August has started with a radical change to the plot, namely the arrival of four hens. My wife and I registered with the British Hen Welfare Trust a few weeks back and picked up our 'rescued' hens on Saturday 2nd August from a local collection point. The hens are ex-battery/barn and have probably never been outside before. They are bald in places and are generally unkempt; despite their poor start in life they are engaging, curious and are a pleasure to interact with. I've been assured that their appearance will improve over the coming months due to their improved living conditions. (Below - the hens step outside for the first time for a bit of free-ranging).
The first week of August has seen sunny intervals interspersed with heavy downpours so, as most of the onions have 'gone over', I decided to take them up to start the drying process. Last year I left a batch of them in the greenhouse - big mistake as they were ruined by too high temperatures. This year I'm drying them in the shed ensuring that things don't get too hot. These onions are Sturon grown from sets - (see 16th March 2014 post) - and provide good sized onions.
(Below - Sturon onions drying in August so they store throughout the Winter).
The squashes are still developing well though my saved seed from last year has resulted in an eclectic mix, some have come 'true' to their parent as expected but others are definitely hybrids. I've no idea how these crosses will taste but we'll find out in the Autumn. I'll post some pictures when I start storing them.
I've picked and eaten my first ever cucamelons. They are an interesting fruit providing a zesty cucumber/melon mouthful. I've grown these in the greenhouse but apparently they can go outside - I might try them on the plot next year.
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My two notable failures this year are kohl rabi and sweetcorn. All the kohl rabi planted so far have initially grown well but then have been demolished by various pests including pigeons, slugs and even ants. The sweet corn looked great in their deep root trainers but they just didn't get away after planting; all of them are shorter than they ought to be and half of them are totally stunted. There are cobs on them and I might get some corn but the plants are very poor probably due to being transplanted as they don't like being moved around. Perhaps sow where they'll grow next year then?
I've just cut my first summer cabbages, Primo II (aka Golden Acre). They always perform well and heart up into heavy, dark green plants if the usual pests are kept at bay. The Winter cabbages, Ormskirk Savoy, I planted last month are coming on well and have put on good growth too. (Below - Primo II cabbages before cutting).
I'll end this little round-up from the start of August with a general picture of the plot. A gap has appeared now where the onions were but the rest still looks busy with the squashes and beans taking up loads of space. Bye for now.
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