The final chapter of Linda Sambell from Overt Locke’s challenging plot.
Have you ever been captivated by time-lapse photography? Observing the plot closely over the past four months, I have been delighted as seedlings have appeared with a couple of leaves and have transformed over time to bear fruit (or vegetables). And how tasty! The whole process of planting, tending, nurturing, harvesting and tasting has been so satisfying – not to say interesting – that my appetite (no pun intended) has been truly whetted where growing your own is concerned.
The plot continues to produce its bounty: the broad beans dominated the plot in height and breadth and whilst tasty, the yield did not equal the space that was required. Broad beans are on next year’s planting list, but I will try a smaller variety with a higher yield such as The Sutton or Optica.
Meanwhile the Kelvedon Wonder peas produced pod after bulging pod of succulent sweetness. Interestingly, as I was about to clear the spent plants, I noticed new growth with the promise of a second crop!
The foliage on the potatoes, carrots and parsnips has remained green and healthy and I have had to resist the temptation to check progress beneath the soil!
Picking courgettes while they are small and tender has ensured a continuous crop. Another crop on hold – tomatoes – are still waiting for the warmth of the summer sun to transform their exterior into tender red skins, otherwise I will be making rather a lot of green tomato chutney! Dwarf beans are producing handfuls of long tender pods; onions and spring onions are about to be lifted; gooseberries and blackcurrants have been either frozen, made into jam or turned into luscious ice-cream or crumbles. Last but not least, the raspberry canes are beginning to discreetly display their red berries and it is a race between me and the birds as to who gets the pickings.
What started as an ‘I wonder’ sort of project has awakened a fascination to explore what more can be grown in a small space. This experiment is set to continue and develop – perhaps as a deep-rooted need to satisfy the hunter-gatherer that lurks inside each of us?
Plot on…