Spreading the muck - and the word

Photo of my plot, taken Thursday morning. Came home with leeks, turnips, mini (very) sprouts from my plot, and carrots, turnips and parsley from my kind neighbouring plot-holder Eric. Made a big pot of allotment soup for lunch, and enjoyed roast parsnips and mini sprouts with roast pork for evening meal.

Some good advice from Bunny Guinness in the latest (February) edition of Gardeners' World, Q & A on page 104 regarding E.coli and the use of farm manure on veg plots. I've been busy during the late autumn and winter , along with my fellow plotholders, spreading horse muck over parts of my plot. Although I was aware of possible infection risks, and always wear gloves and clean my hands with anti-bacterial wipes after muck spreading, perhaps I need to make more effort in future. The advice is especially relevant 'to vulnerable (pregnant women, the young or elderley)'. Worth bearing in mind.

Whilst on the subject of Gardeners' World, I must say how delighted I was to hear that BBC Gardeners' World is to go back to the previous format. What was the BBC thinking of when they dumbed down a much-loved, much-watched and perfectly fine weekly ' fix' for the gardening and growing fraternity? I think enough has been said (and in no uncertain terms) on this subject, in a variety of newspapers, magazines, radio programmes, and websites. I was among the many people who contacted the BBC's website to complain about the changes, and thankfully people power and possibly some common sense has prevailed. As far as I am concerned, Carol Klein would have made a perfect presenter, but from what I gather, she was never asked. She seems a sensible lady. Perhaps she'd prefer to do her own thing, and not be too much under the control of the programme makers. Alan Titchmarsh name has been touted as the 'new' presenter. I can't believe there is no (dare I say 'younger') possible presenter out there, who would bring a fresh, up-dated tilt to the programme, without the need for compromise or condescention. The programme needs to encourage and educate the new generations of gardeners, but cannot afford to lose the more experienced and knowledgeable followers who, I might add, are just as keen to absorb new gardening methods and advice. I look forward to the 'new/old' Gardeners' World!