We have 2 x sets of garden shears with extendable handles for trimming the grass round the sides of your plot. We will loan them out to plot members on request all you need to do is ask a member of the committee. Pathways between plots are the responsibility of plot holders & part of allotment gardening, it is also written in our constitution of rules as part of plot maintenance.
Blog Created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary) For & On behalf of Old Lane Allotments Association
Lucy who is on plot 37N went to the Old Egton Bridge Gooseberry show which is a small village near whitby. The show has been ongoing for 200 years. People compete to grow the heaviest gooseberry in a variety of catergories. For example heaviest red gooseberry, or heaviest twins where two are attatched to the stalk. Thanks Lucy for sending in the photos and the information. Really fascinating !!!!!!
Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary) Photos and info from Lucy Moore
We have hedgehogs on site which is lovely to see. Jelena and Irena spotted this one on there plot. Can we be extra vigilant when cutting long grass etc that we dont hurt them, as there population is decreasing.
Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary) Pictures sent in by Jelena and Irena
Dear Members
The stores will be closed 21st -27th August as i wont be on site. If you need any thing from stores could you please purchase it this week.
Blog created by Mark Burton (allotment Secretary)
During the growing season plants absorb important nutrients & minerals from the soil, these need to be replaced if your plot is to maintain a high level of productivity. Most general purpose fertilisers have an N:P:K rating which relates to the three main elements needed for healthy plant growth. The higher the rating the more of that element exists within the fertiliser.
Nitrogen ( N )
Supports the growth of vegetable parts of plants, leaves & stems. Leafy vegetable’s such as spinach, cabbage, lettuce, have a high nitrogen requirement. Lack of nitrogen causes poor, stunted growth with spindly stems with yellow & discoloured leaves. Nitrogen washes out of the soil so feeds need to be applied over the growing season.
Phosphorus ( P )
Stimulates seed germination & root development, increases stem strength & improves flower formation. Root vegetable’s need plenty of phosphorus to aid development. Lack of phosphorus causes poor, stunted growth, plants produce little or no flowers with a weak root system.
Potassium ( K )
Essential for flower & fruit development, also improves drought pest & disease resistance. Often referred to a “quality element” because of the importance to many of the features associated with quality, such as shape, size colour, & taste. Potatoes, fruit, & tomatoes need a high yield of potassium to crop well. Plants low in potassium are stunted in growth & provide lower yields. Excessive levels of potassium can lead to magnesium & calcium deficiencies. Minerals & also trace elements are important for good plant health, over time with each & every harvest, the soil is depleted of these vital ingredients & they also need replacing.
Blog & Research By Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)
The leek is a cousin of the onion originally from central Asia, it has been consumed since ancient times. It was on the menu of Egyptians & later the Romans they used it plentifully in their cuisine, especially during there great feasts. It appears on the national emblem of Wales & is that countries national vegetable. Both a vegetable & condiment the leek has always enhanced a wide variety of dishes with its unique aroma.
A most valuable vegetable capable of cropping for six or seven months of the year. Leeks have an important concentrate of the B vitamin folate, natural occurring folic acid, plus vitamins A,K. They are also a concentrated source of antioxidants. Leeks do best in an open position on rich, well worked soil into which plenty of well- rotted organic matter has been added. They have a high nitrogen requirement.
Always read the seed packet for growing instructions
Blog & Research by Mark Burton (Allotment secretary)
South Leeds Conservative Club, Wooler Street, Beeston, Leeds , LS11 7JH
From 7 PM : BUFFET INCLUDED
Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)
If the rest of Geoff’s carrots are like this one he will have a bumper crop.
Photo and blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)
Allotments have many benefits, they bring people together & unite everyone through shared love of low cost, healthy fresh fruit & vegetable’s, physical exercise & social interaction. National allotments week started in 2002 to raise awareness of allotments & the pivotal role in helping people to live healthier lifestyles
Blog & research Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)
August with a bit of luck, brings us the best of the summer weather but being the traditional holiday month, it can be hard keeping on top of your allotment with a fortnights holiday. Early potatoes should be dug up now, its best to harvest potatoes early in the day rinse them & leave them to dry, in the sunlight for a day to harden the skins before storage.
Vegetables you can still sow in August
Spring cabbage, Spring onions, radish, beetroot, turnips, Spinach, Swiss chard, carrots, Kale for Winter & Spring cropping, parsley, coriander & chervil can be sown in the greenhouse for growing throughout winter. Plant out summer Cauliflowers early this month for an Autumn harvest
Stop tomato plants growing now to encourage fruit to swell, keep side shoots in check, you want tomato’s & don’t want a mass of green foliage. Keep an eye on your brassicas for butterfly eggs & caterpillars. Most of these will be under the leaves in clusters of little yellow/white balls. Pick or wash them off before they develop & dine on your dinner. Turn your compost the warm weather will help break it down, water it if it’s really dry.
Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)
friendly, locally-managed allotments in Beeston, Leeds
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Welcome to my world: digging, harvesting and other stuff
