Taking advantage of soft soil

the hugel bed being planted up

After last night’s short blast of rain, I woke to sunshine this morning, so thought I had better get into the garden quick. I had planned to plant out some of the cucumbers in the latest hugel bed as soon as it had rained, so that the soil would be easier to move about.

Indeed, the soil was friable, which meant there was no hardship on my part to get the cucumbers in the ground. And as it is supposed to be a toasty 22 degrees tomorrow, they have some chance of feeling at home, I hope.

Whilst the soil was moist, I also decided to sow some more mangetout next to the cucumbers. I ate my first picking from the original sowing today and it would be great to enjoy them for as long as possible this year.

Other sowings include sweetcorn (the seeds I sowed indoors failed to germinate) and Chinese cabbage. Last year’s attempt at the latter came almost to nothing as the cabbage white butterflies made a meal of them and then they bolted this spring. However, I am going to chance my luck again as it would be so nice to have some organic Chinese cabbage for stirfry.

Last but not least, the first pumpkin has gone in the ground. I’ve two more to put out as insurance for a Halloween lantern but they will have to wait till I’ve cleared some ground for them. 

And then I could sit outside and admire my garden till gone ten thirty this evening. The birds had all gone to bed by this time but I could still have done work it was that light. I won’t have this luxury for much longer, so I might as well appreciate it while I can!