Out with the old, in with the new

I got rid of my three-year-old strawberry plants a few weeks ago. I had full intention of buying some new ones but one of my fellow allotmenteers gave me 24 young plants. Money saved again! My old pea ground was empty so it was forked over and an ample supply of well-ro ed manure worked in. A handful of compost in each hole and soon each plant was se led in – this new bed is in place for the next three years.

The sweet peas have run their course, with very few blooms left and straw-like foliage, so it’s time to remove them. This bulky material is ideal for the compost heap as it aerates it well. They did so well in their area so I might break my rule and grow them in the same place next year.