成人快手

Carrot capers

Chris Howard | 17:47 UK time, Monday, 10 August 2009

So I am back, and I returned to good and bad news. Let's start with the good news...

The tomatoes are going from strength to strength - all听six plants are now showing good signs of fruit, and after a nice water and feed, I should have my first tomato salad this week! They were a bit bushy when I got back so I've stripped out some of the side shoots, which should give plenty of energy for the fruit to grow and ripen. In fact, it sounds like Sara might want to do the same - take a look at Ann's advice and get harsh with them, Sara!

听

I also decided to uproot a few of my carrots for Sunday lunch yesterday, with delicious results. Sara's description of them as听lovers seems quite apt for my carrots, entwined in an, ahem, 'embrace' as they were, when I pulled them from the ground (if you've any funny veg photos send them to the gallery. Better yet, if you feel like having a laugh and dressing them up, send a pic to the veg doll section). (Ed. I don't know what Chris is talking about. Clearly, that is a nice carrot giving another, very tired carrot, a piggyback home.)

I did feel a little bit cruel, ripping them asunder and tossing them into boiling water. But that only lasted for a second, and their demise was worth it. Take a look:

I agree with the comment on Sara's blog - don't peel them when they're like that, or you will not only lose half the carrot - but also half of the flavour. You know what you have put on that soil, so a brushing off should be plenty!

As Susie said to me last night - 'they actually taste of carrots', and I think the earthy taste is part and parcel of that.听 And then we have bad news. Firstly, those carrots really should have been a little bit longer, but a lack of watering can do that to a carrot. But I don't mind that听too much if they amuse me.

Secondly, and more seriously, my squash are in dire straights. A big gulp of water when I got home has revived them slightly, but I think that Ann certainly has my number on this one. It really doesn't look good - and such is their plight one even appears to be trying to take refuge next door...

Neglected and dry as a bone it has reached around the fence to see if anyone cares over there. It really doesn't get much worse than having a plant try to leave home, does it?

听

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