Controlling weeds: Creeping Buttercup
Image from lawnweeds.co.uk Creeping buttercup, Ranunculus repens, is also known as Crow’s foot and Restharrow. It is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 50cm tall. Just under the surface the plant sends out runners, called stolons, which means it can quickly infest an area.
How can you control creeping buttercup in your vegetable beds, borders or lawn?
Video diary: Clearing a plot with ‘No Dig’
We have decided to take the plunge and use ‘No Dig’ methods to clear Plot 5b. Here is a short intro to Plot 5b and our plans to tackle the space. We will be producing a series of videos about our progress.
One of the problem weeds on 5b is ‘Creeping buttercup’Planting plan for 2020
I do love a bit of organising. One of my November jobs has always been to plan out my planting schemes for the next year. This gives me time to consider which seeds I need to order. I was super-organised with this and had completed my plan in September. However, having recently acquired plot 5b I have had to reconsider my layout so I had a look at the plans this morning.
I use excel to produce my plan – nice and simple and I have plans going back to 2008. This helps me to carefully plan rotation and is a good aid to memory. As my structure is saved within the excel file I can just amend any change to layout and then type where I will plant a crop in each box.
I draw this out on a blackboard on the back of my shed door to aid with planting, but keep a hard copy on my computer for future planning. I admit I don’t always rigidly stick to the plan and I don’t plan any second cropping; just putting this in as plants come out.Click here for a large scale picture to show detail (Note this is a .pdf file)
‘No Dig’ Gardening
What is ‘No Dig’?
‘No dig’ gardening is just what it says on the tin—don’t dig! Composted mulches are laid on the top of the ground, for example compost or well-rotted manure. Traditional methods would recommend that these are ‘dug in’ by turning over the soil during spring to incorporate the organic matter into the structure of the soil.
Harvesting Jerusalem artichokes
On our new plot (5b) there is a massive patch of Jerusalem artichokes. Here we tackle this and harvest all the tubers. The plan is to clear the plot using the ‘no dig’ method. In order to do this we need to remove the artichokes, some globe artichokes, raspberries and brambles first.
#nodiggardening #allotment #growyourownPotato Gnocchi
Gnocchi is a great way to use leftover mashed potato. It is simple and quick to make. We also make gnocchi with other veg including beetroot, tomato, squash/pumpkin or carrot. See here for a recipe using butternut squash.
Dealing with Bamboo
We have a bamboo problem on plot 1b.
Vegetable Scones
It is a Boxing Day tradition in our house to make savoury scones with leftover veg from Christmas Day.
This is a simple recipe that uses leftover mashed vegetables and cheese to make a tasty scone – great served with (more) cheese or with a nice chunky soup (made with leftovers of course)!
#allotment #growyourown #frugalcookingThe history of the humble carrot
Photo by Markus Spiske Carrots are a staple food, but they haven’t always been. Why are carrots good for you? What was the link between World War II and carrots? I love a bit of geekery so here is a vegetable related history lesson!
Christmas dinner: home grown is always best!
Nothing beats homegrown!
If you are new to growing or would like to grow your Christmas Dinner for next year take a look at our guide to Christmas Veg