Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Welcome => New Across The Site => Topic started by: John on May 12, 2022, 00:53

Title: Fruitful! Finally!
Post by: John on May 12, 2022, 00:53
Although we love it where we are, up a hill in Snowdonia, the growing conditions could best be described as challenging. We’ve planted a number of fruit trees over the years which haven’t performed too well. This year is looking different.

Full details here (https://www.allotment-garden.org/garden-diary/7792/fruitful-finally/)
Title: Re: Fruitful! Finally!
Post by: Yorkie on May 12, 2022, 20:56
Fingers crossed for you!
Title: Re: Fruitful! Finally!
Post by: John on May 13, 2022, 00:21
Fingers crossed for you!
I'm really hopeful!  :D
Title: Re: Fruitful! Finally!
Post by: snowdrops on May 13, 2022, 08:49
I’ve often wondered John as a keen gardener, what made you decide to live in that exact spot, with the stony soil & windy situation? Was it just a case of you fell in love with the house/views or you wanted a challenge  :)
Title: Re: Fruitful! Finally!
Post by: John on May 13, 2022, 10:25
Good question..

We have always liked North Wales, our honeymoon was on the Llyn and Llandudno was many happy holidays when Cara was young. This house was well apart from neighbours - we've had neighbour problems in the past and had a fair bit of land around it, 3 acres plus. The views are incredible.

I didn't realise the effects of altitude and exposure would be as bad as they are here. The soil is poor, thin and stony but, with time and effort, soil can always be improved.

In hindsight, a smaller amount of land lower down may have been better and our second choice area around Cardigan has better climate but money was a factor too. I know a lot of the media gardeners are in the south of England but real gardeners live all over the country.

Besides, we have greenhouses, polytunnel and shelter belts growing now so year on year things become better. We're far more biodiverse than when we got here.

The bottom line is that I must be mad!  :D