Blog

SEED POTATOES

WHAT TO GROW

There are dozens of different seed potato varieties you can buy, usually described as early, second early,  & maincrop potatoes. These names indicate when they crop and also give you an idea of the space you will need to plant them. You should concentrate on the earlier types if your short of  space, its worth mentioning that earlies are less likely to encounter pest problems as you can lift them much earlier in the year.

First earlies should be ready 10 weeks after planting, second earlies take 16 to 17 weeks to mature after planting, so you should be able to harvest them from very late June through to the start of August. Maincrop seed potatoes will be ready 18 to 20 weeks after planting, so they can be lifted from late August through to October. These varieties tend to be the best for storage.

CHITTING

Chitting simply means encouraging the seed potatoes to sprout before planting, you should start chitting in late February, about 6 weeks before you intend planting your potatoes. Each seed potato  has a number of eyes, stand the tubers (seed potatoes) in trays or old egg boxes, with plenty of natural light. The seed potatoes are ready to be planted out when the eye shoots are 1.5 – 2.5 centimetres long.

Find out in my next blog – How to plant your seed potatoes

and how to harvest them

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

March they say is when the growing season really starts to take off, definitely on a windowsill, in the greenhouse or grow tunnel.  Outside is possible too, but as we all know it becomes dependent on the weather. Ideally the soil temperature should be over 10 degrees Celsius. March is also the time when the weeds start to spring up, so the hoe becomes an everyday tool in use. Also slugs & snails seem to emerge. Controlling them early in the season can have a big impact later on by disrupting the breeding numbers.

What you could grow in March in the greenhouse, broad beans, Brussels sprouts, Leeks, broccoli, salad leaves, radish, lettuce, onions, peas, globe artichokes, spring onions, summer cabbage, celery, early cauliflowers, cress.  Also start off at home in the house, tomatoes, cucumbers & peppers.

Direct sow in March under cloches if the weather is inclement (bad), beetroot, carrots, parsnips, early turnips, onion sets,shallots, chitted potatoes, swedes, Garlic.

Remember to always read your instructions on seed packets.

Research & Blog   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

Seed potatoes have arrived ,been weighed, and are ready for collection on the following days. Thanks to Reg ,Mick H, Gwen

Please could you come to the hut building on Thursday 6th March. Friday 7th March or Sunday 9th March mornings from 9 o clock am to collect them please.

Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

Sent to Secretary:

Could you put a post up on our blog asking people to return the spades and forks that have been ‘borrowed’ from our plot? I expect people saw it was a bit neglected, and thought I wouldn’t miss them, but I would like them back!  I also found somebody else’s shoes on our plot (Bright pick ones) which are not mine. I put them on the shelves outside plot 38.

Thanks,

Lucy

Dear Members

Items are being dumped in the metal/Scrap bin that are plastic as per photographs above. Other rubbish is also appearing there. It is not a place to get rid of rubbish plastic etc. METAL ONLY ITEMS.

We appreciate members that bring the aluminium cans and place metal only in the scrap bin. Somebody isn’t complying and that’s not fair on the rest of us on the site. Please take unwanted rubbish home.

Thank You – Old Lane Allotments

£1 per levelled wheelbarrow. See a member of the committee

Old Lane Allotments

Its with deep sadness to inform everybody of the passing of Michael Cooper. He was suffering with a long illness. MIck was a gentlemen and just a really great person to know. He had been a member on Old Lane Allotments for many years. Mick was a book of knowledge and could answer most questions regarding planting and growing.

Members always complimented him on his Daliah flowers, which he always grew from seed, such stunning colours in the summer months. Mick was a keen photographer and many of the photos on our website are what Mick uploaded. He had many friends on the allotment and was very well thought of and respected. He will be sadly missed Our thoughts are with his wife Hazel and there lovely family.

Rest in peace Mick

These are some images taken today on the allotments

Images & Blog created by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

Dear Members

Welcome all to this years growing season, and a Happy new year to members new and old. The site is full once more, our waiting list is over 30 now with new members wanting plots on our site. The waiting time for plots in this country alone is at its highest for a number of years. Allotments have become very popular to grow your own fruit, veg, and flowers. It has become a way of life and the benefits are valuable for our mental health and well being. We have to make sure we cultivate & utilise our plots to there full potential . In other parts of the country plots even half ones are being split to provide more members with access to growing. If we can concentrate working our plots to there full potential, we will be doing everything to satisfy Leeds City Council.

Blog written and created by Mark Burton (Allotments Secretary)

For and on behalf of Old Lane Allotments