Did we survive Storm Éowyn?

After losing our polytunnel in a named storm in December 2023 I get a bit nervous when we get hit by storms.  So it was with great trepidation that I headed to the allotment this morning to survey the damage!  

Walking along the entrance track I noticed a few plots had some visible damage, but nothing too serious.   Thankfully, when I got to our plots they were both exactly as I'd left them on Thursday - the only sign that there had been a storm at all was my wheelbarrow had moved a few feet.  Phew!   We got away with it - this time.

After having a celebratory cup of coffee in the shed, I took advantage of what has turned out to be a beautiful sunny day and got stuck into a few jobs that needed doing.  As always, a few hours spent working on the plots was most enjoyable.

Plot 1

Plot 2

Our allotment journey so far

Two years ago (in April 2023) we took the plunge and got our hands on a full plot on an allotment site in Derby.   As is always the way, we inherited an overgrown and neglected plot that was infested with bindweed and invasive comfrey.   

April 2023

We got stuck in and cleared the lot over the summer, planting as we went along.   We removed vast quantities of rubbish, laid paths and a patio, dug a wildlife pond, and erected a polytunnel (which lasted one season before being destroyed in a winter storm, such is life!).   Our efforts were rewarded with bumper crops and an award for "Best improved plot by a newcomer" at the local horticultural society's annual show - which was a wonderful surprise.   Along the way we had a great deal of fun and soon became addicted to allotment life.

October 2023

We spent the winter making improvements and preparing for our second growing season.   2024 was a great year, despite the "interesting" weather and we had decent harvests of all the important crops - especially potatoes and pumpkins (we grow a lot of pumpkins).   

Summer 2024

October 2024
Just some of our pumpkins

After two fun growing seasons it became obvious that our plans and aspirations were larger than our plot, so we approached the allotment committee about getting a second plot.   They were kind enough to offer us a plot about 10 metres away and we're going to clear it over the coming months and use it to grow flowers for cutting and also plant fruit trees and bushes.

So, that's our story so far - we hope you'll follow this blog as we record life on the allotment over the coming year.