Plotholders Progress
The Allotted Month – December 2013
The weather in December has been unseasonably mild during the day so far and this will be appreciated by those who still have crops growing on their plot at this time of year .
In my case there are some leeks left, many of which shot during a dry spell earlier in the year and I’m doubtful they will be edible.
Other leeks which had been stunted in growth by planting in a container were planted out a few weeks ago however they have been massacred by a rabbit or some other pest and there is not much left.
I also have some beetroot, some deformed swedes and maybe some carrots - all in all a poor showing for the year.
Although my enthusiasm has been dampened, I am keeping a positive outlook by planning my strategy for next Spring and I am going to concentrate on potatoes, grown in the ground this time and not sacks, onions, leeks, courgettes, peas and lettuce.
I am considering bringing in a large quantity of farmyard manure in order to replenish the soil and act as a mulch as I have found my allotment soil becomes dried out very quickly on warm days. I believe this is a result of digging in too much leaf mould in previous years.
Jobs which can be done at this time of year include -
Collecting fallen leaves to make leaf mould compost.
Lift root vegetables such as beetroot, turnips, carrots for winter storage.
Leeks can be pulled and heeled back in to make them easier to lift when you decide to use them.
If you have planted winter garlic outside beware of mice and rats who can dig up and eat your precious crop.
If you have Brussels sprouts, earth up the stems if they have become unstable
Check your fruit trees which should have had their final prune by now and mulch around the base of all trees.
Check the condition of your fruit cage and other netting and carry out any necessary repairs
Remember that heavy snow fall can sometimes place a heavy burden on your fruit cage and greenhouse and you should make regular checks during periods of snowfall
Other jobs-
Order your seeds for next year. There is information on the FEDAGA site of the Kings seed catalogue - go to Seed Trading Scheme - and the online ordering process where your discount can be applied if you are an allotment plotholder.
Clear out your shed and greenhouse of any rubbish gathered throughout the year.
Clean, sharpen and oil your gardening tools such as spades, hoes, pruners and loppers .
Consider pegging down heavy gauge plastic sheeting over the parts of your allotment which have been cleared as a means of suppressing weed growth
Put out some food and water for the birds
Finally, have a good Christmas and New Year when it comes.
J Greenfingers.
The weather in December has been unseasonably mild during the day so far and this will be appreciated by those who still have crops growing on their plot at this time of year .
In my case there are some leeks left, many of which shot during a dry spell earlier in the year and I’m doubtful they will be edible.
Other leeks which had been stunted in growth by planting in a container were planted out a few weeks ago however they have been massacred by a rabbit or some other pest and there is not much left.
I also have some beetroot, some deformed swedes and maybe some carrots - all in all a poor showing for the year.
Although my enthusiasm has been dampened, I am keeping a positive outlook by planning my strategy for next Spring and I am going to concentrate on potatoes, grown in the ground this time and not sacks, onions, leeks, courgettes, peas and lettuce.
I am considering bringing in a large quantity of farmyard manure in order to replenish the soil and act as a mulch as I have found my allotment soil becomes dried out very quickly on warm days. I believe this is a result of digging in too much leaf mould in previous years.
Jobs which can be done at this time of year include -
Collecting fallen leaves to make leaf mould compost.
Lift root vegetables such as beetroot, turnips, carrots for winter storage.
Leeks can be pulled and heeled back in to make them easier to lift when you decide to use them.
If you have planted winter garlic outside beware of mice and rats who can dig up and eat your precious crop.
If you have Brussels sprouts, earth up the stems if they have become unstable
Check your fruit trees which should have had their final prune by now and mulch around the base of all trees.
Check the condition of your fruit cage and other netting and carry out any necessary repairs
Remember that heavy snow fall can sometimes place a heavy burden on your fruit cage and greenhouse and you should make regular checks during periods of snowfall
Other jobs-
Order your seeds for next year. There is information on the FEDAGA site of the Kings seed catalogue - go to Seed Trading Scheme - and the online ordering process where your discount can be applied if you are an allotment plotholder.
Clear out your shed and greenhouse of any rubbish gathered throughout the year.
Clean, sharpen and oil your gardening tools such as spades, hoes, pruners and loppers .
Consider pegging down heavy gauge plastic sheeting over the parts of your allotment which have been cleared as a means of suppressing weed growth
Put out some food and water for the birds
Finally, have a good Christmas and New Year when it comes.
J Greenfingers.