I spent this afternoon down at the plot. I generally finish work at lunchtime on Fridays, and I can see that heading down to the allotment might well be my new way of starting the weekend. I spent a few hours down there, beginning the task of clearing it out, and Lucy joined me when she'd finished school and helped for a bit.
We weeded out half of the first raised bed. That doesn't feel very much given we have 8 of these to do (plus 3 small ones which make up the same area as a 9th) however, it feel like a good start for a couple of hours' work. I also spent some time taking down a load of bits and pieces left by the previous tenants.
I've got rid of all the canes and cans and poles in the above picture and removed loads of bits of actual rubbish - old plastic pots, plant labels and netting, so these beds are about ready for weeding too. Just removing the canes has made the plot feel much bigger.
This was my first look at the soil, and I think it looks pretty good - not too much clay (which you get a lot around here), and loads of worms, which feels like a good sign. Lucy also found a frog lurking in the patch she was clearing. The plot behind us has a pond, and she gently encouraged him in that direction.
I also had a pleasant surprise. Once I'd cleared the canes and netting from the beds further back, I spotted some familiar-looking leaves coming through, so I pulled it up and confirmed my suspicions - the previous owners of our plot have left a load of parsnips in the plot. I left the rest where they are as we won't use them if I take them home now, but I'll plan them into meals in the next week or so.
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