In the Greenhouse
Spring has arrived and activities at the allotment and in the greenhouse are getting into full swing. Here are some of the plants so far. The greenhouse, shown in the 
panoramic photo here, is not on the allotment. It's in the back yard of the house, about half a mile away or 3 minutes on the bike. the greenhouse has just undergone a refurbishment of the bubble insulation after a 15 year lifespan,this includes the addition of some insulation to the ridge to help with frost protection. the difference in temperature from outside to inside is 10° centigrade,so the bubbles really do help .
 | Courgette and Butternut Squash seedlings in the greenhouse.
have just recently discovered Butternut Squash,and am now keen to grow my own which I am sure will taste much nicer than shop bought ones |
 | Tomato seedlings in the greenhouse, ready to be planted outdoors once the risk of frost has gone. |
 | Beetroot seedlings (in the front) and cauliflower behind.
I am going to try a few plants in my tiny scrap of garden which although small is very fertile |
 | Borecole (pronounced 'borra-cola') also known as mini kale.
these plants are very dark green, I mix them with the more usual lighter cabbage which makes it more palatable for Den who is not that keen on the taste yet eats it anyway to please me. |
 | Broccoli (right) and Cauliflower (left). Hard to tell these apart.
these two are a new project, which I have not grown before so I expect I will be seeking the help of my "Oracle " at the allotment to help with some tips on raising them to maturity |
 | Orange peppers (capsicum) |
 | Yellow peppers (capsicum) |
 | Sweetcorn aka maize seedlings. |
 | Parsnip. Normally these would be planted straight into the ground, but here we are trying out a modular method. The seedlings are each in their own cell (the white plastic). They sit on top of some capillary matting, on a water reservoir. The plants are self-watering. All that is needed is to top up the reservoir. It's been going about 3 or 4 weeks and hasn't needed topping up yet. |
 | Brussels Sprouts "Revenge" hybrid. |
 | Here's one you don't see every day. Grape vine, Hamburg red, donated by a friend. This vine is several years old now and has been severely cut back to allow light into the greenhouse. |
 | Very early potatoes in the black pots, King Edwards we think, and a potato barrel planted about 3 weeks later. These should be ready soon, as soon as the haulms flower. |
 | Late crop potatoes outside the greenhouse, planted a few days ago. Note the earth is ridged and the plants are along the middle of the ridges. This helps to protect from frost and the potatoes grow in the soft earth. Some people wait until the plants are growing before heaping up the ridges against the stem, be we find it easier just to do it straight away. These should be ready about July or August (about a 12 week cycle, depending on the weather). |