Potatoes: a crop at last

Well ... loads of bad weather, seems like summer is alomost non-stop rain around here.  The soil is really clay, and soaks up the water.  So, it's really heavy going.

Also, there seems to be a local infestation of flies - awful, really awful.  A local says he has not known it like this for 40 years.  So we have not spent much time at the allotment - running up, strimming and keeping a lid on the chaos as much as possible - whilst burning citronella lamps to fend off the flies.

Today, finally, we saw some result - the first potatoes, and the soil was turnable, so the potatoes have done their job.  Onwards and upwards for next year.

First harvest - a chair

The allotment is taking some clearing, but we have 5 rows of potatoes in, some jerusalem artichokes and courgettes on order.  We have uncovered the strawberry patch and planted mint and two sorts of sorrel.

I also wrestled this perfectly serviceable chair from a patch of brambles.

In the beginning...

... there was mud. 

We have taken over an allotment in the hills.  It is empty, and we are novices.  My brother and his wife are veterans, and came up to give us advice.  Much needed advice.  They also helped with some initial digging.

The soil is quite heavy clay, and there are some big trees which may be a shade problem.

Potatoes and prep this year seems to be the consensus.

Oh yes, and we have to source some manure.