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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)

newsletter 20 pdf

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Please click/double click on the link above to read our March 2019 newsletter in PDF format.

Hope you enjoy reading

Steve Johnston newsletter editor / Content 

Mark Burton / Content

BLOSSOMS UP

I took these photographs today on Mick Hogan’s plot who is our site Chairman.  The amount of blossom on his cherry tree is quite surreal for very early March

 

Blog & Photographs by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

 

 

 

WATER SUPPLY NOW BACK ON

Dear Members,

The water supply for the site has now been turned back on.

The site toilet can now be flushed as normal.

THANKYOU

OLD LANE ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE

Please can we all make sure that entrance gates are locked when entering & leaving site.

THE SECURITY OF THE SITE IS EVERYBODY’S RESPONSIBILITY

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

Old Lane Allotments Committee

 

 

 

 

 

Brussels sprouts are part of the brassica family,  and as we know they date back to the 13th century & were grown in the region of Belgium that gave them their name. Recent hybrid varieties are a revelation for reliability of cropping &  the holding power of the sprout on the stem. Sprouts are really low in calories & high in protein fibre, they are low in glycaemic making them ideal for weight loss dieting. They are very nutritious vegetable’s containing high levels of flavonoid anti oxidants. Sprouts are packed with vitamins A, K, C and complex B vitamins as well as potassium, manganese & iron.

Brussels sprouts grow best in firm, fertile soil, rich in organic matter. They benefit from a sunny & sheltered position away from high winds. The soil must be dug over in Autumn & not prior for planting out. Use cabbage collars round the base of the plant to prevent cabbage root fly & protect from birds.

Always read the seed packet for growing instructions

 

Blog & research by Mark Burton (allotment Secretary)

SPRING IS SLOWLY CREEPING UPON US

 

This Month there are already signs of the approaching Spring season. Bulbs are appearing, fruit trees are now starting to bud & the wildlife is waking up. Light levels and temperatures are slowly increasing. There is still plenty to do indoors & in the greenhouse preparing for the growing season ahead.  Outdoors as your allotment comes to life again you will have everything to do at once, so make good use of your time to still get those winter jobs completed.

Blog created & photographs taken on Old Lane Allotments

By Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary )

SEED POTATOES ARE READY FOR COLLECTION

 

Dear plot members,

Seed potatoes have been processed & are now available for collection from Monday 18th February –  Saturday 23rd February at our hut building stores. We will be opening the stores from 9.00am – 11.00am next week each morning for members to collect their seed potato orders.

Members will be asked to sign for their potatoes when they collect them.

Thank you

Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)

FOR & ON BEHALF OF OLD LANE ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE

Slugs & Snail’s

1. Did you know there are over 30 species of slug in the UK, and over 100 species of snail. Here are some facts about slugs & snails.
2. Moving a snail 20 metres away will ensure that it wont return, as they lose there bearings they only have homing instinct’s over short distances.
3. Slugs are hermaphrodites and can self – reproduce, if two snails mate they both become pregnant.
4. Believe it or not slugs have the ability to bite they have approximately 27,000 teeth.
5. Slugs find there way back to where they came from by leaving a unique scent trail,
6.  Certain breeds of slugs & snails can consume over 500 plant varieties & vegetation.
7. Majority of snails are nocturnal they do not like being exposed to sunlight.
8. Snails hibernate through winter months, slugs are found anywhere above 5 degrees
9. Snails & slugs love dampness lets hope for dry weather.
10. Slugs can stretch 20 times their length to squeeze through gaps.
11. It is believed an average British garden contains over 20,000 slugs & snails.

 

Blog & Research by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)