Early May Update: The Calendula Takeover & A Parsley Problem
The dry weather has arrived! Here is a realistic early May update on managing the watering runs, the patch of self-sown calendula that has taken over the plot, and turning our homegrown leeks, chard, and turnips into some brilliant spring dinners.
It is a classic rule of British gardening: we spend six months of the year drowning in mud, only for the rain to completely vanish the second we actually put plants in the ground.
We are officially into the "bloody dry" phase of the season. The paths have turned to dust, and the watering can is getting a serious workout. But despite the sudden drought, the After-Hours plot is holding its own.
1. Watering Runs & The Smartest Move of the Year
Honestly, the dry spell hasn't been too much of a nightmare yet. I’m getting away with heading down to the plot to water twice a week.
However, making the decision earlier this year to grow all my salad leaves at home, rather than on the allotment, is currently looking like the smartest move of 2026. Having the lettuce right outside the back door means it gets a daily splash from the hose, rather than demanding an extra trip to the plot just to keep it from crisping up.
2. The Calendula Takeover
If you walk past my plot right now, you might assume I have a deep, passionate obsession with calendula. I have boatloads of the stuff.
The reality is that I underplanted some tomatoes with calendula about four years ago, and it has since established a massive, self-sown patch that thinks it owns the place. I really need to dig it up and shift it over to the designated flower patch, but for now, until I desperately need the space for vegetables, it stays. It's bright, it brings in the pollinators, and it requires absolutely zero effort.
3. Plot to Plate: Leek Pies & Peppery Turnips
The best part of early May is that the kitchen is finally reaping the rewards.
The leeks have been the absolute stars this week. A big batch of them joined the chard and the last of the purple sprouting broccoli in another legendary green pasta sauce. I also baked a chicken and leek pie that went down an absolute storm.
Those 35 turnips I sowed back in March are also starting to pull their weight. Instead of roasting them, I’ve been slicing them raw into wraps for a brilliant, peppery crunch.
The only problem I have right now is the parsley. It is growing faster than I can use it. I’ve made compound butter, but if anyone has any genius ideas on how to use up a massive glut of parsley before it bolts, please send help.
4. The Bank Holiday Seedling Surge
As for my grand "no gaps" succession sowing strategy... I’ll admit I still haven't quite got the hang of it. But thankfully, I don't actually have any gaps that desperately need filling just yet.
What I do have is a house completely overrun with seedlings. The squash, cucumbers, courgettes, and tomatoes are all getting huge and staring at me accusingly from the windowsills. The plan is to brave the elements and get the whole lot planted out over the next bank holiday weekend. Wish me luck.
📊 The 2026 Harvest Tracker (Target: 100kg)
(Note: Add in your exact weights for the leeks, turnips, chard, broccoli, and parsley from this week to update your total!)
- Current 2026 Total: 3.75kg
- Remaining to Target: 96.25kg
