Here we are at the end of the first week in May. This post was due at the end of April, in my head and I think with the weather, it’s where we’re at.

There has been progress. My new plot neighbours call it a garden and although there are industrial numbers of peonies and roses (and soon to be dahlias – they don’t know about those!) there is plenty of space to grow edibles.

I’ve three 8×4 beds that I will use for rotation. Closest to the path and water point are two rows of potatoes; second early Charlotte and main Pink Fir Apple. It’s interesting that although Charlotte will be ready first, the PFA have made most growth to break the surface.

The middle bed is peas – Hurst Greenshaft. I managed succession planting. I made the cover from scaffold netting, it has to be at least 15 years old. This should keep the pea moth at bay, I prefer vegan peas.

The third bed is also covered, this time a bespoke number from Harrod Horticultural and again about 15 years old – well worth the investment. Under cover is beetroot and yet to germinate spinach, although it’s possible the molusc army is mowing down the seedlings as sown as they pop up. Also kohl rabi, dwarf curly kale and cavolo nero, picked young to keep it short. There are more seeds to sow for a winter crop.

On the other side of the plot are the raspberries. I ordered canes from Ashridge Nurseries, who advertised delivery in March, but they arrived last November. I don’t know if this super early planting has affected growth but the ever-reliable Joan J is not happy. I lifted the canes from the middle bed, which had zero growth and replaced with Polka from the local gardener’s garden centre. Keep your fingers crossed with me for success. Curiously the bed to the right is also Joan J and doing much better. Cascade delight on the left read the memo and is role modelling growth.

Finally at the back of the plot next to the blueberry cage is space for two 6×4 beds that will sit on the weed membrane and therefore need to be at least 30cm deep. In the meantime, I’ve containers and growbags.

I discovered RHS Wisley uses this method to grow strawberries, the key is to ensure drainage. I need to build a cage to protect the fruit and snip off runners to keep energy with the main plants.

I don’t need more potatoes, but the tubers came in packs of ten. I’ve used grow bags cut in half and placed two tubers per bag. If I get a decent crop this could be the way forward as a way to prevent volunteers the next year. I know it’s not the end of the world but I prefer to be the one in charge of changes to the plan!

I’ll be back with another plot update next month.

What are you doing or growing differently this year?