Episode 670- Battling Hydrophobic Soil, Greywater Experiments & Preparing for Autumn Crops

This week’s episode comes from the second week of August, following one of the driest Julys on record. The allotment and kitchen garden are both feeling the strain, with soil baked so hard that water beads on the surface and runs off rather than soaking in. Despite the challenges, progress continues — from experimenting with greywater filtration to planning green manures and keeping established crops alive through the drought.<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Allotment Update: Hydrophobic Soil & Survival Mode<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

The main theme this week is hydrophobic soil — ground so dry and compacted that it actively repels water. Beds have become rock‑hard, making digging, planting and watering difficult. Watering still has to be done by hand with cans, taking up to two hours to give each bed a proper deep soak. It’s heavy work, but essential for keeping established crops alive.<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />