2 new additions to the fruit family...(technically, FOUR new additions!)

May we introduce the Baldwin Blackcurrant:



An old variety whose growth is quite compact but has high yields of exceptionally large fruits which can be picked from mid-July. Resistant to mildew and leaf curling midge. The fruit is apparently ideal for jams, pies and puddings. Yum!

and the Pear Family Tree - THREE varieties grafted onto ONE tree!



Conference - Dessert Pear-Fruits are long and narrow with juicy but firm flesh. Pick late September. Stores well.

Williams' Bon Chretien -Dessert Pear. As a garden tree this old English variety is a regular cropper. Excellent straight from the tree in September but does not store.

Doyenne du Comice - Dessert Pear-The Queen of Pears if you are looking for flavour. The texture and taste are truly outstanding. It does require a warm sheltered site, with other varieties to pollinate. Pick mid October.

Once we have moved the shed on the 'old' plot we plan to put the tree in its place.

Spud-u-like?

Saturday 30 January 2010



The seed potato delivery has arrived at the allotment trading hut. We had forgotten exactly what we had ordered as it seems so long ago since we placed the order but we have the following to look forward to:

Charlotte - With its distinctive long, oval shape, white skin and moist texture it is ideal for so much more than just salads. Stays firm when cooked and can also be sautéed and even roasted in its skin for a firm ‘roast’ potato. Long oval potatoes with a firm waxy texture and a subtle nutty flavour. They have a light yellow skin and a yellow flesh.

Lady Christl - Lady Christl produces very early oval tubers of a medium size and good size yields. Tubers are yellow skinned and the flesh is creamy to waxy with good taste.

Maris Piper - A good all- rounder. With its pleasant floury texture it is ideal for many potato dishes from chips and roast potatoes, mash and wedges.

King Edward - King Edward is a much more floury variety than Maris Piper. This makes it a great variety for smooth creamy mash and light fluffy roast potatoes and even chips.

Where's a JCB when you need one?!

Sunday 31 January 2010

The BIG DIG on the new plot has begun with levelling of ground. A lot easier now that the ground is no longer frozen but it is still hard work! Life would be a lot easier with something mechanical. We are going to get the ground level first and then start to sieve the soil to remove all the stones, glass and goodness only know what else!