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
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)
Grow Organic is a 100% organic fertiliser, it improves soil & breaks clay. I have included some pictures so plot members can read what it can be used for, & what the benefits are. We stock a minimum quantity and the price is £6.85 & would cover 1/2 plot if spread out & dug in. People who use it say it is as good as cow manure without all the hassle of delivery & off course the mess. It can be used for different applications.
All monies taken go towards the up keep of the site.
OLD LANE ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE
Dear Plot Members,
This is to make plot holders aware the allotment committee meet the first Sunday in every month to discuss allotment issues If there is anything you want to be raised in our monthly meeting, please put it in writing & place it in our site letterbox in the toilet area.
Thank you
Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)
Stores Opening Times 2020 Growing Season
Monday 10am – 12 o clock Tony Paine (plot 38)
Tuesday Closed –
Wednesday 9am – 11.45 am Mark Burton (plot 14)
Thursday Closed –
Friday 9am – 11.45 am Mark Burton (plot 14)
Saturday 10am -12 o clock Tony Paine (plot 38)
Sunday Closed
If for some reason the stores are not open on said above days/times it will be due to unforeseen circumstances. All monies from stores go to the upkeep of our site. If you could bring the correct money for your purchases that would be great. Members need to visit our stores on the days & times outlined above.
Thank you
Mark Burton / Tony Paine
ON BEHALF OF OLD LANE ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE
friendly, locally-managed allotments in Beeston, Leeds
A place to return to education, and meet your personal and professional goals in a supportive learning environment. Choose from short courses to PhDs at https://warwick.ac.uk/study/cll/
Welcome to my world: digging, harvesting and other stuff
