July 2009 Update
Hi there dear readers, welcome back to Lottibelogs. Once again apologies for the delay but we have found ourselves extremely busy this summer time and are really only just catching up with ourselves.
As such, lots and lots to report from down on the plot, take a look below to see what we’ve been up to.
First and most importantly to report is the Ladybird invasion which we were subject to in July, an unusual but overall rather cute phenomenon which is most welcome when veg munching pests are at epidemic proportions.
Following the influx of aphids in this month, we found almost every static object covered with unusual pupae and soon realised what they were. The Ladybirds had landed and were systematically working their way through most of the malignant pests which could be found on our plot. A huge favour from Mother Nature and one we were very grateful for.
They were truly everywhere meaning caution was required when weeding or hoeing to prevent too many of them being accidentally killed. During this we caught some wonderful shots of newly emerged ladybirds, before they even developed their spots and also some of the whole life cycle beginning again.
The spuds were another fantastic result this year and are one of our few regular, unstoppable successes. 39 Kilo’s of Anya, Rocket and Pentland Javelin should see us through for some time to come and set us and our family up with warming suppers until mid-winter.
Our Shallots also boomed this year, mainly because they didn’t get their top’s completely nibbled off by bunnies resulting in lost of firm, well sized bulbs ideal for use in cooking or for pickling later in the year. A month or so drying hung up in an onion net should see of the last off the moisture in the leaves, to allow for easy processing later in the season.
A first on the plot this month was our very own seed grown cauliflowers, something we have never managed to successfully cultivate before and as such, a source of much pride. Unfortunately, only two heads were harvestable and so there is still room for improvement, only meaning we’ve got bigger and better things to look forward to next season.
The majority of our July harvest baskets were Rhubarb, Kale, Broad Beans, Salads, early Carrots, Courgettes and Beetroot. The fruit was also coming thick and fast with large quantities of Raspberries, Goosegogs and Blackcurrants still making their presence felt. Which together, we think you will agree make a pretty picture of life on the plot.
