The temperatures have dropped and the misty mornings have arrived which means it’s time to bring in delicate crops which might be ruined by the weather. Having brought my squashes in a week ago it was time for the sweetcorn to be harvested, not that I was expecting much. The plants have very much been left to themselves all Summer and they didn’t grow very tall at all. They were late being planted out and have been neglected which might explain the poor harvest which I collected…
I picked 9 cobs of miniature size and to be honest I’m not too sad about it. Yes I would have liked to have grown perfect sized sweetcorn but I guess life isn’t perfect is it? Plus my Dads sweetcorn harvest was a lot better than mine so we’ll have plenty of corn to eat this Winter. I’m learning to stop stressing about growing perfect looking vegetables, if it happens it happens but if it doesn’t grow to plan then there’s always next year (and I’m sure they still taste perfect anywho!)
I spotted a tiny courgette ready for picking amongst the dying leaves, the last of the courgettes this year and one crop that I’m going to miss. I also raided the raspberry canes and managed to harvest a handful to add to the freezer bag so I can make some jam this Winter. After picking my little Autumn harvest I couldn’t help but sit and marvel at the cosmos growing on the plot. I didn’t sow any this year and was brimming with happiness when I spotted these self sown beauties growing on the flower meadow. I just adore cosmos and the sight of them in the afternoon sun made my heart swell. I’ll have to make sure I sow loads more next year so I have enough for me to bring home, I just can’t bring myself to pick anymore because the bees are loving them and they need them more than I do…
As I walked home with my trug of homegrown goodies I couldn’t help but start thinking about next year. I really want to try growing baby corn on the plot, both me and Charles love it and have been eating it a lot lately with stir fries and even roast dinners too. It will be something new to grow on the allotment and I’m a little excited about it. Now that Autumn is upon us and plants are dying back it’s time to start planning for 2018 and I can’t wait!
