19th May 2011 – Another transplant was performed. The sprouting Sweet Potato and Comfrey that had been growing roots in the studio left the holding area and transported to Allotment Plot at MERL. Other plants were also relocated from the fixed up greenhouse to new positions on the Plot. These plants were: 1 x Melon Sivan F1, 1 x Marrow Long Green Bush, 1 each of Cucumber Marketmore and Tanja, 1 x Courgette Soliel F1, 1 each of Squash Red Turban, Blue Ballet and Butternut. Rain water was still persistently absent from the Plot and it was necessary to fetch the watering can from the shed. Last weeks transplanted Squashes and Courgettes although they had survived, needed reviving, Ella Montt added a seaweed concentrate to the water and doused the Plot.

The Climbing Beans were not looking vigorous. The weather conditions since mid March have been unusual for the time of year and sometimes deceiving, because of the long dry spells and consistent sunshine, plants although adaptable, may be suffering some kind of confusion. If the Climbing Beans do not start to look more vibrant in the next seven days, more Beans will be planted directly in to the Plot. The temperatures at night, on several occasions recently, have dipped down close to freezing point and this will inhibit or damage plant growth. Because of the instability of the weather conditions Ella Montt decided to place the first Tomato plants transplanted to the Plot between the row of Herbs and the netting that shelters the Peas. The Tomatoes were planted in the following order: 2 x Brandywine, 1 x Chadwick, 1 x Koralik, and 1 x Marmande. More Tomato plants were growing back at the fixed up greenhouse and will be added to the Plot at a later point in time.

The sprouting Sweet Potato was planted inside the netting between the Tomatoes and the Peas. The rooting Comfrey was planted in the Brick Composter at the opposite end to the first Comfrey plant and the Stinging Nettle. Ella Montt did not transplant herself but kept her same identity.

More snails were found between the Peas. The netting was sheltering the plants from bird attack, but also providing a breeding ground for snail activity. The first harvest of Broad Beans and Peas commenced: Broad Bean Supersimonia = 1lb 3oz = 480g; Broad Bean Super Aquadulce = 6oz = 160g; Peas Meteor = 5oz = 140g.

22nd May 2011 – The garden fork broke at Allotment Plot 326. It shattered whilst digging. The first transplant of Squash and Courgette plants arrived at the Plot 326, more will follow at a later date. Plants placed in the earth that day were: Squash 1 x Big Max, 3 x Butternut; 3 x Marrow Long Green Bush; 5 x Courgette Black Beauty; and 3 x squash or courgette that had somehow lost their name label. Water was applied to the Plot.

Wind damage may occur over the next two days. A single Plum and a single Apple on the new fruit trees were germinated and have survived so far. The strong winds will test the strength of the fruit.

Harvest at Allotment Plot 326: Broad Beans = 1lb = 440g and Spinach 4oz = 110g.