Because we had such a wet and cold 'summer' here in Ireland, the spuds in the metal drum did much better than the ones in the lavishly-prepared raised bed. Other casualties included carrots (vanished without trace) and peas, which were very sparse. Thank goodness for the polytunnel - bumper crops of tomatoes and chilli peppers plus loads of herbs. I read in Joyce Russell's book that you can freeze whole tomatoes for winter use. They go a bit soggy when thawed but are ideal for cooking. Joyce Russel's Book link here
Here are some of the big fat Beefsteak tomatoes from the polytunnel. Lovely thin skins and dense flesh. They don't travel, so you won't get them in supermarkets. Must be grown under cover in Ireland - I germinated them in a heated propagator as they cost big money and you only get 8 seeds per packet. I'll try to save some seeds for next year.
Other crops
The runner beans did well but were quite late - I've given them to my Welsh friend who is homesick for runner beans and is marooned in Ireland where they don't seem to sell them. Our Victoria plum tree produced about five plums - last year we have hundreds. Maybe all the blossom froze or blew away?
Trees: One thing that responds well to the incessant rain is trees. I've spent days lopping the height out of our hedge and individual trees. I've also cleared a space for an 'orchard' - not very big one but I do like an apple pie so will plant Bramleys.
I lopped the willows and made several rustic-looking hurdles to keep in the ever-increasing piles of tree loppings. I need an industrial mulcher to chop them all up..
Every year is different in the garden so you have to be stoical. Onwards and upwards!
