This week we were back at our favourite allotment to see how our crops were doing. We started off with some news of a 70’s themed night that Laurie attended at the weekend. Some of the treats included vol-au-vents, quiche, bacon wrapped Spam (which I am assured is nicer than it sounds) and Bread and Butter pudding. Kirk then lead us along the river as Laurie backmarked on our short run to the allotment.

After the disappointment of our last group visit where the potatoes and tomatoes had caught blight there was unfortunately some more sad news in store for us. Upon arrival everyone got straight to work. Lucy and Jenny watered what they could but it soon became clear a few more of our plants had issues. The spinach, cabbage and spring onions have not grown but lots of weeds have. Joel picked a carrot to see how they were doing; ‘stunted’ was probably the best description. Clearly something had stopped them growing down into the soil, Kirk picked some of the radishes and discovered they had gone rotten.

Thankfully there were some good things; the peas seem to be growing well!! Laurie got under the netting to clear the weeds from around the Peas and give them some support, that’s dedication for you! And Jenny was able to harvest some Raspberries and Rhubarb stalks so along with the stunted carrots we have something to give to Sanctus. David also showed up with his strimmer to clear some of the pathways which was much needed and provided this week’s pun (thank David).

The rest of the session was spent trying to clear the patches of failed crops with thoughts turning to protecting our hard work so far over winter and preparing to start a fresh next year!

Next week we have our first social in about 18 months!! Drinks and Pizza on Thursday which you can sign up to here and we will be back at the allotment for our Group Run which you can sign up to here.