First post of 2019!

After using a notebook for most of last year, I'll try a little blogging about the allotment as well for 2019.

In an especially warm and dry spell in early February, it was ideal to make some serious headway with preparing the plot for the new season.

I managed to prepare all our existing raised beds, leaving some leeks in place and still harvest-able for the next 3 or 4 weeks.  I also managed to clear and dig over the entire part under the framework close to the path, and also do a final pruning of the two vines. After last year's great harvest, and eventual grape jelly, I'm hopeful again for more lovely grapes but still wondering whether to add one or two more seedless plants.

I've also prepared the whole patch towards the rear of the plant in front of the shed so that will be fine for planting potatoes from 1st April onwards.   We already have 40 Charlotte (waxy salad potatoes) and 10 Arran Pilot (First Early waxy variety) chitting, and 10 shallot bulbs in the conservatory.

The central area of the plot is most in need of attention but at least it is largely covered by weed suppressing material. However, I really need to make sure it is completely cultivable before too long.

In trays in a propagator in the lounge I planted some Gardeners Delight tomato seeds and some Italian chilli seeds, so will keep an eye on those until germination and try to make sure they don't become too straggly.

In trays in the greenhouse I have planted leeks and mixed Italian salad leaves. In pots I put around 18 The Sutton broad beans to try to give them a head start before eventual planting out.

We have ordered 12 raspberry canes - Polka, an Autumn fruiting variety - as a start in the revamp of the raspberry crop and I have almost completed a fresh planting bed for them towards the rear of the plot but not in too dense shade.

I am taking part in a project related to links between food banks and donations of fresh fruit and vegetables to them, and have already had an interesting introductory chat with the project manager Dr Richard Wiltshire.