July

Well summer started on 22nd June and it just kept going. After a recordly cold spring we are having a recordly hot summer, what is worse is it hasn't rained in weeks so I am having to water daily, this is a real chore and unusual so early in the season I think.
My raspberries were late ripening but they are making up for that by ripening at a rate of knots now. It took me 50 minutes to pick them this morning, it was hot work as well, particularly as I now have to wear wellie boots as there are so many nettles. My wellies were nearly melting! I picked 800 gms this morning and I have over a kilo in the freezer.
I have the first siting of tomatoes, small and green at the moment but a promising start, the first courgettes and flowers on the peppers. I am happier with the plants I have bought this year, I won't buy in the market again, both the peppers and the courgette were a disappointment last year, my courgette was like something out of the last of the triffids.
I checked the outdoor temperatures the other day, I was watching Wimbledon and they kept saying that the temperature on Centre Court was 40 degrees, I couldn't believe it was hotter in London than here! In the shade it was 33 but in the sun 47!!! I had thought earlier about putting my sun lounger out and sun-bathing but decided that it was too warm, I think I was right.
I have no leeks, I think it is too hot, I will sow some indoors like I did 2 years ago, otherwise all is good, I hope it remains that way.
19th July
We had rain last weekend, the most tremendous thunder storms, that blew some of the electricity and my internet, but at least I didn't have to water for 2 days! The temperature has dropped slightly but is remains warm and dry, though storms are promised for this next weekend as well.
My raspberries are coming to the end, though I will probably have some for another week yet, I also have cherries though I think they will not last long, when both have finished I still have gooseberries and they are growing nice and big. I still have lettuce from my fist sowing but the 2nd, 3rd and 4th sowings have done almost nothing, just 2 small lettuce.
I am already freezing courgettes but at least they are courgettes and not baby marrows. I have my first pepper, it is a good size now, I will take it with me to England when I go at the end of the month, along with a load of courgettes, I doubt I will have any ripe tomatoes but I have loads of green ones so some time soon:) The French beans are flowering as well.
The leeks I sowed indoors have just shown signs of life so I may have some leeks this year. All in all I think the hot weather has made everything catch up with previous years, despite the awful spring.