Came across this article in the Guardian the weekend that, though not specifically allotment related, has some good tips you might find useful. I did. As the article says, it answers 27 of the most basic gardening questions from “What kind of soil do I have?” to “Should I pick up slugs and throw them into next door’s garden?”
Came across this short but useful column in the Guardian over the weekend on how to use your compost effectively, including answers to questions such as when, how, and what to use it for (may seem obvious). Also, seed sowing tips worth a read. Click on the image opposite.
Unfortunately, the repair of the front gate that was reported in the last newsletter appears to have been only only temporary. The right side of the front (bottom) gate is broken. Please do not attempt to close the front gate. I have informed the land agent, developer, and the farmer about the gate and request that they do not attempt to close the gate until the gate has been replaced or repaired. It is the landowner’s responsibility to repair or replace the gates. We have kept the land agent informed of any and all issues we have with the gates. Plus we have multiple of times tried to make repairs of the gates.
If the gate was closed, we would struggle with closing it, as you need to lift it slide the lock bar across.
The top gate should always be closed and locked if you are the last person on the allotments to leave.
If you are alone at the allotments, and feel vulnerable, you can close the top gate while you are there.
Welcome improvements to the toilet have been spotted. The outside latch on the toilet door has been fixed so that a brick is no longer required to keep it shut, but more importantly, the ‘engaged’ privacy lock has been replaced with a smooth operating green/red indicator mechanism. A sensor operated light has also been installed which I have to say is just brilliant. Great improvements all round.
Hold fast peeps and keep your seeds dry. For now. Though tempted, and more than ready, I am going to leave it a week or two before I make a start. I have lost too many seeds in the past few years because I just couldn’t wait, and I guess the cold conditions prevented them from germinating. The spuds however, have chitted nicely and can go straight in the ground as soon as I get a chance.
This is yet another great article by Poppy Okotcha listing three jobs to do this spring, and gives some very useful tips throughout. For one, I don’t have a greenhouse so I will be starting my seeds indoors.
