The struggle began at the start of the season. The elongated winter hindered seedlings from growing optimally. The stunted growth either result in premature death or disease leading to yet more savings. As time slipped by. In particular, Brassica seedlings suffered most . All would look well until 2-3 weeks into growth, when they would show signs of suffering. Little did we know, the struggle was about to intensify. Frosty cold nights and above temperature days were playing havoc till Mid May.
The temperature then shifted, the cool nights vanished replaced by normal night temperatures but the daytime temperatures began to soar. The thermometer rose, planting schedule of plug plants began to shift to early in the morning or evening. The watering frequency also began increasing. As the days rolled into weeks, the heatwave intensified smashing all known records with the thermometer reaching a mid 45degrees Celsius. The sweltering heat began having an effect on plants. Some began wilting, some bloomed, some literally cooked whilst some hung on for dear life under some protective shade. The earth was baked. Most root crops didn’t fare well across the nation resulting in crop shortages and price increases for carrots, parsnips and potatoes.
Flowers across the board lost their ability to bloom. The English garden began resembling a desert with scorched lawns and dead or wilting flowers. Fruit and Veg en masse such as peas, broad beans, spinach, salads, berries, apples and onions were being lost to the heatwave .
Farmers and horticulturalists across the nation began to count the heart breaking losses of crop failure due to excess heat. Tomatoes did not ripen, cucumber plants had little or no cucumbers.
Sweet peas were kissed goodbye. Produce in general was smaller and altered in taste and appearance. The damage was across the board.
As allotment plot holders we carried on the struggle. Though weeding was no longer an issue and the constant uninvited friendly slugs vanished, the weightlifting sessions of watering intensified. The attention paid, the devotion to plants exhibited, we survived the heatwave albeit with some losses. In fact some allotment members thrived.
With global warming a constant threat, new methods of planting, sowing shading and watering may need to be implemented to continue the allotment life.
Plants struggled and we carried on the struggle, Jingles the allotment cat and mascot also worked hard, albeit in his own time of catching mice and minimising damage! Well done to all and Jingles.
Keel Drive Allotments 