As I write the temperature is falling as dusk approaches and for the next few days it is due to stay quite low, with 1° C forecast for this coming Sunday.

This drop in temperature follows some very mild and dry weather just after New Year, which has been ideal for working on the allotment.

We have a large mound of compost which I normally spread every year, but in 2011 it was so dry that I left the pile for two years and now, after 2012’s rain, it has rotted well and is ready to use. So I’ve spent several days with spade and wheelbarrow, digging it out and spreading a layer on top of my vegetable beds. I have also pruned all our soft fruit and apple trees.

It is good to have completed this work and the next step will be to order seeds for the year, which always feels like a landmark.

Bluebell Allotments, December 2012