[Elcie]

Some picture updates.

Back in May:




June:





And earlier today:


close up:


I have changed a few squares over the months.  Realised quite quickly that lots of lettuce wasn't really the most productive/attractive use of the squares!  Really pleased with how strong the sweetcorn at the back is looking.

Have entered the local newspaper's garden competition as everyone kept saying how unusual it is.  Closing date is today so should hear next week whether the judges are coming around to visit.

Will let you know 

[barney rubble]

Its looking great Elcie - I was wondering how you'd got in the competition. Fingers crossed for you

[dizzylizzie]

OWWWW, that looks brill, what a clever idea. everything crossed for you. When will you hear do you think?

[Mitsy]

Looks great, good luck 

[Elcie]

Thanks for the nice comments everyone 


Dizzylizzie, not sure when but would think it would be in the next week or two.  Initially you send a photo, then the judges decide who to come around and visit, so will keep my fingers crossed they decide to come and have a look!

[dizzylizzie]

well it does look fab, and its really different, good luck  and i will keep everything crossed- keep us posted

[sloworm]

it all looks wonderfull, i wish you well with the competition

[Elcie]

Hi everyone,
just to let you know for those that are following my progress, I received a letter from the competition organisers today.  I have got through to the next round which means they have looked at the photos and the judges are coming to visit!  They are coming on Friday.  I am at work until 3pm so may miss them but the OH is going to try and get the day off if, for nothing else, to keep the dog quiet whilst they are judging!

Fingers crossed and will keep you informed 

[Ice]

Well done Elcie.  If you get to show your garden I'll be there to visit.

[richyrich7]

Looking lovely Elcie 

[Spana]

That is incredible I would never have believed it if someone had told me about it, I'm well impressed.  You've done a wonderful job and I'm sure the judges will think so too.
Good luck, but i dont think you need it

[Mitsy]

Great news well done! 

[digalotty]

hi elcie the garden looks great and well done so far with the competition,
ive just started a sqr ft garden myself and would be gratefull for any tips you could give me,i do read the website but as i said i only started it 3wks ago, do you use the special mix ? ive put vermiculite into my beds but thats it so any tips very welcome,   
thanks pete

[Elcie]

Thank you for the comments and support as always everyone!

Ice - you can visit anytime you don't need to wait for the competition, just let me know if you are in MK land!

Digalotty (great name!) - the front garden was previously under bark for about 5 years.  When we removed this there was a very thick clay soil underneath.  We basically put the raised bed support on top and then filled with (lots of) cheap compost from B&Q.  Other than that I have given the tomatoes some feed but the rest just water.

My one piece of advice would be to remember how big everything grows!  Plant half of what you think you will need in each square and that will be more than enough!  Honestly, if you saw a picture of it today, even a couple of weeks after the last one, you would be amazed.  It grows so quickly and it is a case of getting a balance of using the space wisely and not over populating the areas (which in most of mine I have done!)

Good luck and please post photos as I love seeing them!

[Ice]

Elcie.  I'm in Old Stratford and not very far away at all.  Would love to visit, just say when it's ok.