Pump it up

Here is a quick glimse at the world champion pumpkin when she was just an infant.



" the triffid"

Epiphany

Its July and the sun is shining. I just recorded 34 degrees C in the garden. These are the days of milk and honey for us allotmenteers, or at least they would be if I had planted more stuff. I am rueing the lack of planning and I am already looking into next year to maximise the yeild and minimise the workload.. The guy in the next plot seems to turn up now and again, whisper a few words of advice, and everything knows exactly what to do. Whereas I am battling with weeds and cursing mother earth. With this in mind next year I plan to see the allotment as more of a way of life rather than a project.
Still I am pleased with everthing I have grown. This week I am dining on courgettes in my pasta, onions in my spag bol and roast pumpkin with the sunday lunch. Mmm.

This is not just a courgette, this is an organically grown hand picked courgette.

This is just an onion

Mary Pumpkins - Chim Chim Cheroo

My Nan took care of allotment while I was away for a week in Sorrento, Itlay for my sisters wedding. She very kindly left me a diary:

Friday 30th June 2006
8 watering cans used - went between 6 & 7pm.

Saturday 1st July 2006
VERY, VERY HOT DAY - Another 8 watering cans used. Spoke to lady who has a squash and she says there is no need to water everyday (but I bet she is n't growing fat squashes - OC) . All OK i think. I am Knackered

Sunday 2nd July 2006
Extremely hot am - thunderstorm in the afternoon.

Monday 3rd July 2006
Hotter than ever - 8 cans used. Pumpkin taking over the allotment. I wish I knew what to do with it. Everything else OK.

Tuesday 4th July 2006
Had my monthly blood test 12 noon. Still unbearably hot and feel very sick and faint. Only 4 cans today but every thing looks OK. Pumpkin looks like something from "Day of the Triffids".

Wednesday 5th July 2006
Cooler today, spits of rain in the morning and quite heavy in the afternoon. Did n't go to the allotment. Will go tomorrow.

Thursday 6th July 2006
Cool again. Watered the seedlings and generally looked after the pumpkin. Won't be coming tomorrow.

Sounds like the pumpkin is doing well but my Nan may be wilting.

Thanks Nanny Taylor