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Back in March 2010, Hubby laid a drainage pipe down one side of our plot. Our site does tend to get rather waterlogged, to say the least, and the rest of the plots had already had this done. Since then, we've seen a remarkable improvement, though I have to say that the other side of the plot does still get standing water on it. Hubby has made the decision to install another drainage pipe, this time across the centre of the plot. It will run in to the original pipe which was laid, and hopefully, help with the area which continues to hold water. After the difference we've seen since the first pipe was installed, I'm sure it will help.
It doesn't look as though much will be getting done again this weekend. We had lots of rain yesterday, which I'm sure the plot will be hanging on to, making it too claggy to dig, and I think I've got the makings of a cold starting. I definitely won't feel like venturing out with a runny nose, I don't make a good patient.
That reminds me, I had forgotten I was going to do the same thing this winter for a head start next year. I must get on to it this weekend. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI hope it will give them an advantage to those planted in spring. I can but try.
DeleteHope the cold doesn't develop into a major issue Jo. With the state of the weather as it is now, I imagine many other plot-holders will be considering installing drainage systems like yours. Here in the South-East we've got off lightly compared with most parts of the country, but it's still been atrocious weather this week.
ReplyDeleteThe cold's developed today, just when I could do without it. I was surprised just how well the drainage pipe worked, I hope the next one we install will work just as well.
DeleteThat variety of broad bean is reckoned to be the best of the autumn sowing ones.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing to do with plots prone to waterlogging to have raised beds if possible.
Take care, and have a good weekend. Flighty xx
I chose this variety as it said on the packet that it's recommended for autumn sowings. We've considered raised beds in the past, and will probably have to go that way if the drainage pipe doesn't work, but if it works as well as the first one we installed does, we'll be ok.
DeleteIt's creating the kind of soil conditions that make wellies feel like astronaut's lead boots!
ReplyDeleteYou're not kidding, it's like quick sand on my plot.
DeleteI grew them when I had my allotment and they did really well. I too have had the seed sowing urge, I now have sweetpeas in tubes in the greenhouse! (I know Monty Don said the spring sown ones did better but I needed to sow seeds - now!).
ReplyDeleteI was contemplating sowing sweet peas too. I watched Monty's trial with interest and have managed to stave off that particular urge. I'll sow mine in spring, if I remember. I never got round to it last year.
DeleteOh they are off to a good start Jo. I bought some Aquadulce Claudia too but have still to sow them. Must get a move on. We have lots of plots on our site that suffer from water logging :( Hope that you do not suffer too much with the sniffles. Keep warm and cosy this weekend.
ReplyDeleteThere's still time for sowing, especially as November has been quite mild so far. It's been a really busy week this week. My dad has been in hospital and my daughter is presently performing in a play at one of the theatres in Leeds, but I intend to hibernate over the weekend and let Hubby take the strain.
DeleteGetting started on the new season always gives hope - even in this lousy weather. I've planted loads of bulbs in pots. As this includes two small pots of Saffron crocus, it more or less counts as productive.
ReplyDeleteIf the mini greenhouse in still standing on Saturday, I intend to get started on the proper stuff - onions, garlic and shallots. Due to limited space while the garden fence is replaced, I may leave peas and broad beans until February.
I've managed to get round to planting some bulbs this year, bulb planting time often passes me by, so I'm rather pleased with myself. I don't do autumn onions, garlic or shallots, but hope your's do well for you.
DeletePoor you - I hope you are snuggled up with some fine seed catalogues and that your cold passes quickly.
ReplyDeleteI have grown Aquadulce Claudia over winter and it did well. I seem to remember getting a soup out of the bean tips before the black fly got them, which made me feel great because I was desperate to harvest something at an otherwise lean time.
Get well soon!
I must get round to ordering some seed catalogues, I've only had one come this year so far. I've never used the bean tips before so I may take your lead and use them this time.
DeleteIt's amazing how quickly that broad bean variety germinates. It never fails to surprise me and I plant them every year. Here's hoping for a good harvest from them in spring 2013.
ReplyDeleteI thought they were taking a rather long time, actually. I was contemplating bringing them indoors to a warm windowsill, then I noticed one popping through the soil. Patience has never been one of my strong points. Fingers crossed that they do well once planted out.
DeleteI haven't even begun to think about sowing anything yet - I do tend to go into hibernation at this time of year. Hope you feel a little better, what we need is a really cold spell to get rid of all those nasty germs flying about.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, I think a cold spell would be good right now, there's so many bugs going around. I don't usually sow anything at this time of year. I think it's because we've had such a bad growing year that I want to start all over again.
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