This afternoon was spent trimming back and weeding the strawberry bed. Once I had tidied up the plants by cutting off the leaves, I could see the weeds that had been skulking underneath!
The Cheap 'Elsanta' plants I had got through Mail Order and special offers certainly grew well, giving me lots of fruit even though some of them were dug up again in April to get at the bindweed underneath! I widened the bed by planting some of the strongest extra runners alongside the bed. Next year I shall dig up a 1/3rd strip and replant it with the strongest runners. The half of the bed planted with F***** I will dig up as, while they gave berries over a long period they are not strong plants and the crop was very light. A neighbour gave me some surplus plants so I will replant with those.
I gave my surplus to a new tenant of a plot near me.
Harvesting
My runner beans are just about done. Even the late sown ones are producing only a few beans. Those that have grown a bit large are being left to mature for next year's seed.
The french beans, 'Purple Teepee', gave a last reasonable picking. While not quite as tasty as 'Safari' they are a darn sight easier to pick as the beans are held high on the plant and the colour makes it easy to see them. Just a pity they turn green when cooked!
The sweet corn crop is disappointing. A few good size cobs the the rest are small and not fully pollinated despite being planted in a block.
Two cobs looked most peculiar! I'm trying to find out what went wrong. If you can help please register above and add a comment!

An unusual sweet corn cob!
Anyone any idea what has happened here?