Blog

The cabbage whitefly is a sap – feeding insect that can infest cabbage & other types of brassica plants. They are white winged insects that fly up in clouds when brassica leaves are disturbed. Cabbage whitefly can be very difficult to control, very much so on allotments where there are likely to be affected plants on neighbouring plots that will be a source of re-infestation. You will often see whitefly in mid Summer when the weather is warm. Due to whitefly feeding, plants will become weak, leaves will eventually wilt, turn pale or yellow & this in effect will stunt plant growth.

The best way to get rid of the dreaded whitefly is to blast them with your watering can, this will cause them to scatter,   If you are not wanting to use bug sprays or pesticides a simple remedy is to use washing up liquid and water,  a good squirt of liquid to a gallon of water should be enough. Using a sprayer only use in cooler temperatures early in the morning or later in the day.

It is nearly impossible to get rid of whitefly but using this method or bug sprays will allow you to keep on top of the problem.

 

Blog & Research by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

Things should really get going on the allotment in April, the days will start to lengthen & temperatures start to rise.  Do keep an eye on the weather forecasts as a cold snap or snow are not unheard of in April & the occasional frost is to be expected.  The first rule is never trust the weather.

There is plenty to sow & plant outside especially if the month of March was not suitable.Onion sets & shallots can be planted now, remember shallots need a long time in the ground. Aim to get your seed potatoes planted by the end of the month, you can start to sow carrots & peas outside. Remember though the peas are a good snack for mice, so keep them covered. Radish can now be sown outside & keep sowing every three to four weeks for a continuous supply over the summer.  Beetroot can be sown directly outside,but may need covering if the soil is too wet, also leeks & Turnip.

Aubergines, chillies , tomatoes can now be sown in the greenhouse as they all need a long growing season. You can also sow cucumber seeds in the greenhouse for planting outside later. Sweetcorn also needs a long growing season, it would be ideal to start them in modules under cover.  Courgettes, pumpkins & other squashes can be started in the greenhouse, also kale, marrows, climbing beans & dwarf French beans under cover. Start sowing also celery indoors, aubergines, & Summer cabbages & other variety’s from the brassica family.

Lettuce,rocket & salad leaves can also be sown outside along with root vegetables all dependent on the weather of course.

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

By far the worst pests to the vegetable grower is the slug & the snail, it doesn’t matter what you grow or where you grow it the slug is waiting to devour the crop before you do. They are not fussy eaters but they do prefer young seedlings. Now there has been a national ban on slug pellets containing metaldehyde Below are some remedies for slug & snail prevention.

1. A container half buried in the ground and half filled with beer. The slug is lured by the scent & tumbles to its death .
2. Self adhesive copper tape around pots & planters deters the slug & snail & gives them a small electric shock when attempting to cross it.
3. Eggs shells is an old favorite. to put around your vulnerable plants.
4. Grit & gravel – the finely crushed horticultural grit makes a good barrier as it has sharp edges.
5. Nut shells – the sharp edges make good barriers- around vulnerable plants.
6. You can also trap them under grapefruit or orange skins the slug likes to hide away from predatory birds in the day time

Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

The outdoor use of slug pellets that contain metaldehyde has now been banned in Great Britain from the 1st April 2022 in order to protect wildlife & the environment. The government minister for farming Victoria Prentis has announced . The decision takes into account advice from the UK expert committee on pesticides (E.C.P) & the health & safety executive (H.S.E) about the risks it poses to birds & mammals. Stocks should have been disposed off by 31/3/22 check your local councils household waste & recycling site, Municipal waste sites have specific facilities to dispose of hazardous garden chemicals.

Blog written by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary) Information provided by Kathryn Thornton

By far the worst pests to the vegetable grower is the slug & the snail, it doesn’t matter what you grow or where you grow it the slug is waiting to devour the crop before you do. They are not fussy eaters but they do prefer young seedlings. Now there has been a national ban on slug pellets containing metaldehyde Below are some remedies for slug & snail prevention.

1. A container half buried in the ground and half filled with beer. The slug is lured by the scent & tumbles to its death .
2. Self adhesive copper tape around pots & planters deters the slug & snail & gives them a small electric shock when attempting to cross it.
3. Eggs shells is an old favorite. to put around your vulnerable plants.
4. Grit & gravel – the finely crushed horticultural grit makes a good barrier as it has sharp edges.
5. Nut shells – the sharp edges make good barriers- around vulnerable plants.
6. You can also trap them under grapefruit or orange skins the slug likes to hide away from predatory birds in the day time

Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

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

Thank you

Old Lane Allotments Committee

Just to let members know I wont be on site 4th – 8th April. Although Mick Hogan (Chairman plot 30) is going to cover the stores in my absence it would be as well to purchase stores items this week Tuesday 29th March – Sunday 3rd April ( mornings) for compost, fertilisers , & stock items.

Kind Regards Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

hedgehogs

Christine on Plot 15/16 has a friend who takes in poorly hedgehogs ,she has three to release back into there natural habitat (after rehabilitation) and is going to put them on our site, along with a couple of hedgehog hotels ,near to where they will be released. We just want plot holders to be vigilant when strimming or burning items. There are other hazardous materials to hedgehogs such as slug pellets & netting that isn’t in use, Chemical’s are also a danger to them including pesticides. Turning over of compost heaps were a hedgehog could be resting in daylight hours. So can we all think about items we might have left out on our plots & put them away. Lets keep hedgehogs safe.

Blog created 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 £7.00 & 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

Mains water

The Mains water has now been switched back on for the site.

Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)