Brr! 9 degrees centigrade in Oxford today, and the last day before the hosepipe ban. The lack of hosepipes won't really be a problem for Plot 129 though, because there's no water on site anyway... All our water comes from wells, the Thames, or carried from home in Jerry cans. I prefer the latter, partly because I'd just worry about something falling into a well, and partly because it is simpler - collecting water from the river and dragging it across the site is easier said than done!

Today I planted three rows of broad beans (I know, I know, it's a bit late), tenderly wrapped up my newly spouted sugar snap peas in a piece of fleece, and started to prepare a new bed. The onions are making enormous progress, and the blossom on the fruit trees is beautiful. Fingers crossed for no frost, and more rain please!