Author: oldlanelottswp

Can we please make sure we keep the toilet area clean for the next person to use it.

Thank you

Old Lane Allotments Committee

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

The Romans ate strawberries to lift their spirits & to help with bad breath. They also used them for various digestive problems.  North American first nation tribes used strawberries medically , known as a women’s medicine used to clear toxins & to support fertility & child bearing. Before planting the area has to be free from perennial weeds as this can result in root damage. The incoperation of a well rotted organic manure a couple of weeks before planting is beneficial.

Strawberries are best grown in full sun, they need watering as they become established also in dry spells. Always water from below & not from above to prevent the crown of the plant from rotting.  Strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges & are high in fibre. They are believed to be good for the skin & mucous membranes , they also encourage iron absorption & reduce blood fat levels.

Always read growing instructions before planting

Blog & Research by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

Kitchen Garden magazine

Marie & Jim Darlow are in the kitchen garden magazine this months issue that is out now with pictures of their productive & colourful plot in West Yorkshire. Well done to both of them & for putting Old Lane Allotments on the map.

 Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

Dear plot members,

It has been reported to me that some individuals are not locking the gates when entering or leaving site. Could people please make sure that the gates are locked at all times. Safety & security for the site is everybody’s responsibility.

Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

For & on behalf of Old Lane Allotments Committee

Covid -19

It has been announced on the BBC news this morning by Conservative MP Mr Michael Gove that members can work their allotment plots if they wish to do so. Obviously care has to be taken & the 2 metre distancing has to remain paramount. Of course hand washing & hygiene has to be carried out as per the government guidelines.

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

For & on behalf of Old Lane Allotments Association.

 My good friend Mick Cooper sent me these two pictures which I will explain.  The seed potato on the left hand side has been left in a dark environment this showing that the growth is light in colour & also looks weak, and will continue to grow spindly.

The seed potato on the right hand side has been placed in a light frost free environment showing that the growth is dark & healthy.

You should have your seed potatoes chitting at the moment, check on them and see how there looking.

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary) / Content Mick Cooper Plot 12E

Coronavirus – Covid 19

Dear Members

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak members must follow Government guidelines & health care providers information We suggest while working on your allotment garden you minimize contact with other members where possible. Its suggested to keep at least six feet in distance from person to person contact. The water supply has now been turned on after the winter break for hand washing.

If you have any symptoms you need to stay at home & self isolate as per the guidelines. If you are not in a position to work your plot due to Coronavirus or isolation  please E mail us on oldlanelotts@gmail.com as soon as possible.

OLD LANE ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION 

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

We have uploaded many more photo’s to our website.

On our welcome page http://www.oldlanelotts.com

 navigate to photos and take a look !

Planting potatoes

Plant your chitted potatoes when the soil starts to warm up, usually in mid- March to early April. Start by digging a trench 7.5 – 13cm (3-5 inch) deep, add a sprinkling of fertiliser to your trench before you begin planting. Plant early potatoes about 30cm (12 inch) apart with 40-50cm (16-20 inch) between the rows, second earlies & maincrops about 38cm (15 inch) apart with 75cm (30 inch) between the rows. Handle your chitted seed potatoes (tubers) with care, gently setting them in to the trench with the shoots pointing upwards, be really careful not to break the shoots. Cover the potatoes lightly with soil & fill in the trench. As soon as the shoots appear, earth up each plant by covering it with a ridge of soil so the shoots are just buried. You need to do this at regular intervals creating a small mound around the plant to prevent any sun damage or element damage.

Harvesting

Your home grown potatoes should be ready for lifting from June until September, depending on the varieties & the growing conditions. Earlies can be lifted & eaten as soon as they are ready, this will be when above -ground growth is still green,& usually as soon as the flowers open on the plant. Second & maincrop varieties can be kept in the ground much longer, until late September, even though above-ground growth may well be looking past its best. Two weeks before you lift the crop, cut the growth off the plants at ground level. This should give the skins of the potatoes sufficient time to toughen up, making them far less prone to damage from lifting and easier to store.

Blog written by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)