The Allotment

I still have my allotment in Jesmond, a few people asked about it recently so I thought I would give you a very brief update. I've had it for four or five years I think, and have still never managed to get it totally under control even after all that time. This year is definitely the best so far though. It is presentable, and there are some things growing; last year I just managed presentable and kind of forgot to grow much, but I'm getting there. You know what they say... slow and steady wins the race...

Beetroot coming along well, both yellow and red varieties...

Aliums and our vine, it actually produces grapes, but probably not enough for even a glass of wine. The man who had the allotment before me planted it as Jesmond's first vineyard, but I don't think it quite went to plan...

Here they are just beginning... we might need a bit more sun.

Not a very good photo, but these are my asparagus peas, a very old type of pea dating back to the 1500's apparently. It produces a small winged pod that you eat that tastes like a cross between early asparagus and young peas... funnily enough. I'm hoping it survives as I'm intrigued to try it...

The apples, strawberries and newly planted borage are coming along well. I've also got courgettes, purple sprouting broccoli, potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, radishes, broad beans, parsnips, cauliflowers, onions, leeks and nasturtiums all trying to survive...