Author: oldlanelottswp

Rainbow over Old Lane Allotments

Blog & photo’s by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

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

Mick Cooper (plot 12E) has asked me to do a blog to see if anyone can tell him the name of this particular plant. The photo was taken on Old Lane Allotments looks like a wild flower. If anyone knows will they let Mick know on his plot

Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

newsletter 22

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Editor & content Steve Johnston

Enjoy reading

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)

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

Thank you

Old Lane Allotments Committee

Butterflies

The butterfly is a beautiful creature to look at when your on your allotment garden, however its catapillar will happily eat leaves from your cabbages. They are easy to control without using chemicals. Regular checks under leaves for clusters of eggs that can be washed off or crushed with your finger.

If you miss a batch of eggs then you can pick off the caterpillars by hand & dispose of them away from the plant.

Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

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 !

Cucumbers were originally found in India 4000 years ago, & they have since now become the 4th most widely cultivated vegetable in the world. They were introduced to Great Britain in the 14th century, but were not popular at all until the 17th century. The species grown for food are Cucumis satvus (cucumber) & Cucumis anguria West Indian gherkin.

Cucumbers are 95 percent water the skin is the moist nutritious  part. Its said that sliced cucumber placed in a aluminium tin react with the metal giving of a scent undetectable by humans but said to repel slugs & other garden pests. They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins & minerals. Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity & lower blood sugar levels.

Always read the seed packet for growing instructions

Blog & research by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

Once known as the vegetable marrow it is a bush or trailing annual which can produce large, heavy fruits on good soil using careful cultivation. Many are picked while still young known as courgettes & used in much wider dishes than marrows ever were. The marrow is thought to be from Northern Mexico, & the Southern United States.

Courgettes & marrows are low in calories, then contain vitamin C which boosts the immune system., have good levels of potassium which can help to control blood pressure. The soluble skin of the fruits can slow digestion & therefore stabilise blood sugar. Courgettes & Marrows do best in an open, sunny position & in fertile, moisture retentive but not waterlogged soil.

Remember always read the seed packet for growing instructions

Blog created & research by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)