When I saw this week’s prompt on Sunday Scribblings it got me thinking. We have to write about organic things, and I thought - ‘I know, I’ll have an organic allotment’
The first thing I have researched is organic manures. I didn’t realise there were so many types. I can’t start making it just yet because it may stink a little, and setting up a ferty-factory on my appartments balcony could prove unpopular with my neighbours!
For organic compost I will need to keep all my waste things – leftover food, dead flowers and things. I’ll get an old bin and then I have to buy some worms! What a hoot! You need a special make called (wait for it) Red Wrigglers! True, I promise you.
I can get them by mail order. I wonder if they are cheaper on EBay. Anyway, I’ll bung them into my bin and see what happens.
Fertilizer is different from compost. Did you know that? I didn’t. It has to come from something which once lived. Dried blood, crushed bone, and old fish skins for example. I’m not sure I know how to crush bones. There's a guy who drinks at our pub they call Bonecrusher, perhaps that's what he does for a job. I'll ask him. I think I can buy it readymade too– Bones2Go!
Another good fertilizer is horse poo. We don’t get many horses trotting past my apartment, and even if we did I’m not so sure I’d want to follow them with a shovel and bucket. I do have a plan though. I know someone with stables, so I’m sure I can get some there.
Actually cow pancakes are probably good too. I’ll gather some of those from the farm near school. I could get the children to help me, and then I wouldn’t actually have to pick them up myself. It would be great fun day out for them too, I’ll mention to the Head.
I also read that something called Humanure is good. If it’s what I think it is, I’ll give it a miss. Can you imagine....no I’d rather not!
Then there is crop cover. That’s when you plant something alongside your plants which insects and bugs find tastier. My book tells me that this is used a lot in vineyards, but I won’t be making my own wine – it takes too long and gardening is thirsty work!
So soon I’ll have organic carrots and cabbages and lettuces and tomatoes. I also want to grow flowers. I’ve never heard of organic gladioli so I could be on to something new. One of my aims is to grow the world’s tallest sunflower. I may just have found the answer!
I let you know when I get my allotment; hopefully it will be before the spring. Perhaps I could take old Harry some poisonous grapes to speed things along.
Did I say that? That’s terrible, I should be ashamed. You know I didn’t mean it. Honestly Harry!
.
.
