Where's the rain gone

Thursday was probably a typical July day. Warm, with a reasonable amount of sunshine and no rain today.

On the plot I dug up our crop of Red Duke of York potatoes. As you can see they looked ready to be lifted.

From 02 Weather 2010

I was surprised at how dry the ground was. It’s just had twice the amount of rain it should have for July but the soil remains very dry. I suspect it’s reduced the weight of the potato crop. On the other hand absolutely no slug damage so perhaps it’s swings and roundabouts concerning the crop weight.

As mentioned earlier this week details of our bee motel are now posted on our website.

Twice the rainfall

Wednesday was a mostly cloudy day although we did manage some very brief sunny spells. There was more light rain in the morning and afternoon. This was enough to ensure that we’ve managed to achieve double the expected rainfall for July.

Our shallots are ready to be lifted and stored but I reckon I’ll need to find somewhere protected from the weather to dry them off properly in order for them to store well.

From 02 Weather 2010

Not like forecast

Tuesday was better than forecast with the afternoon rain failing to materialise. It was a warm rather humid day. It was cloudy all morning but by mid afternoon the sun managed to break through the cloud.

Today’s job was making a bee home for solitary bees. Made out of a sawn down section of tree - details to follow on our web site soon.

From 02 Weather 2010

Dull and drizzly

Monday was a dull day with some afternoon drizzle. It cleared away late afternoon to leave not too bad an evening. Strange that the warmest time of day was 18:40. We now need just another 0.4mm of rain to have exactly doubled the average rainfall for July.

On the plot we had a quick whizz round in the drizzle collecting fruit and vegetables as the forecast for Tuesday is not very promising. Our first French beans are now cropping well.

From 02 Weather 2010

What's happened to summer?

Sunday got off to a good start but it didn’t last and by lunchtime clouds had taken over, the sun had done a disappearing act and the temperature fell away. Not particularly cold but summer seems to have deserted us for now.

Our Conference pear tree in the garden looks to have a decent crop of pears. This is the time of year when I don’t want any strong winds. The tree partially overhangs the greenhouse and it has been known for pears to be blown off the tree and go through the greenhouse glass. Fingers crossed for a month or so!

From 02 Weather 2010

Cool overnight

It was the coolest overnight temperature of the month with the mercury falling to just 8.9°C. It was a bright sunny Saturday morning and very pleasant by lunchtime. It clouded over late afternoon with drizzle in the evening but not enough to cause a tipping of the rain gauge which occurs every 0.2mm of rainfall.

On the plot we made the most of the weather to plant out our last batch of French Beans and Courgettes which will hopefully have time to crop before any cold autumn weather arrives.

From 02 Weather 2010

A getting better day

Friday continued to get better the longer the day went on. By late afternoon early evening it was mild and sunny with very little breeze. No rain at all today either.

I noted on Beechgrove Garden last week that Duckweed is a baddie of the pond. Click here for factsheet to find out more pond plants to avoid. So armed with my net I scooped out some of the duckweed on our pond. It’s arrived by accident through visiting wildlife or on other pond plants bought at garden centres. I know to my cost it can soon cover the pond surface in a green mat unless some is removed on a regular basis. It’s a bit like cutting the lawn it needs doing at least once a week for the best results. I think that a little duckweed sets the pond off well so I don't remove it all. The removed duckweed is allowed to dry off before it’s composted.

From 02 Weather 2010

Cool and cloudy

Thursday wasn’t a typical July day. It remained cloudy and cool all day with a drop more rain thrown in for good measure.

It’s amazing how well the plot has taken all the rain. This bed dug well after it was cleared of weeds and Sweet Williams on Monday.

From 02 Weather 2010

Our marigolds are putting on a good show too showing little signs of damage from the wet weather.

From 02 Weather 2010