter supply, watering in well.
Ensure all vegetables get a regular, consistent supply of water. This will aid healthy development and help to avoid diseases, disorders and bolting. As I write it appears Monsoon season is with us.
Continue to hoe off weeds in dry weather letting the sun dry them out.
Don’t forget to stop cordon tomatoes by removing the main shoot. Look for the leaf that’s above the fourth truss of developing fruit. This should ensure that all the fruits ripen by the end of the season.
Climbing beans may also need stopping to maximise cropping on existing side shoots. Stop them when they reach the tops of their supports.
Beans need sufficient watering to help the seedpods set. A mulch of garden compost will help retain moisture.
Check climbing vegetables are securely tied to supports. Soft jute twine is best but prone to being stolen for nesting material by sparrows.
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