6 May

Did three visits this weekend preparing for planting. Finished digging over the front bed on the top allotment ready for the squashes, courgettes and pumpkins later this month. Dug in some 3 year old manure. Put pea sticks in and covered cabbages with wondermesh on bottom allotment.

Lifted the glass up on the early potatoes, a few of them had a bit of frost damage where the foliage had been touching the glass. Earthed them up a bit more. No sign of any of the other potatoes showing through yet so should be protected from any late frosts. Took a photo of this parrot tulip (one of three) in front garden, the one on the allotment has finished.

Managed to have a bonfire on Sunday evening - got rid of the rest of the rubbish - old brambles, raspberry canes, rotten remnants of raised beds and an old door that used to be used for the manure. It all burned really quickly with very little smoke. Could have done with some chestnuts!