Painting the fence.

I went to the allotment yesterday to paint the fence well pallet fence anyway ,so I started at one end and painted one pallet and got fed up of it. It was taking ages to paint just one section, so I cheated and filled an old weeks killer container up and sprayed it instead. I had to water the paint down a little but it did the job,well it's not real dark but hey it's made it look a bit better than plain pallet wood.

Sorting path out.

We are trying to sort the path out between both plots, Keith has already put boards down one side. We have just started to do the other side now, we are using old floor beams along the side of the path. Once we have put the beams all the way down then we can put some paving slabs down,well we have to get a few more first to finish the job.

Fence nearly done.

I finished my fence yesterday at the allotment by putting some more panels up and putting some chicken wire on,the wire is only to stop any small animals coming through and weeds. If I want the fence to look the same all the way down,I will have to collect some more pallets but it's doing it job now so might just leave it.

More seed sown.

>
> Had another good day at the allotment on thursday when I left work,i decided to sow some more seeds. People say you have to go what it says on packed,others say you don't I think I will go in between bit of both.Also get told if you plant late or early they all will catch up in the end,so let's see what happens. Here is a list of seeds i planted in little container.
>
> 3 Red Brunswick onions
> 2 Evesham sprouts
> 2 Manchester turnip
> 1 Musselburgh leeks
> 1 Cabbage primo
> 1 parsnip
> 2 Marigold african crackerjack
> 2 Turnip purple top
> 2 Pansy crystal clear mixed.
>
>
>
>

Little friend

Found this little bee at the allotment yesterday while sowing more seeds.

Compost and Grow Bags.

I checked in the shed at the allotment to see if I had any compost, I had 1 bag and no grow bags so went out and got
some. I bought 3 bags of compost and 3 Grow bags, going to divide the grow bags up and put in buckets instead of the bags.

Sowed some onion seeds.

I missed the chance to go to the allotment yesterday due to working day and night,So I went today after work and it didn't stop raining not like yesterday sunny day. So I decided to sow some onion seed in the greenhouse,i did 11 takeaway tubs of onions the same as last year. I sprinkled the seeds over the compost and will prick out when they get bigger,6 tubs Ailsa Craig (2 types) 3 tubs Bedfordshire onions 2 tubs of Red Kamel.

I still have some more onion seeds to sow over the next few days,also have 2 bags of Turbo onion sets to sort out well put in trays to start them off. I'm hoping to go back tomorrow and sow some more seeds,will let you know how i get on. I also got some wood from a building site well floor joists, going to use them as a border along the path which joins both allotments together.

Swedes

I took up my remaining swedes so I could freeze them and clear the space,I only had a few small ones compared with Keith's on the next plot. I could say it was my swede but I wont lie and give him the glory.

Fencing

Another good day done today I managed to put some chicken wire up along the fence,It will stop any small animals coming through (rabbits). I dug a little trench at the bottom of the fence, so I could cover the wire with soil and nothing could get through. I've done a section of the fence but still got a bit to do,I've made the trench already for the wire to fit in the next time I'm down.

Had a good few days.

Had good few days at the allotment this week and quite happy what I got done,I've moved my compost from one bin to the other one. The top of the compost was quite new and the underneath was rotten, so I've just swapped it around so it will rot down a bit more. All the covers I had removed the other day have been stored away,well sat on a pallet at the bottom of the allotment out of the way.

Yeah more done.

Yep I made it again and weeded the section around the cabbages well what's left of them, only bit to do now is along the path. I have took all the covers up to let all the soil dry a bit,then I can dig it over or rotovate it soon. My plot looks like everyone's else's plot,just full of soil instead of covers covering the soil.

Yeah made it.

Yeah I made it to the allotment today and had a good afternoon,I managed to get some more weeding done and was quite chuffed. Only got the section near the cabbages to weed and down the sides of the paths. So I'm hoping I can get to the allotment tomorrow to finish the weeding, well before the rain comes on saturday.

The chap next to my allotment has had his cauliflowers eaten by the birds, mine were ok because all under some netting. He thinks he will get a good crop of them,fingers crossed for him if not i will give him some.

Nothing done

I've been on holiday this week and only been to the plot once to check it over, I've been a little busy at home painting and not had chance. I hoping the weather stays fine for the rest of the week so I can go, I know at the beginning of the week the weather was rubbish it frosty and covered in snow. Now the snow has gone I'm hoping to finish the weeding in the last sections, then i can get it ready to for planting in the next month or so.

Meeting.

We had a meeting on Monday night organised by our local community police team, it was to try and sort out an allotment association out. It was a good turn out with over twenty plot holders turning up, a few couldn't make it but want to come to the next meeting.

We had a few negative points coming across but also had some positive ones,and a lot of plot holders are in favour for an association to be formed. We have elected 3 key people to run the association a Chairman, treasury and secretary also some members,the key people are going to have another meeting and start up a bank account.

It should be good once it's up and running its going to be a long road till its fully running,but at least it's a start we are the only one in the city without an association so here's to us with
a fresh start. Will keep you informed on how we get on.

Not done a lot.

Not been to the allotment over the weekend due to decorating at home,I'm on holiday this week so hopefully will get some time spent at the plot this week. Also the weather has not been that good so couldn't do that much anyway,it has cleared up a little so can get back to it.

Rent

Got a letter from the council at the weekend saying about our rent is due in May,it was only a reminder but it has gone up since last year. I know it's cheaper than most allotment and soon make my money back, my yearly price will be £66:50 gone up by £9:20.

My muck

My little bit of muck.

Found this guy

Went to the allotment the other day and found him hanging around, will have to keep an eye on him.

More Manure

We went for some more manure on thursday and was in for a surprise,the farmer had been and taken 99%of it. We managed to pick some up but it was the rotten down manure at the bottom,it's the best part and at
Least I can use it straight away. When we picked some up last week it was about 6ft high and about 40ft wide,this week it was 2ft high and 12 wide.

My seeds and instructions

Here is my list of seeds from last year and this year,also have a few half packs give or take a pack.

Broccoli Romanesco

"Romanesco has a highly attractive head of lime green, made up of a mass of small conical shaped florets forming a pointed curd not unlike a green cauliflower. Superb flavour and more tender texture than cauliflower. SOW: April and May HARVEST: September to October WHERE TO SOW: Sow the seeds thinly in a well prepared seed bed 1cm deep and in rows 15cm apart. WHAT TO DO NEXT: As the seedlings appear thin to 7cm apart. When they are about 10-15cm tall, transplant to the growing site about 45cm apart, planting them 2cm deeper than in the seed bed. Water well. MATURITY: First heads should be ready from August. HANDY TIP: Once the main head has been harvested, the plant will produce small heads over the following weeks."

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Beetroot Cheltenham Green Top

"Adrienne T (one of our customers) recommended this particular Beetroot to us! It has long tapering roots of slightly rough texture, excellent flavour and good for the show bench. SOW: April to June HARVEST: July onwards WHERE TO SOW Sow thinly direct into the growing site 2cm deep in rows 30cm apart. WHEN TO TRANSPLANT Do not transplant. Instead, thin out seedlings when large enough to handle. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Easy to grow and much more tasty than fresh shop bought beetroot. It should be harvested at the right time when the size of a tennis ball. Sow the seeds thinly from April to June in drills 2cm deep with 30cm between rows. Is a good idea to sow part rows at weekly intervals to get a succession of roots. Some varieties can be sown earlier under cloches. Thin seedings to 10cm between plants, keep weed free and water regularly. Loosen roots with a fork and pull gently, twist off the leaves about 4-5cm form the crown, do not cut or damage rhe skin as this will result in bleeding during cooking with a loss of colour and flavour. Wash in cold water and cook in boling water for 1-2 hours. Rub off the skin when cool."

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Broad Bean Imperial Green Longpod

"Broad Bean Imperial Green Longpod is a best seller. It's a high yielding variety with 5-8 beans per pod. Suitable for freezing. Very goof flavour. SOW: October-November or March-May. HARVEST: Autumn sowings take approximately 26 weeks to crop, while spring sowings take about 16 weeks. WHERE TO SOW: Broad beans are sown outdoors in open ground. Make sure the soil is well dug, and ideally will have been manured the previous Autumn. In mild areas with a sheltered, well drained site, is possible to sow Broad Beans in the Autumn, for all others it is recommended to sow Broad Beans in March through May. Sow each bean in 5cm deep drills spaced 20cm apart, in rows 50cm apart. There is no need for thinning Broad Beans. Companion Plants: Plant with Potato, Cucumber, Maize, Strawberry, Celery, Summer Savory."

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Pea Sugar Snap

"Long-stemmed pea 120-180cm tall, heavy yielding variety with pods 8cm in length, resistant to race 1 of Pea Wilt. Very sweet flavoured. Nutritious and filling, can be eaten raw. SOW: outside February or March HARVEST: July onwards WHERE TO SOW: Sow 2cm apart in 2cm drills. Cover with soil. The plants are climbing, and pea sticks or a trellis or other support system is required for optimal growth Latin name: Pisum sativum"

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Dwarf French Bean Classic

"Dwarf French Bean Classic is a pencil podded, white seeded type, dark green pods 14cm x 10mm. Has good vigour, coupled with good standing ability and long shelf life. SOW: outdoors May - June HARVEST: August - September WHERE TO SOW: French beans are sub-tropical in origin and therefore highly susceptible to frost damage. If a late frost does catch seedlings the only option is to remove them and re-sow. Germination rates for all French beans are about 80% therefore sow seeds approximately every 15cm, in 5cm deep pre-watered drills. When the seedlings emerge, thin them out to about 1 every 30cm. A good tip is to sow two seeds in the last position on each row, meaning you have additional seedlings to fill in any gaps. A second tip, is don't pre-soak the beans as this encourages pest attack and reduces germination rates. Dwarf French beans can manage with short bamboo poles or sticks to scramble up. Keep well watered and weeded (both tasks can be reduced by surrounding the plants with an organic mulch)."

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Sweet Pepper Yellow Ringo

"Sweet Pepper Yellow Ringo has good shaped tapered fruit up to 20cm in length. Delicious and decorative raw in salads or cooked with lovely sweet flavour. WHEN TO SOW March to April WHERE TO SOW Can be grown outside but only in sheltered sunny position, best results are obtained in polytunnels or a glasshouse. Fill a 10cm (4in) pot with a multipurpose compost, lightly firm the surface then water with a fine rose. Once the compost has drained for half an hours, sow the seeds onto the surface of the compost, and then lightly cover the seeds with fine grade vermiculite. The pots are the placed into a heated propagator at a minimum temperature of 18-20C (64-68F) Germination ususally takes approximately 10-21 days, but can be erratic.Once the seedlings have germinated prick them out (transplant) into individual 9cm (3.5in) pots and grow on in the greenhouse at a minimum temperature of 10-15C (50-59F). WHAT TO DO NEXT When seedlings are about 5cm tall, prick off individually into small pots or multicell trays. Grow on until 15cm tall before planting into greenhouse border."

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Pepper Sweet Spanish Mixed

"Pepper Sweet Spanish Mixed is a special selection of varieties to give a mixture of colours and shapes. Heavy block shaped fruits with mild flavour. SOW March and April HARVEST August onwards TYPE Summer Vegetable PLOT Glasshouse or Polytunnel WHERE TO SOW: Sow thinly in trays, pots or modules at about 22°C, cover finely with compost. Cover with glass or polythene to retain humidity. WHAT TO DO NEXT: Remove cover as soon as seedlings appear. When seedlings are 5cm tall, prick off into individual pots, thin modules to a single seedling per cell. When plants are 15cm tall, transplant to greenhouse border, growbags or large pots. Some support is helpful. HANDY TIP: Water regularly and spray foliage. Feed in the same way you would tomatoes. NUTRITIONAL VALUE: High in vitamin C and beta carotene (pro-vitamin A)."

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Chilli Pepper Cayenne Red

"Chilli Pepper Cayenne Red is a hot, pungent pepper with long, thin fruits maturing from green to red. Chilli seeds are sown early in the year, and grown in a poly-tunnel, greenhouse or sunny windowsill. Germinatation takes 10-14 days but can take longer a week or two longer if the gods are not with you! Use a soil based seedand potting-on compost. Good drainage is essential. Warmth is the key to good germination, ideally over 25°, but will germinate above 21°. SOW: Ideally sow January through April. Matures in 70 days. WHERE TO SOW: In a small pot, sow several seeds in 5mm drills. When most of the seeds have germinated transfer into a individual larger pots. Once the plant as 5 true leaves either plant in the groud (Poly-tunnel) or in its own 20cm pot. Be careful not to allow temperatures above 35° and try not to let the plant get too dry (avoids blossom-drop and pod-drop.)."

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Pumpkin Hundredweight

"Pumpkin Hundredweight - the traditional Haloweíen pumpkin! Can attain huge weights if grown singly. Oval to round with deep orange flesh. Allow 200cm between plants. SOW April to May HARVEST October TYPE Summer Maincrop WHERE TO SOW: Sow 2 or 3 seeds into a 9cm pot under glass at 20°C. Late May sowings can be made direct into soil 5cm apart in a cold frame. WHAT TO DO NEXT: As soon as first true leaves appear, prick off into individual 9cm pots. Gradually harden off before planting in the growing site 60cm apart in late May. Cold frame sowings can be gradually hardened off and transplanted when large enough. Water regularly. HANDY TIP: As the plant has a trailing habit it needs a lot of space or take out the growing point after 3 or 4 fruits. NUTRITIONAL VALUE: A good source of pro-vitamin A, vitamins B1, C and E."

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Rhubarb Victoria

"Very popular maincrop variety. This heavy yielding, long stalked variety is ideal as a good low maintenance crop; easy to grow and well worth the effort. Early sown seeds can produce plants that will crop in the first season, later sowings should be left until the following year before pulling any sticks. Sow the seeds in a seed bed 2cm deep in February and April in rows 30cm apart. Thin seedlings to 15cm apart. Lift the strongest plants with as much soil as possible 4-6 weeks later and plant out in the permanent site allowing 90cm all round. First stems should be ready to harvest from late summer, subsequent years will produce crops from May onwards."

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Sweet Corn (Unusual) Minipop

"Sweet Corn Minipop is a normal sugar type. Very tender pericarp makes this an ideal variety for mini sweet corn. Best grown at high density, and harvested when cobs approximately 10cm in length. Produces 5-6 cobs per plant. This variety normally crops after approximately 65 days, and does not require pollination to produce cobs. WHERE TO SOW: There are several ways to grow seet corn successfully. Perhaps the easiest is to warm the growund with a cloche from mid April, and then sow the seeds directly in their final place in mid may. Sweetcorn needs soil temperatures above 10C to do well, and preferably above 16C."

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Sweet Corn Earlibird

"Sweet Corn Earlibird is a super sweet type. One of the earliest super sweet varieties currently available. Produces a good yield of high quality cobs. Cobs approximately 20cm in length, with 16 rows of small grains. WHERE TO SOW: There are several ways to grow sweet corn successfully. Perhaps the easiest is to warm the ground with a cloche from mid April, and then sow the seeds directly in their final place in mid may. Sweetcorn needs soil temperatures above 10C to do well, and preferably above 16C."

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Radish Mixed

"Radish Mixed contains a mixture of French Breakfast, Scarlet Globe and Sparkler to give a variation in one row. SOW March to September HARVEST Roots should be ready for use in 3 or 4 weeks from sowing TYPE Salad Vegetable WHERE TO SOW: Sow in short rows or in small clumps about 1cm deep in open ground. WHAT TO DO NEXT: No need to transplant but thinning out may be necessary if seed was sown thickly. HANDY TIP: When Radishes mature, leave a few to generate seed pods. These can be picked and added to salads for extra flavour. NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Rich in vitamin C and potassium. Contains beneficial sulphur compounds."

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Squash Winter Turk's Turban

"Turk's Turban is an delicious, highly attractive, large winter squash with striped orange skin, a striking novelty crop which stores well. SOW: May after risk of last frost has passed. WHERE TO SOW: Select a sunny spot well protected from strong winds. Squash are best sown directly into the soil after the risk of last frost has passed. Dig a 20cm deep hole and fill it with a mix of soil and compost, leaving a slight mound. Sow 2 or three seeds a few cm apart in the top of each mound. Sow at a depth of about 1.5cm and be sure to place the seeds on their edge. Germination is improved by placing a cloche over the mound for a few weeks."

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Turnip Purple Top Milan

"Turnip Purple Top Milan is a beautiful smooth, purple-topped variety with white base below soil level. Very popular for fresh market sales; good quality flattish roots. SOW: Feb through June HARVEST: May through October WHER TO SOW: Sow seeds thinly either in containers or directly outside in 1cm deep drills. Sow little and often. Thin as necessary to produce baby veg (tastier than large turnips) throughout Spring, Summer."

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Cabbage Red Drumhead

"Cabbage Red Drumhead has solid round heads with crisp hearts of purple red colour. Ideal for pickling and cooking. SOW March and April or July HARVEST Spring sowings ready early August. Summer sowings ready October TYPE Late Summer or Autumn Crop PLOT Outdoor WHERE TO SOW: Early sowings in trays or modules under glass at 13°C. Later sowings direct into a seedbed in shallow drills 2cm deep. WHAT TO DO NEXT: Prick off glasshouse seedlings when 5-8cm tall, into trays 5cm apart. Thin module sowings to single plants. Harden off before planting out in the growing site from early May. Thin outdoor sowings to 4-6cm apart as soon as possible, planting in the growing site when 15cm tall to the same spacings as before. HANDY TIP: A real all round vegetable, traditionally pickled but also makes a fine cooked vegetable, use raw in salads for texture and colour. NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Excellent source of pro-vitamin A and vitamins B & C."

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Courgette Green Bush

"Courgette Green Bush has a striped fruit with good even stocks. Can be picked early as standard sized courgettes, or left to mature into marrows. SOW: April to early June HARVEST: July onwards Courgette Green Bush is happiest when grown on a compost heap. This tells you that when grown in the open , it prefers loose, well drained soil, that has been well dug over. Soil needs to be well manured the previous autumn (more so than with other vegetables). An ideal preparation is to dig out a whole 1 spades depth, and half fill with well rotted compost or even grass cuttings, and then refill with top soil. Each plant needs to be at least 1m from itÂ's nearest neighbour. Seeds can be sown outside at the expected date of the last frost. Sow seeds 2cm deep. Tip: If courgettes are not picked early they will develop into marrows."

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Sunflower - Giant Single

"The variety children love to grow. Tall strong stems topped with bright yellow flowers that follow the sun during the day. Height 200 cm plus. SOW: Late March to early June MATURITY: July to September WHERE TO SOW: Direct into weed free flowering site about 2cm deep. Alternatively, you can sow indoors in early spring. Sow seeds 12mm (1/2in deep) in indiviudual pots 7.5cm (3in) at 68-72°F (20-22°C). Germination normally takes between 7-10 days. Once the plant is established, gradually harden off and plant out in early June, when all chances of frost has ceased. WHAT TO DO NEXT: If sown direct, thin out seedlings to about 30cm apart. Sunflowers do not like transplanting and are short lived if subjected to this process. Prefers a well drained soil in full sun. HANDY TIP: Plants may need staking in exposed areas. When flowers have faded, hang flower heads by strings to feed the birds."

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Pansy - Clear Cyrstals Mixed

"Attractive flower faces in bold solid colours with no traditional blotch make a pleasing change planted in clumps. Height 15 cm.

ber of Seeds: 75
WHEN TO SOW
February to April.

WHERE TO SOW
Prepare a nursery bed and sow thinly 0.5cm deep or into seed trays in a cold frame.

WHAT TO DO NEXT
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out to 5cm apart. Surplus seedlings can be transplanted into trays in September or the following March, plant in flowering site 20cm apart.

MATURITY
May to November.

HANDY TIP
Regular removal of dead heads encourages new flowers to ensure a continuous display.
"

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Onion Ishikura Bunching

"Onion Ishikura is a vigorous Japanese bunching onion with excellent flavoured long slender white stalks and no bulbing. RHS Award of Garden Merit SOW: weekly from March to June HARVEST: May to October WHERE TO SOW: Sow very thinly in 1.5cm deep drills, leaving about 25 cm between rows. Thin seedlings in stages to about 10cm - thinnings to be removed to avoid Onion Fly attack. Tips: Closer spacing results in smaller onions than larger spacing. Make sure are well dried before storing. Remove dead leaves before storing."

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Carrot Flyaway

"Carrot Flyaway is a second early/maincrop. It is well known for its tolerance of Carrot Root Fly - while not resistant, it is not attractive to the egg laying flies, and the maggots do not grow well on it. Flyaway has good shape, good colour and a smooth skin. SOW: mid April - July HARVEST: July - October Companion Plants: Sow next to Onion White Lisbon which is effective at deterring carrot fly. WHERE TO SOW Dig narrow drills 1cm deep and 12cm apart with rows 30cm apart. Shake some seed into your palm and drop a small pinch into a each drill. Seedlings appear about 15 days later."

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Brussel Sprout Brilliant

"Brussel Sprout Brilliant has excellent disease tolerance and high quality buttons that hold well for an early variety. This is an early cropping variety which can be harvested in September. It's a variety that is often seen on supermarkets shelves! SOW: April HARVEST: October & November WHERE TO SOW: Sow in April in 1cm deep drills with plenty of water. Sow thinly. Seedlings should be transplanted to their final position in mid May (note that transplanted seedlings produce better yield than those left untransplanted). Seedlings should be planted 50cm apart, in soil that has been well dug and left for 2 months to settle."

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Pea Onward

"Pea Onward is an impressive cropper of pods containing 6-8 large peas with fantastic flavour. This variety does well in most gardens throughout the UK and often does not require support. It is a favourite for home freezing. SOW: March to May HARVEST: June to September WHERE TO SOW: Sow seeds in flat-bottomed drills 5cm apart, 5cm deep and with rows 45cm apart."

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Carrot Resistafly F1

"Carrot Resistafly is a new Nantes hybrid variety that is root fly resistant, producing long, well coloured smooth roots. SOW: March to July HARVEST: August to November WHERE TO SOW: Dig narrow drills 1cm deep and 12cm apart with rows 30cm apart. Shake some seed into your palm and drop a small pinch into a each drill. Seedlings appear about 15 to 20 days later. HANDY TIP: The roots can be pulled early and eaten as baby carrots or left for later harvesting."

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Nasturtium - Tall Single Mixed

"Large single flowers on plants that trail down, climb up or spread from side to side. Good for covering sheds, walls or an eyesore. Height up to 200 cm.

WHEN TO SOW
April and May.

WHERE TO SOW
Sow thinly in a weed free flowering site or direct into tubs and hanging baskets about 2cm deep.

WHAT TO DO NEXT
As the seedlings grow, thin out to 25cm apart. The surplus seedlings can be transplanted into prepared tubs and hanging baskets.

MATURITY
June to September.

HANDY TIP
Keep a watchful eye for black fly. They start under the leaves and can swamp a plant."

Melon Ogen

"Melon Ogen is an open pollinated variety producing small, broad, oval fruits, green-skinned with yellow flesh. A popular product for plant sales. In the UK, melon is grown under glass or plastic. Sow & Harvest: Sow March-April into modules, germinates at 20-30 degrees C. When planting out leave at least 150cm between plants."

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Carrot Early Nantes 2

"Carrot Early Nantes 2 is a best seller. It's a 2nd early and maincrop Nantes, with almost no core, great texture, colour and flavour.
Sow & Harvest: Sow March - August, harvest July - October.
Companion Plants: Sow next to Onion White Lisbon which is effective at deterring carrot fly.
Planting Instructions: Dig narrow drills 1cm deep and 12cm apart with rows 30cm apart. Shake some seed into your palm and drop a small pinch into a each drill. Seedlings appear about 15 days later."

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Carrot Senior

"Carrot senior is an excellent over-wintering type of carrot, with uniform cylindrical roots. Impressively, good resistance means it remains in top condition if left in the ground till the following May.

Sow & Harvest: Sow March - July, harvest November - May (the following year!).

Companion Plants: Sow next to Onion White Lisbon which is effective at deterring carrot fly.

Planting Instructions: Dig narrow drills 1cm deep and 12cm apart with rows 30cm apart. Shake some seed into your palm and drop a small pinch into a each drill. Seedlings appear about 15 days later."

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Leek Musselburgh

"Leek Musselburgh is a very popular mid season variety which produces excellent flavour and strong white stems.
Sow & Harvest: Sow March to May. Harvest from November through February.
Sow mid March and then in June gently pull the seedlings and gently plant them 20cm apart in 15 cm deep holes which you then fill with water (not soil!). Mound up soil as they mature and harvest in late Autumn."

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Pea Sugar Snap

"Long-stemmed pea 120-180cm tall, heavy yielding variety with pods 8cm in length, resistant to race 1 of Pea Wilt. Very sweet flavoured. Nutritious and filling, can be eaten raw. Sowing & Harvesting: Sow 2cm apart in 2cm drills. Cover with soil. Sow outside in February or March, and harvest from July. The plants are climbing, and pea sticks or a trellis or other support system is required for optimal growth Latin name: Pisum sativum"

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Red Cabbage Rodima

"Red Cabbage Rodima has intense red colour, with tight heads and a short internal stalk. Very good flavour and excellent standing ability.

Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow outdoors March through April. Harvest October through February.

Growing Information:
Sow outdoors in a seedbed. Sow very thinly in 1.2cm drills in rows about 15 cm apart. As they grow, thin out to about to one plant every 10cm. Once the seedlings have 5 or 6 leaves, carefully transplant to final position (do not remove soil from roots when transplanting).Water the seedlings in their seedbed the day before transplanting. Plant the seedlings in their final position with about 20cm between each seedling and each row. "

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Tomato Gardeners Delight

"Tomato Gardeners Delight is a traditional variety but still as popular as ever. The numerous small fruits have a fine tangy flavour. We offer the originator's strain. Red cherry type fruit, 14-18 grams each. Sow & Harvest: Sow indoors 5 weeks before expected last frost. Approximately 20 weeks to crop. Tips: Requires a sunny sheltered spot, with well drained fertile soil. Preferably will have been manured the previous year, but if not a general fertiliser can be used 2 weeks before planting. Beware planting near potatoes or manuring just before planting. For greenhouse culture sow February to April. Sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost for transplanting outdoors. To grow outside, sow early spring. Sow in 2mm drills. Germination takes approximately 14 days at 25C."

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Tomato Moneymaker

"Tomato Moneymaker is a medium sized, heavy cropper, very popular with gardeners. Takes 80 days to mature. The fruit is red & round. It has been specifically bred for greenhouse cultivation. Sow & Harvest: Sow indoors 5 weeks before expected last frost. Approximately 20 weeks to crop. Tips: Requires a sunny sheltered spot, with well drained fertile soil. Preferably will have been manured the previous year, but if not a general fertiliser can be used 2 weeks before planting. Beware planting near potatoes or manuring just before planting."

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Cucumber Burpless Tasty Green

"Burpless Tasty Green (cucumber) is a popular variety for outdoor production, suited to allotments and gardens - dark green medium to long fruits. A productive greenhouse crop with a well established history, and potential to offer high yields.
Sow & Harvest Dates:
This variety is sown in early May and harvest in August.
Growing Instructions:
Cucumber can be sown indoors in pots of compost, or outdoors in open ground. Our method below describes sowing indoors and then moving outdoors, which is what we advise.

Cucumber prefers well sheltered sites, where the soil is not prone to drying out.

Cucumber is best sown indoors in 5cm pots in mid April. Sowing 2 seeds 1cm deep, on their edges, and then removing the weaker seedling after germination.

Harden off and plant out seedlings end of May or start of June. Leave a minimum of 40cm between plants if they are climbers, or 75 cm if they are trailers.

A good tip is stagger the planting out the seedlings over several weeks, to spread out your harvest time 12 to 14 weeks after sowing.
Tip: Sow 2 seeds in each drill with the pointed end downwards! Keep well watered."

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Onion Maincrop Ailsa Craig Prizewinner

"Onion Maincrop Ailsa Craig is a beautiful straw-coloured skin, medium sized, globe-shaped bulbs, strong yield. Excellent growth from seeds.
Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow weekly from March - April. Crops after 22 weeks.
Growing Information:
Sow very thinly in 1.5cm deep drills, leaving about 25 cm between rows. Thin seedlings in stages to about 10cm - thinnings to be removed to avoid Onion Fly attack.
Tips: Closer spacing results in smaller onions than larger spacing. Make sure are well dried before storing. Remove dead leaves before storing."

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Onion Maincrop Arthur

"Onion Arthur is a maincrop variety that produces excellent quality large globe shaped bulbs. It's a high yielding variety and the bulbs store well.
Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow weekly from March - April. Crops after 22 weeks.
Growing Information:
Sow very thinly in 1.5cm deep drills, leaving about 25 cm between rows. Thin seedlings in stages to about 10cm - thinnings to be removed to avoid Onion Fly attack.
Tips: Closer spacing results in smaller onions than larger spacing. Make sure are well dried before storing. Remove dead leaves before storing."

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Onion Red Brunswick

"Onion Red Brunswick is a late maturing semi flat bulbs of dark red. Medium to large in size with excellent flavour.Very decorative, fresh in salads or cooked with pasta.

SOW January to April

HARVEST August onwards

TYPE Main Crop and Storage

PLOT Outdoor plot

WHERE TO SOW

Sow in trays or modules under glass at 16øC, or for late March and April, direct into open ground in shallow drills 1cm deep with 25cm between rows.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

As soon as seedlings have grown to about 5cm tall, carefully thin out. Although module sown seed can be left with four seedlings. Gradually harden off for planting outside from late March. Outdoor seedlings should continue to be thinned until about 10cm apart.

HANDY TIPS

Very attractive for use raw in salads. Slice across the bulbs to produce lovely red and white rings.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Antibacterial and Antiseptic properties, due to beneficial sulphur compounds. A good source of antioxidants, such as quercetin and anthocyanin.

"

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Radish Mixed

"Radish Mixed contains a mixture of French Breakfast, Scarlet Globe and Sparkler to give a variation in one row.

SOW March to September

HARVEST Roots should be ready for use in 3 or 4 weeks from sowing

TYPE Salad Vegetable

PLOT Outdoor plot

WHERE TO SOW

Sow in short rows or in small clumps about 1cm deep in open ground.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

No need to transplant but thinning out may be necessary if seed was sown thickly.

HANDY TIP

When Radishes mature, leave a few to generate seed pods. These can be picked and added to salads for extra flavour.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Rich in vitamin C and potassium. Contains beneficial sulphur compounds.

"

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Swede Best of All

"Purple top variety. Medium sized roots with a mild flavour. High dry matter content, very hardy and holds well. Not as high yielding as more modern varieties but still very popular, particularly with the allotmenteers. Sow & Harvest: Sow May through June. Harvest October through December."

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Florence Fennel Zefa Fino

"Zefa Fino is a variety of Florence Fennel producing flat, round bulbs of a good size. Not to be confused with the Herb Fennel, Florence Fennel is delicious when braised and served with olive oil, but also great raw in salads.
Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow May through June - harvest September through October.
Growing Instructions:
Sow in 1cm deep drills in rows 50cm apart. Thin plants to 25cm apart as they become large enough to handle. Earth up around the bulbs and as they approach the size of tennis balls start to lift and harvest."

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Dwarf French Bean Safari

"Dwarf French Bean Safari has an excellent plant habit and high pod attachment, performs well even in less favourable conditions. Pods are 6-8mm in diameter and 11cm long.
Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow outdoors May - June, harvest August - September
Growing Instructions:
French beans are sub-tropical in origin and therefore highly susceptible to frost damage. If a late frost does catch seedlings the only option is to remove them and re-sow. Germination rates for all French beans are about 80% therefore sow seeds approximately every 15cm, in 5cm deep pre-watered drills. When the seedlings emerge, thin them out to about 1 every 30cm. A good tip is to sow two seeds in the last position on each row, meaning you have additional seedlings to fill in any gaps. A second tip, is don't pre-soak the beans as this encourages pest attack and reduces germination rates. Dwarf French beans can manage with short bamboo poles or sticks to scramble up. Keep well watered and weeded (both tasks can be reduced by surrounding the plants with an organic mulch)."

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Candytuft - Spangles

"Candytuft Spangles, sometimes called ""Persian Carpet"" this easily grown item gives a splendid show of colour just a few weeks from sowing. Colours range from lilac to mauve,white and red. Thrives on any soil. Sow February. Grows to a height of 15-22cm.

WHEN TO SOW
Late March to mid May

WHERE TO SOW
Direct into open ground

WHEN TO TRANSPLANT
Thin out seedlings as they grow to avoid over-crowding."

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Primrose - Mardigras Mixed

"Dwarf growing plants with bright green leaves and delicate flowers in a lovely range of bold solid colours. Height 15 cm.
30 Seeds Per Packet

WHEN TO SOW
May to July.

WHERE TO SOW
Sow the seeds thinly in trays of good compost. Cover with glass or polythene to retain moisture. Avoid direct sunlight.

WHAT TO DO NEXT
Remove cover as soon as seedlings emerge. When they are about 2cm tall, prick off into trays 5cm apart or individual pots. Grow in a shaded area as sool as possible. Plant in flowering site in September. Keep well watered.

MATURITY
Spring the following year.

HANDY TIP
As the natural habitat is woodland, a sheltered spot that never dries out is prefereable. Can also be used as a pot plant."

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Calendula - Orange King

"Calendula Orange King is a very easy to grow, old English Marigold with really brilliant orange, double flowers. Grows to a height of 50cm.

WHEN TO SOW
Late March to mid May

WHEN TO SOW
Direct into flowering site

WHEN TO TRANSPLANT
Thin out seedlings as they grow to avoid over-crowding. May also be sown in protected areas in September for early flowering."

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Marigold African - Crackerjack

"Large fully double flower heads in a mixture of gold.yellow and orange. Good ecomony mix for mass bedding. Height 60-75cm.

WHEN TO SOW
February to March.

WHERE TO SOW
Sow into pots or trays in a good compost under glass at 18ŸC. cover the seeds lightly with sifted compost.

WHAT TO DO NEXT
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick off into trays 5cm apart. Grow on and gradually harden off for planting in the flowering site 20cm apart from late May.

MATURITY
June onwards.

HANDY TIP
Regular removal of dead flower heads will promote new growth and prolong the flowering season."

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Aubergine Ophelia

"Aubergine Ophelia is baby fruited, medium height bush variety aubergine, producing clusters of deep purple fruits, weighing approximately 55 grams.

Sow & Harvest Dates:
Sow in April in a cold greenhouse and harvest in August.

Growing Information:
Although in super protected environments (like central London!) it is possible to grow Aubergine's outside, for the rest of us, sow indoors in March or in a cold greenhouse in April.

Sow the seeds in a mixture of garden soil and compost. Lay the seeds on the surface and sprinkle a small amount of compost. Water from below.

By April transfer seedlings to 3 inch pots, and then in May finally into 9 inch pots in their final position in the greenhouse. In June Stake and tie the plants as needed and then feed with a high potash feed once the 3rd fruit has formed. Continue to water and feed until harvest in late August and September.

General Information:
Native to India, the name ¨Eggplant¨ developed in the US because some of the European Cultivars developed in the 18th century were white or gold and resembled hen's eggs."

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Beet Detroit Globe

"Beet Detroit Globe was introduced nearly a century ago and still one of the favourites for main crop sowing. Deep red flesh, marvellous flavour and stores well.

SOW April to June

HARVEST July onwards

TYPE Main Crop Root Vegetable

PLOT Outdoor Plot

WHERE TO SOW

Sow thinly in shallow drills 2cm deep with 30cm between rows.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Thin the seedlings gradually as they grow to an eventual spacing of 10cm. Do not transplant. Only needs watering when there is a drought. Lift carefully and leave about 5cm of the storks to prevent bleeding when cooking.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Rich in Beta carotene, calcium, iron and folic acid.

HANDY TIP

For a plentiful supply of sweet small roots, sow successionally at fortnightly intervals. A good storage variety.

"

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Courgette Ambassador

"Courgette Ambassador is the standard variety for courgette plant sales in garden centers. Quick-maturing, cylindrical fruits, open habit with few side shoots. Sow: April to early June Harvest: July onwards Courgette (Zucchini) is happiest when grown on a compost heap. This tells you that when grown in the open , it prefers loose, well drained soil, that has been well dug over. Soil needs to be well manured the previous autumn (more so than with other vegetables). An ideal preparation is to dig out a whole 1 spades depth, and half fill with well rotted compost or even grass cuttings, and then refill with top soil. Each plant needs to be at least 1m from it?s nearest neighbour. Seeds can be sown outside at the expected date of the last frost. Sow seeds 2cm deep. Tip: If courgettes are not picked early they will develop into marrows."

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Lettuce Iceberg

"Forms large dark green heads, fairly solid hearts with good standing ability. Slow to bolt. Sow lettuce seeds very thinly in 1.5cm drills, about 20cm between rows in a seed bed or 30cm between rows in open ground. Successive, small sowings of lettuce seeds spread the harvest avoiding a glut.
Sow & Harvest: Sow mid March - August, harvest May - October.
Companion Plants: Sow next to Carrot, Radish, Strawberry, Cucumber.
Planting Instructions: Sow thinly in shallow (6mm deep) drills 25cm apart. A well drained soil but moist soil, with plenty of compost during the previous autumn is best.
"

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Cabbage Primo

"Cabbage Primo is one of the most popular of this type. Very firm medium size heads of excellent quality and flavour. Can be sown in February under glass.

SEED COUNT 500 approx

SOW February to May

HARVEST June to October

TYPE Summer crop vegetable

PLOT Outdoor plot

WHERE TO SOW
Early sowings in trays or modules under glass at 13øC. Later sowings direct into seed bed in shallow drills 1.5cm deep.

WHAT TO DO NEXT
Prick off the glasshouse seedlings when 6-8cm tall into trays 5cm apart. Thin module sowings to single plants. Harden off before planting out in the growing site from early May 30cm (12?) apart. Thin outdoor sowings to 4-6cm (2-3?) apart as soon as possible, planting in the growing site when 15cm tall spaced at 45cm apart. Firm in well and keep well watered in drought conditions.

HANDY TIPS
Cabbages like good solid ground. Do not plant into freshly dug ground, so dig the plot well in advance. Do not grow on same ground two years running.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Excellent source of vitamin C & B. The darkest leaves contain the most nutrients."

Manure and snow

We went for some more manure on Thursday and filled more bins up,we will have to go back and get some more then leave it for next year. When we collected the manure I wore more clothing to stop the smell,but it didn't work and I stunk also can't get the smell out of my van.Hopefully it will evaporate over time and no one will be any wiser what I've had in the van,but I think I will have to do one last run first.

Went to the allotment yesterday to try and do some weeding,but it was a waste of time because the ground was frozen solid. So I ended up giving it a tidy up and breaking some pallets down, so I can finish doing the fence well some of it. Got no chance of allotment fun today with the amount of snow we have had,at least all allotments will look the same.

Potatoes

I got a parcel delivered today which was my potatoes for this seasons growing,I got Vanessa which were my first early and Estima which were second early's I got them from

http://www.jbaseedpotatoes.co.uk/.

All in trays ready to chit.

Potatoes

I got a parcel delivered today which was my potatoes for this seasons growing,I got Vanessa which were my first early and Estima which were second early's I got them from

http://www.jbaseedpotatoes.co.uk/.

Manure

We decided yesterday while at the allotment that we need to get some manure,we have been talking about it for nearly a year now and have not got any.So we took a drive to some stables a few miles away to see if we could get some from them, we asked them and they just told us to get stuck in so we did. I had 5 bags on the van so we filled them up and went back to the allotment and emptied them out, we picked up 4 bigger bags and went back to get some more.

It was a big pile of horse manure which was at the back of the stables, it must of been about 6ft high and 30ft x 20ft wide. Quite a lot of it was straw but we managed to gather some of the rotted stuff and fresh bits together,It will take time for it to rot down but at least we have made a start. We are going back tomorrow afternoon to get some more before it disappears,well before the local farmer takes it all for his fields.