My first visit...

Today I made my first visit to the allotment as an allotmenteer, rather than just a visitor. I am now officially a member of the Association of Manchester Allotment Societies (link and newsletter on the right). I am member 93. The last member 93 died, but it turns out she was 87, so it's probable that being member 93 wasn't actually a factor in that. 

I carried on where the boys had left off by turning the top spit over. (I have no idea what that means, but I'm reliably informed that's what I was doing). Apparently, I have surpassed expectations as a gardener, but my digging is "a bit girly". I shall work on this.

Our plot is looking very good now we have removed a lot of the rubbish (including a bracelet, a piece of decorative ceramic and a Connect 4 game piece). Simon made a start on the mud at the back of the plot which is a bit harder. We are also developing a path system to allow good access to all areas of the patch without having to trample potatoes. This also frees up extra soil for the aforementioned potatoes. 

Unfortunately, we were defeated by the light and had to turn home at 20:00, but I feel it was a very successful first visit. The pink gloves were broken in and did very well. I was a bit reluctant to leave my tools down on the allotment and wanted to bring them home each time. However, when I saw Simon shovelling manure into the poor quality soil at the back, I realised that the spade was never going in Ruby ever again. For those of you wondering, I did indeed shovel some manure and even wheeled a wheelbarrow with some of it in. (And thanks go to Don, who has 2 plots, for letting us borrow his 'barrow until we have one of our own). 

Once we have finished this bed, the next stage will be to plant some potatoes in it. Thankfully I have 4 days off after tomorrow which will allow me much more time to devote to my allotment. I'm now of for a shower and some cocoa.  

May the greenery be with you,

G'night