The Weather!

In my last blog I talked about the unpredictable weather we’ve been having, and the weather has been a major topic of conversation over the last few weeks. I hadn’t quite appreciated how hamstrung gardeners can be by freezing temperatures in winter. As well as hampering digging, I’ve learnt that pruning shouldn’t be carried out when the temperature is below freezing, as the wounds won’t heal properly. Fortunately, as we are developing some of the garden areas at Ryton Gardens, there’s been plenty of strenuous work going on to keep us warm! This has involved shifting barrow loads of soil, turf and rubble, and last week we built very impressive looking turf stack over six feet tall. This will now be covered and left to rot down to produce a rich loam. There’s also been plenty of work to do indoors this month as the gardens need to be planned for next year and seeds ordered. Ideal excuses for not venturing outdoors on the really cold days!

The redevelopment in the gardens means that the Pest and Disease Control garden is going to be incorporated into an expanded Organic Allotment garden. I’m sad to see this garden go as I’ve really enjoyed growing vegetables in it over the last six months, and have learnt a lot from it about plant health. However, I’ll still have a chance to indulge in my love of growing veggies as I’m going to be helping out in the Biodynamic garden in the New Year. This is a great opportunity for me to learn more about the interesting techniques involved in growing biodynamically.

So there’s plenty to look forward to in 2011, and lots of work to do in the gardens to help burn off those extra pounds I’ll enjoy putting on over Christmas!