Rhubarb!

6 January 2013, Midwinter, 7 deg. C, Damp.

Aches and Pains

The day started off very damp and foggy. All our tools are still in the car from yesterday, so we can just get in and go, but our bodies seem to have grown new, painful muscles were none were previously. Slightly slower than anticipated then, we make it to the allotment. Very few others seem to be about.

Sledgehammer Blues

I set off with the axe, lopping off the rotten ends and putting new points on  the posts that I have salvaged from the muck bays yesterday. I start making new holes for the posts, but then discover that I did not bring my sledgehammer along. While I waste my time trying to get the first post in, a fellow allotmenteer, Tony, comes walking up. We have a bit of a chat and and he mentions that he is clearing a new allotment and have dug up loads of rhubarb corms, and would we like a few? Rhubarb is Eli's second most favourite thing, so I confidently answer in the affirmative. He also enquires as to whether I might have some use for his sledgehammer, to which I gladly answer in the affirmative again. No sooner have I said it or he walks off to go fetch it! 10 Minutes later and he's back with six good looking Rhubarb corms and a sledgehammer. We thank him and he leaves us to get on with it.

With the right tools for the job, the job goes much quicker. Eli also found some nails in the shed, which I use to nail the corrugated sheeting to the posts. Job done!

The Sheds

While I was doing the muck bays, Eli set about sorting the sheds. In doing so she unearths various useful bits and pieces, some tools and lots of usable fleece and netting. One shed has some issues with damp, probably due to a non-existent down-pipe, while the other is dry and windproof. Both their doors are wonky and need attention, especially if we want to be able to lock stuff into the sheds. That's another day's project. Eli has also filled 5 bin-bags with what can only be described as 'crap'. That goes to the dump.

Number 1 Shed, ready for inspection.

Number 2 Shed, needs some more work, but serviceable. Check out the coffee making arrangements.

Carrots

Eli brews up some coffee and while we are drinking it, I see what looks like the delicate leaf of a carrot a few yards off amongst the weeds. Closer inspection reveals the remains of a carrot bed! I dig the lot up and end up with a big handful of carrots that are untouched by slugs or wireworms. That's for dinner, thank you.

Look at those beauties!

Finally, I dig some holes for the rhubarb corms, pop them in, and firm up. Job done.

They don't look like much, but give them a chance!

It's past three in the afternoon, drizzly and the light is fading. There is a special kind of satisfaction when one builds something with one's own hands, even if it won't win prizes for grace or beauty. There is another, very special, satisfaction to be had from working with soil. Getting personal with mother nature. Today I have experienced both, but I want to get home to where beers and a warm bath awaits.