The apple tree in the greenhouse is so laden with fruit it’s starting to fall over. The youngest teenager has tested the apples and pronounced them ready. I think they could do with a bit longer, I’ll probably start picking them in a couple of weeks. I think I should have been more ruthless at the thinning stage.
We also have a fig tree in a pot in the greenhouse. Supposedly figs like dry soil and root restriction, I have provided these conditions and this year the little tree has set twelve fruit. In previous years it produced one fig which I dutifully cut into five pieces! I do think I’ll plant it in the soil for next year, either that or move it to a bigger pot.
This year, veg which usually like Bornaskitaig growing conditions haven’t done well, while plants which are generally more hit and miss are thriving. Apples, squash, beetroot and aubergines are a hit, meanwhile brassicas are struggling and sugar snaps are not nearly as prolific as usual. I planted a second sowing of sugar snaps which are now looking good, the first batch was a bit feeble. The net tunnel is so bad for slugs now we’re thinking of turning it into another fruit cage with red and white currants for currant jelly. The two crops which are doing just as they always do are tomatoes and courgettes. The potatoes that I’ve planted in raised beds are really good, nice and clean, not much wildlife damage and easy to dig up!
This week’s Croft Share will have:
Small – potatoes, tomatoes, kale, courgettes and sugar snaps or French beans.
Medium – potatoes, tomatoes, kale, courgettes, chard, salad leaves and Spring onions.
Large – potatoes, tomatoes, kale, courgettes, chard, Spring onions, onions, beetroot and garlic.