Wednesday, 16 December 2009

Winter weather - it's here !

Welcome back to Reads Allotment Retreat, where the winter UK weather has well and truly arrived. On sunday this week I ventured up to the plot amidst the showers to have a nose around - I was the only one there! That's got to be a first! The ground was very waterlogged - puddles all over the place, and there was no hope of turning any soil on that day.
Three days later and the tables have truly turned, we've had 2 nights of very sharp frost's, with last nights effort reaching a whopping -8Degrees. It's not all bad news though, as these frosts will help to break up the waterlogged ground that has already been turned. Hopefully the recently planted Garlic will benefit from the frost, and I'm looking forward now to lifting a few Parsnips. 2 more nights at work then I'm off for 4 days, back in for 2, then off till 30th December. It's all panning out nicely. It's hectic at home as we make final preparations for the yuletide festivities, but great fun too.

Pop back soon for more updates, and wherever you are - enjoy your gardening.

Take care,

TTFN

5 comments:

Mr. H. said...

Sounds wet.:) Do you leave your parsnips and such to overwinter in the ground?

Gary and Jen, and Ruby and Peter said...

Hi Mr H,
Yes, we leave the parsnips in the ground until; at the very least, they've been through a couple of frosty nights. This helps turn the starch in the roots to sugar, which greatly improves the flavour!

Not so wet right now, just very cold. It was trying to snow here at about 2pm.

TTFN

Anonymous said...

we are missing the frosty weather...couple of -1 nights but thats all...I am definately going up the plot this weekend...NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER!!!!!! to see how thigs are doing...I keep reading how everyone has been to their plots and I am starting to feel very neglectful...whoops!!

Jo said...

I expect your lottie is covered in snow now. I don't expect to get anything done now until after Christmas.

Gary and Jen, and Ruby and Peter said...

Hi Jo / Tanya,
I'm sure by now you will have had some snow too!
There won't be any activity in the garden or at the plot for a good while now, but as soon as possible we'll be getting back to it!

TTFN