Haddock's Mid-July 2012.

Mid-July is always a danger point in the annual life of Haddock's. It's the time of year when Summer guests start to arrive, and normal everyday weeding duties tend to be forgotten, or put off till mañana. If I'm not vigilant it can become swamped by weeds.

However, everything is flourishing. Piles of Courgettes are restricting movement in the kitchen, and the Tomatoes are almost ready. We are eating Swiss Chard, Kale, Beans, and Red Onions; and we've not had to buy any salads since March (I grow the red oak leaf ones).   

Why am I so surprised when something grows so well! Just look at this Red Cabbage, ain't she a beauty.  And I have 5 more, all equally beautiful.

There are a few Black Fly on a couple of the bean plants which I treat with either diluted washing-up liquid or nettle juice, but very few other bugs. Even the Cabbage White butterflies don't seem to have been laying their usual amount of eggs.

Any day we're going to have one huge Tomato glut. I have about a dozen plants, all of which are fully loaded. My 2012 preserving campaign will soon need to be en route.