Author: oldlanelottswp

Path ways between plots must be maintained

To All Plot Members

Just a reminder that pathways have to be clear for access. It is the responsibility of plot holders to keep the grass cut on adjacent paths between plots to keep the site well maintained.

Thank you

Old Lane Allotments Committee

Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

CONTACT DETAILS

DEAR PLOT MEMBERS

If anyone changes their home address, mobile telephone number, or E mail  details,  please can you let one of the committee members  know as soon as possible. It is imperative that are records are correct for the site working alongside Leeds City Council.

OLD LANE ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION

Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

March they say is when the growing season really starts to take off, definitely on a windowsill, in the greenhouse or grow tunnel.  Outside is possible too, but as we all know it becomes dependent on the weather. Ideally the soil temperature should be over 10 degrees Celsius. March is also the time when the weeds start to spring up, so the hoe becomes an everyday tool in use. Also slugs & snails seem to emerge. Controlling them early in the season can have a big impact later on by disrupting the breeding numbers.

What you could grow in March in the greenhouse, broad beans, Brussels sprouts, Leeks, broccoli, salad leaves, radish, lettuce, onions, peas, globe artichokes, spring onions, summer cabbage, celery, early cauliflowers, cress.  Also start off at home in the house, tomatoes, cucumbers & peppers.

Direct sow in March under cloches if the weather is inclement (bad), beetroot, carrots, parsnips, early turnips, onion sets,shallots, chitted potatoes, swedes, Garlic.

Remember to always read your instructions on seed packets.

Research & Blog   Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

Dear members

Seed potatoes have arrived and are ready for collection. Gwen will be on site today for another couple of hours. She has asked me to let members know also when she is on site during the week if you see her you can collect your seed potatoes. She will also be avaliable next Saturday 7th March for members to collect. A big thankyou to Gwen and Tsampica with weighing and sorting the seed potatoes into 4kg bags

Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

Dear All,

As you are all aware we carry out plot inspections every month during the growing season. These will start the first week in March as we enter in to spring. Making sure members are getting there land ready for this years growing season.The weather has not been too kind to us lately.

Thankyou

Old Lane Allotments (Committee)

Dear Members

For those members that are unaware we had a delivery of wood chippings they are situated at the bottom car park Old Lane entrance . They are a great way to create a path on your plot for walking on. They are free of charge who ever wants any

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

For & on behalf of Old Lane Allotments

Following discussions at the last committee meeting we have decided to only open our stores shop on a weekend ,Saturday & Sunday for the 2026 growing season the times will be 9am – 12 o clock.

THE STORES WILL RE OPEN THE 1ST WEEK IN MARCH

Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

For and on behalf of Old Lane Allotments

We had a serious break in sometime yesterday evening. The lock at Old Lane entrance was damaged beyond repair. There was also severe damage done to the hut building. We have had to close off access to the old lane (asda) entrance. We have limited keys avaliable for the lock we have put on. So the main access to the site will be from St Anthony’s Drive entrance.

blog created by Mark Burton (Site Secretary)

January usually brings bad weather but hopefully you can still complete those winter jobs that are still on your to do list. Check your stored vegetables , empty your potato sacks to see if any have become rotten, a squeeze will establish if a potato has gone bad. It would be a good idea to check the underside of your strung onions where rot usually starts from. January is not a month for outdoor planting or sowing you can try to grow some summer cauliflowers in a frost free place such as a cold-frame or frost free greenhouse, but obviously sowing in the deep winter months is a gamble.

          Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

pictures from last year

Happy New Year to all members.

As most of you are probably aware my partner Amanda aged 54 passed away on 26/11/2025. So life has been a real struggle over the last couple of months which is why I haven’t been on site. I am trying to manage my life without her now which has been one of the most difficult times of my life. I have now realised I need to get back to my allotment and be with friends that will be supportive , who I know will look out for me. Although I won’t be coming back in my full capacity as secretary, the allotments are something that has helped me over the last ten years I have been a member. Just want to thank the committee for there continued support with my personal circumstances. A special thank you I would like to say to Mick Hogan our trustee who has seen me at my worse and come to see me everyday. He has been motivating me to overcome my mental health obstacles. He has been my rock and mentor over the last weeks and is a true friend. When the better weather comes let’s hope we have a successful growing season for the 2026 season

Thank You

Mark