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What a freezing start to 2009 it's been. It's absolutely perishing down here in Bath and must be almost unbearable further north, or east for that matter. The watering can outside my back door is solid with ice and even the curly kale is looking

It's been very dry lately, so I've had to water my crops on a daily basis. The poor plants need every drop they can get as my allotment has turned into a dustbowl.Despite the dry conditions, my strawberries have been fantastic this year. I've got

from drying out.Even though my soil is rich and silty, the hot period we had a few weeks ago obviously dried the soil out enough to create the perfect conditions for potato scab. It just goes to show how critical the critical watering period is.

I always worry about the allotment when I go on holiday. Will it all dry out or get a thorough soaking? Luckily the plot was well watered when I slipped away for a wet and windy week in Cornwall.I may not have appreciated the weather very much

What an odd summer we're having. I'm behind after not daring to sow a thing in April as I knew I wouldn't be able to keep them watered enough in those scorching temperatures. Then May hit us with lots of rain and wind so all the slugs and weeds I

, while improving its structure and water-retaining ability.But this year there's a problem. The RHS Members' Advisory Service has received a high number of calls from gardeners reporting abnormal growth of various vegetable crops, including potatoes

and runner beans, dahlias and Philadelphus - all my favourites!With large infestations I resort to my tried and tested weapon of choice - a plant sprayer bottle filled with water and household detergent. The detergent covers the aphids' breathing holes

are struggling to keep their heads above water. Usually I find a spring dose of nematodes sorts out the worst of the problem and keeps the little blighters at bay while my plants get established. But this year it's not just the little blighters that are wreaking