My Urban Oasis: High summer?

This is the third very wet July in a row now, and possibly forming something of a trend based on the jetstream flowing across the country in high summer as opposed to well north of the British Isles. It's a long, long time, July 2006 or maybe the unseasonably warm April 2007, since I was worried about water shortages and my waterbutts have remained full throughout the summer thus far. Even if things dry up now I think the ground is so well charged with water that there will be no danger of drought affecting my plants. Although the rain is welcome, I would appreciate some settled weather now to help ripen the outdoor tomatoes and other fruits that rely on sunshine and warmth to attain their full depth of flavour

After yet more copius rainfall this week, with over an inch on Wednesday and a similar amount during Saturday's deluge, the sun finally shone on Sunday for a trip to the plot. As my sister was visiting for the weekend it was a chance to show off the allotment in its prime and send her back to Harrogate with a bag of fresh veg. I was also able to demonstrate the delights of a freshly picked apricot - the 4th and final ripe fruit I'd been saving in anticipation of a family visit. It was/ they were all delicious!

Everything appears to be flourishing thanks to all the rain, with the beds looking full and lush and no signs (yet, touch wood) of any blight, mildew or general ill health amongst the plants. We managed to pick some huge beetroot, several large courgettes, a punnet of raspberries and blackberries and about half a bag full of beans. There are also some decent squashes forming now, with the first of the butternuts also setting fruit.

Here's a few pictures to show how things have progressed since mid July.

Looking across the plot to the polytunnel - rows of celeriac, beetroot, scorzonera, carrots, parsnips and potatoes...