Author: oldlanelottswp

Middleton Show Awards

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Better Action For Families known as B.A.F.F who occupy plot 5 on Old Lane Allotments took some of their produce to the Middleton Show. Lynn Bailey one of the team said ” We were so pleased with the result of the awards especially with not been able to run groups on the allotment due to the pandemic”

They won 1st prize for root vegetable’s (Beetroot). They also won 1st prize for wonky vegetable’s (Carrots) . Finally 3rd prize for there potatoes. Well done to all the team representing Better Action For Families – growing there produce on there plot 5 on Old Lane Allotments;

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary) Pictures Lynn Bailey (B.A.F.F)

Our hut & main building

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We have decided to put paving slabs around the hut building . We started phase 1 of the project. Mick Hogan laid the flags & I was the labourer. I think you will all agree they look really good. Martin Kennard who works the communal garden areas is going to plant flowers in the tubs which will look really decorative after our main hut building was painted.

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

To all members

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Can any members who have not submitted there seed potato forms or kings seeds order forms for processing please give them to me on site as soon as possible. In particular the seed potato forms as we need to reserve stock with our supplier

THANKS

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

With the first frosts hitting us this month as the season really starts to slow down we can now prepare for the next growing season. Its not too late to plant out over wintering onion sets. You can plant your garlic now. Towards the end of the month you can sow broad beans for an early crop. Your greenhouse should come to an end this month any green tomatoes can be made into chutney or ripened over the next couple of months producing red tomatoes. Store them in a cool place in the dark not touching each other in case one rots & passes on to other fruits. If they dont look like they are ripening put an over ripened banana in with them this will release ethylene gas that contributes to ripening. Runner beans & French beans will come to an end this month.

When land becomes vacant you can dig it & Spread manure over the surface. Leave the soil in large clumps the worms will break them up to get to the manure. Now is the time to give the greenhouse a good clean out & wash down making more direct light next growing season.

Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

An anonymous letter has been left in our post box. Could the person that has wrote it come & see the Secretary (Mark Burton) or another member of the committee to discuss the matter please

Old Lane Allotments Association

Our stores shop is now closed for the winter break, However if Mark Burton or Tony Paine are on site we will be happy to serve members if they have any requirements .

Normal opening times will resume for the start of the growing season next year.

Thank you – Old Lane Allotments Association

Wood chips for pathways

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We have acquired a lorry load of wood chippings which would be ideal for pathways or to be spread around fruit trees, shrubs & Plants. They will act as a really good suppressant to stop weeds growing in areas you don’t want them to.

They can be found at the back of the hut building right at the back parameter fence. Please help yourselves.

Old Lane Allotments Association

Marie & Jim were really pleased to receive the award for Best kept plot. Marie said ” We were so pleased to win this years award. Its been a difficult year. This plot of land has kept us grounded, and much of our spare time has been spent on our allotment. We feel very lucky it has been somewhere to escape to, also to have some fun along the way, and to take home fresh fruit & vegetable’s.

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary) Photos by Marie Darlow

Hedgehogs

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There have been several sightings of hedgehogs reported to me on our site. Marie on plot 4 saw one on a neighbouring plot. Also Lucy plot 37N & Jelena plot 9N spoke about there concern for hedgehog safety on site. please see below.

1 . Slug pellets & pesticides can kill hedgehogs & should be used as a last resort, crushed egg shells or grit around the plant can deter slugs. If you have to use pellets place them under something which is inaccessible to hedgehogs.

2. Always thoroughly disturb bonfires before you light them as hedgehogs or other animals could be nesting there.

3. Litter is a real hazard to hedgehogs, they can get there heads stuck in tins, plastic bags etc

I know a lot of members have made hedgehog hotels on there plots making it safe for hedgehogs to rest or to build a nest for themselves.

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary) photos sent to me by Jelena Germansone & Marie Darlow

Whatever the weather brings in September the season definitely begins to wind down. The bulk of the harvest starts to come home now & gaps start to appear on your allotment plot.  You can still sow winter hardy spring onions, & also plant Japanese winter onion sets for harvesting from June next year. This is the last chance to sow spinach & winter lettuce, a few last minute radishes may give you a final crop until the end of the year. Now is the time to plant new strawberry plants, either those you have bought or propagated from runners. You can also transplant Spring cabbages for harvesting next year. You still need to keep those weeds down with the hoe before they get established. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, will need continuous feeding, & should be ready for picking.

The second early potatoes should have been lifted by now, if all the stalks have died off then there is no food been supplied to the tubers, so they wont grow anymore. Your main crop carrots should be ready for pulling some time this month. Sweet corn should also be ready to make sure it is remove some outer leaves & put your finger nail into the kernel if its milky they are ready. Pumpkins should also be ready cut the stalks a few centimeters from the fruit & leave in the sun to continuing hardening off.

Blog By Mark Burton (Site Secretary)