Author: oldlanelottswp

SUCCESSIONAL SOWING

Successional sowing

It is easy to freeze are vegetable’s if we have a glut of crops. Fresh vegetable’s however that have been picked a few hours earlier & cooked always taste so much better. So to avoid growing a glut over the growing season we need to have smaller quantities ripening over a period. Say we are going to use a cabbage each week , take a modular seed tray & plant three seeds, label them with the variety & date. While they are developing pot on into three inch pots. Then three weeks later sow another three seeds as your first set of seeds are developing. Continue the process, that way you wont have too many of the same crop all ready at the same time.

This method can be applied to any crop that you have started in pots.

Blog By Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

 

 

Erection of structures & Greenhouses on Old Lane Allotments

Dear plot members,

I originally published this blog on the 22nd July last year & certain members are not asking permission from the committee to build structures on their plots. Poly tunnels are appearing on members plots with no written request asking for permission along with a drawing of the structure. In section (P) of our rules & regulations it clearly states the above. Not complying with this is a clear breach of our site rules leaving us to face scrutiny from Leeds City Council which should not happen.

Any greenhouses , sheds, extension of sheds,  poly – tunnels or any type of structure have to be authorised by the on site committee. A letter in writing & a simple drawing of your plot detailing the structure you want to erect outlining its height, length & width. Materials have to be listed.  If this is not adhered to you will be asked to dismantle it. Sizes of structures allowed on allotments are available on request from Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

 

We have strict guidelines  to follow from Leeds City Council that must be followed.

THANK YOU – THE COMMITTEE (Old Lane Allotments)

HARDENING OFF

 

Plants that have been raised indoors must be acclimatized to lower temperatures & wind before they are planted in the open . Harden them off in cloches or cold frames for 10 – 12 days. Increase ventilation gradually during the day & then at night , until the seedlings can be left out all the time before transplanting them to their final position.

 

Blog By Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

 

An Introduction to N:P:K

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)

Nick Thyer & his partner Katherine rent plots 12W & 13W on our site. Nick who studied Archaeology has wrote an article on pieces of clay tobacco pipes that have been found while digging on his plot. They date back from centuries ago. This is a really interesting read & I would like to thank Nick for his efforts & sharing this information for plot holders to read. Please click/double click on the link below

clay smoking pipes

 

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)  Article wrote by Nick Thyer Plots 13W & 12W

 

The French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) they have been cultivated for over 7,000 years first by the Indian tribes in the Tehuacan valley in Mexico & in Peru. Christopher Columbus brought them back from Europe from his second voyage to the ‘New World in 1493.  French beans are generally classified as Dwarf (bush varieties up to 45cm tall) or climbing which need support & will grow to two metres tall. The seeds & plants are frost tender so don’t sow too early.

As well as been packed full of fibre vitamins including (folic acid) & minerals. They are low in calories & are full of antioxidants. Unlike fruits that become sweeter the longer they stay on the tree or bush , beans are sweetest when young. They are best eaten when they are fresh, young, green & sweet. If left on the vine they become withered & the seeds dry & harden. Dwarf beans take longer to sprout so plant them earlier or ‘chit’ them in a plastic box such as an ice cream tub on wet kitchen roll indoors with the lid on. Plant as soon as the root shows.

Always read growing instructions on the seed packet

 

Blog & Research By Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

Lighter evenings means we get more time on our allotment plots & with temperatures rising in May we should see some really vibrant sunny days.  Watch out there is still a danger of frost even in May which will kill tender young plants. The soil should be warming up now so this is a time for some direct sowing of seeds but remember to stagger them to spread out your Harvests. Remember to harden off young plants this is where you gradually acclimatize the plants to outside temperatures & conditions over a two or three week period.

Continue to sow main-crop peas,  sow sweetcorn directly outside always sow in blocks rather than rows to ensure pollination. Root vegetables can now been sown outside carrots, beetroot, swedes, parsnips & turnips.

Sow outdoors under cover – beetroot, cucumbers, French beans, Runner beans, sweetcorn.

Sow Outdoors – Beetroot, Brussels sprout, Cabbages (Summer), carrots, cauliflower, French beans, kale, lettuce, oriental leaves, lettuce, radish, rocket, runner beans, spring onions,swede, salad leaves, broccoli, Swiss chard, spinach.

Sow Indoors – Cabbages Summer, autumn winter & red, chillies & peppers, pumpkins & winter squash, courgettes, kale, marrows, sprouting broccoli.

Herbs – Succession sow further small batches of seed such as basil, coriander,chervil, dill, parsley, sorrel – may need protecting still with covers or cloches.

You may need to earth up potatoes & keep that hoe going for the continual weeds.

 

Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rhubarb deliveries

The rhubarb that was collected on site & donated by plot members was taken to the local food banks by our treasurer Steve Johnston & his wife Sally to Beeston (Hamara) Holbeck (Holbeck WMC) & Hunslet (Involve). Steve said they were all really pleased for the donations. Here are the best of the pictures that were taken.

Big Thanks to Steve & Sally & the plot members that donated produce.

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary) Photos taken by Sally Kincaid

We have a comments/suggestion box in our main hut building toilet area. If you would like to put a letter in writing to the Committee, we check for any mail before our monthly meeting the 1st Sunday in every month.

Old Lane Allotments Committee