Mmmmm harvest's on the way

Welcome!

Come through the magic arch and see how things are going in Howarth Cottage Garden.
But make sure you pick up the orange bucket or watering can and fill it at the green water-butt - it's syphon fed from the four other butts down the side of the garage so still plenty of water - that's lucky because there is plenty of watering to do.

First stop is the greenhouse. On the cooling evening of a hot summer's day it smells beautiful when you walk in. The air, still warm and humid, contrasting to that outside and it's rich with the aroma of 'real' tomatos.

Straight outside the onions look like they are almost ready already.

They could have done with more regular watering especially the ones nearer the hedge which are a lot smaller than these and their stalk already withered. Notice that we are not perfectionists when it comes to weeding!

Inside the poly tunnel the courgettes have been going crazy.

And so have the nasturtia.

And so have the sweet corn.

They are having to bend over to fit their heads under the ceiling. But it's going to be exciting to see those tassels turn into cobs. Perhaps they will go straight onto the B-B-Q for a corn roast.

Outside, a good bit of pruning seems to have improved the pear harvest.

Last year the fruit were all a bit weedy.

And the hens are very happy with their new run. It is farther up the garden where there is more shade from a coppiced hazel and plenty of natural debris on the ground for them to scratch around in. I'd noticed that when the sun was very intense they were desperate to get into any shade they could. I guess it's because they are descended from the Jungle Fowl.

Now, look what Rosanna has brought home ...

... and she didn't even break any of the eggs (this time).

Mmmmm, Delicious!