Much ado about mildew

Sometimes things get on top of you and your best laid plans go awry.

I DID mean to mulch and water the courgettes well.

I DID think I planted them far apart enough.

Unfortunately, I obviously didn't. It would be obvious to anyone passing the plot too as they lay eyes on the mildewed leaves.

Mildew is a fungal infection and is caused by stress (much like getting spots when you've been partying too hard and neglecting your multi vits).

Stress can take the form of lack of nutrition, lack of water or lack of air. I seem to have contributed on all levels. If you see early signs of mildew, remove affected leaves (don't compost) to allow better airflow and water well at the roots (try to avoid getting water on the leaves in general to avoid scorch.).

At least the mildew has slowed the tidal wave of squash for the moment....

Allotments abroad

Last month I was lucky enough to celebrate a family birthday on a German allotment which allowed for a little cultural compare and contrast.

Unsurprisingly it was very well organised and tidy.  The one thing that stood out among the German flags and that hinted at a secret other side was the Che Guevara flag proudly flying in one plot.

The main difference of the allotment movement in Germany is that they were set up for relaxation and recreation for working class people rather than the focus being purely on food production.  Mainly they are known as Schrebergarten after the founder of an allotment movement in Leipzig however there are also two other accepted names.

Generally the plots are laid to lawn with a smaller growing area.  Every plot has a shed and they are larger - they are treated more as a living space and tenants can stay overnight in them (just not permanently).  For some, their plot is even their summer holiday destination.  The plots tend to be bought rather than rented and the allotments serve a real social function with a dedicated open area for long tables and celebrations.

This particular spot was in a truly idyllic setting with mountains around and a little stream - perfect for a busman's holiday.

Less than legendary legumes

The legumes family includes broad, French and runner beans, mangetout and peas and asparagus peas.

I have discovered I like broad beans and these are the earliest to harvest. Their one drawback is that you seem to need a lot of plants to get a substantial crop. They also suffer badly from blackfly which is a bit gross. I definitely plan to sow some in November to get a great harvest early next year as the Hungry Gap hits. If you pick them young enough you don't have to faff about with taking the inner membrane off.

Peas are definitely off the cards next year after yet another lacklustre performance. The purple flowering mangetout will be repeated (if I remember to save the seed) if only for their lovely flowers. Asparagus peas were something of a novelty and grew well but were rarely eaten as they taste of neither asparagus or peas. Not convinced.

Runner beans are just now coming into their own and even though I only have 6 plants they provide more than enough for two without us suffering overload.  They are nice lightly boiled and served with red pesto.

The dwarf french beans are slow taking off but should be OK and I frankly have not idea what to do with the Borlotti beans which looks pretty but I think I have to dry and then cook later (why bother? Canned beans are great).

Whatever variety you grow, once the plants have stopped cropping, cut them down but leave roots in ground so they can give back nitrogen to the soil.