We had guests this weekend so I didn't get a proper allotment session (had a very nice weekend though despite this, ho ho), but I did have a very quick trip to the plot to take down a bag of manure (still in my front yard) and dig up some leeks. It's only 10 mins walk away after all.
I was pleased with these 3 leeks and put them in a carrier to take home. Nearing home I thought 'these leeks feel a bit light' but continued on my way. On getting in the house, taking shoes, coat off etc I spotted some leek roots peeping out the bottom of the bag and on closer inspection there was a large hole, perfect for a leek (or two) to slip out. Sigh! So I quickly headed back out to retrace my steps and try to recover my missing leeks. I could see a lump on the pavement a long way down and, yes! It was one of my leeks. Hurrah. But no sign of the other so I continued all the way back to the allotment and *drum roll*.....you'll be pleased to hear I found my other leek on the main path, phew! So my quick trip turned into a bit of a pallava but ok in the end.
Here they are, nice looking specimens. I think I'll use them tomorrow in a giant potato / parsnip mash for freezing.
I also picked a bit of corn salad
And earlier in the week picked some of my oriental greens from the lean-to for a noodle soup
A pic from the other end. You can see the six empty pepper modules
I was going to try sowing some more sweet peppers, doing a pre-soak as recommended by Margaret but discovered I've run out of seeds, so instead have snipped off these 6 modules, given them more of a soak from below and put them in their own bag. Fingers crossed.
And finally, unfortunately these were not my eggs (no chickens myself but maybe one day) but from the organic veg stall in the market. And what's unusual with them? Three double yolks in a row! They were yummy too.
Linking in with Harvest Monday on Daphne's Dandelions
Posted with Blogsy
Three double-yolkers!? That must be a good sign! Peppers always take forever - I remember one year I called the seed company to complain that none of them germinated only to have them germinate a week later. Oh, and really beautiful leeks!! I've tried to grow them only once and they were rather dismal, but I might have to give them another go seeing yours.
ReplyDeleteThank Susie. I nearly went and bought a lottery ticket but forgot! Have to remember next time I get three double yolkers :/
DeleteMy leeks tend to be at their best at this time of year as I plant them out late summer in a spot my potatoes have been (to avoid leek moth damage - the moths have laid their eggs elsewhere by then). It means I only have teeny ones in the autumn but they gradually grow slowly over winter. The trick now is to harvest them before they bolt and flower, though I'll probably let a couple do this for the bees and to self-sow seed around.
I've only ever had double yolks from one box of eggs - and there were three or four in there as well. Lovely oriental greens, they look very healthy. Glad you found those leeks. Putting them in mash is a great idea, I might try that with some of ours. Chickens are a dream of mine as well. One day, one day... CJ xx
ReplyDeleteThanks CJ. I made a big mash last night adding carrots as well and will freeze it up today (I have the day off work, and yet am up even earlier than if I was going to work. Urgh) Anyway, We had some of the leeks on their own softened with butter. Very yummy.
DeleteWe need to get to the allotment for more leeks.
ReplyDeleteI found my leeks have been quite sweet. How about yours sue? I've still got quite a few left but they're smaller, so will weigh up when to fork them up vs risk them bolting
DeleteThey are still fine Lou - I hadn't considered whether they are sweet, I'll take notice
DeleteThose leeks are beauties! Definitely worth trekking all the way back to the allotment for.
ReplyDeleteDifferent varieties do take different amounts of time to come up. Having said that, remember those Hot Wax peppers that I was having issues with both last year and this year with how long they were taking to come up? The new one's I recently purchased from a different seed house have come up with no problem, taking only a few days instead of a couple of weeks. Our first instinct is usually to think that we did something wrong, but in some cases, it's just a bad batch of seeds.
Thanks Margaret! Fortunately the allotment's not too far away!
DeleteIt's a good point about the peppers. I had problems with the same pack last year but didn't really think about it. Probably a good thing this pack has run out, I can start again! If I see a pack on my travels I might pick one up and try sowing some more, it's not too late.
I haven't seen a double yolk in a long time. And those are just gorgeous leeks. Yum.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking out for more double yolkers Daphne! Thank you, these three leeks were a good match!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you recovered all the Leeks. It would have been a shame to forfeit them! Re the germinating of peppers etc, I put mine in the airing-cupboard to germinate. The extra steady warmth works a treat, but I have to keep checking to see if they have come up because they can go leggy very quickly if left in the dark.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark. Ooh, thanks for the pepper tip, I've put them in our sort-of airing cupboard to give it a go (we used to have an airing cupboard but got rid of the hot water tank when we got a new boiler, but the cupboard still has hot water pipes through it and stays quite warm. )
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