Turnip rooted celery

Too dry this year, I'd say it is the worst year I've had so far, certainly in terms of yields. The slug and snail damage has been lower but the seedlings are simply shriveling in the dust and heat.

The potatoes I've lifted this far have been pretty poor, in yields, OK sizes (for first earlies and salad), no scab or slug damage, but just few in number. I will persist with potatoes, but next year only Ratte and Bintje (assumingI can get the seed, not that widely available in the UK and not all this year).

The beans are pretty slow

this, the runner beans are weeks behind, the french (blue lake) is good, and a great flavoured variety, the borlotti are finally cropping in numbers.

Squash: the old french type seems well, four large fruits growing well and a few of small ones, the butternut have not set any fruit at all, I think it is too dry at the back, due to the trees, however they remain in flower, so one hopes for the best.

I prepared the bed for the leeks today. Hard going in the concrete like soil. A lorry load of manure or mushroom compost would do wonders for it. I will get the leeks in this week. Not really expecting large ones, due to having to re-sow, but smaller plants suitable for serving with a vinaigrette or whole in a red wine sauce.

I have also some kale and cabbage seedlings for spring crops going, as the first lot withered somewhat and the kale was allowed to get too leggy, it is growing on the plot but doesn't look great.

The celeriac seems to be doing well, roots have swollen somewhat, I hope if it starts to rain ore frequently I can get a really good crop of these.

The fennel bulbs are also starting to swell. I hope these do ok.

I think I may cut down the plum trees, or at least two or them and keep just one. Most fruits rot on the branch before even reaching ripeness, this may be due to too many fruits being left on. Must read up on this.

Some of the courgettes have gone marrow, picked some apples in the park, and will make chutney with the plums, these marrows, my onions. More spices this year, last year's was anaemic.