Saturday 10 October 2009

Strawberry fields forever...



In The Grand Plan, I was following my hero Geoff Hamilton's advice and had my bed all ready to plant strawberries in August. Although I was stumped when I went online in July to order some plants and all the big sellers quoted delivery dates in October!?! Last weekend I was at Wisley, my favourite garden centre and I bought six Pegasus strawberry plants and six Cambridge Favourite plants. I really wanted Symphony but alas they didn't have them. The plants I bought looked so healthy and strong so I'm really looking forward to seeing them grow and fruit next year. I planted them through membrane to save on weeding.

I've been clearing up the plot today. I cut the beans down to the ground, leaving their roots in because of their nitrogen fixing quality. I pulled up the very successful courgette plants and pretty unsuccessful sweetcorn plants. My little one and I dug for treasure in the form of perfect potatoes and fabulous carrots that have been safe underground for months. Looking back I planted the potatoes in April and I've been digging up them all summer. Next year I want to grow a few International Kidney and also Maris Piper (-if they are blight resistant). The potatoes I grew in bags were fine although I think they were smaller and this is probably due to them drying out more than the ones in the ground. I am going to start my broad beans in root trainers next year and do them in two batches - probably Super Aquadolce again.

4 comments:

Jo said...

Your strawberry bed is looking great. Planting through membrane should also keep the fruit off the ground too.
I pulled my courgette plant up at the weekend, but my beans are still producing for the moment.

Matron said...

I can most highly recommend International Kidney and Aquadulce Claudia. They have never let me down!

Shaheen said...

This reminds me that I have to tidy up my strawberry bed. It will not look as lovely and organised as yours, but hey I will try.

Maureen said...

Hi Tash, I have an award for you on my blog, I hope you will accept it.But will understand if you don't do awards and things. M x