The allotment got a little nelected over the summer. What with a fortnight in France, followed by two very busy weekends, the first visit back proved disappointing. The problem was the slugs. They had managed to eat their way through every single chilli, marigold, carrot and onion seedling plant. It was always going to happen I suppose. Those little pests must have seen me coming and they did their worst!
On the up side we have been clearing like mad over the last couple of weekends. We do seem to breaking the back of this plot, finally. There is hope. It feels good. Luckily, all of our hardy Mediterranean herbs are intact too.
It is actually not as bad as it could be. The broccoli and tomato plants given to us by Cheerio (children’s nickname for our neighbour) are doing well. They are now netted safely and thriving. I have put in some shallots, soon to follow on with garlic. The children have become resigned to the fact that they will be spending quite a bit of time here over the next few years,and are sort of ok about it. Cheerio handing them a bag of Spartan apples and a handful of walnuts did help.
As a family, I think we will spend many a happy afternoon enjoying the fruits of our labour this time next year. The plan is to build a fire-pit too, just like the one in France. It is becoming a little retreat from the stresses and strains of the world in which we live in. It’s only just around the corner from where we live, but it feels like another world entirely.
Fire Pits are FUN! What a great idea to build one. Glad to hear that you are back on track…..
Karen
Thanks Karen, it feels good to have broken the back of it finally. We’re on the home straight! I’m just about to but my garlic and onions online now along with some unusual herbs……..very excited!
You are very good to be growing your own veg! Shame about the slugs but hopefully it will be back on track soon and the fire pit sounds great. Nazima x
Yes those pesky slugs are evil. We have now invested in some netting which seems to be working so far, thankfully!
Damn slugs – they put holes in virtually our entire crop of potatoes – grrrrr! We haven’t got our garlic in yet, but time is getting on, so should probably tackle that this weekend. The fire pit sounds a lovely idea.
Yes slugs seem to be a nightmare foe everyone on our allotment. Weirdly my garden is untouched by them and it’s only FIVE minutes away from the allotment. Makes no sense!