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Learn how to get the most out of your allotment by reading information on each plant and the tools and equipment you might need.

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Late July on the Allotment

Allotment in the summer , August 06, 2021

This is the time when everything is growing on the plot. It is also a time when weather can make big differences to your activities. Periods of sunshine and hot weather have meant extra watering and episodes of sometimes heavy rain bring out the weeds in their droves and sometimes potato and tomato blight.

Things are progressing well in the polytunnel. We had moved the polytunnel two years ago to join the half-plots into one. We were not able to put it up last year due to the lockdown restrictions but managed to do so earlier in the year, although the plastic will need further stretching at the end of the season. The tomatoes are beginning to ripen and some of the different varieties are doing well. Ailsa Craig have some good-sized trusses and have needed extra support. New varieties include Garnet, a cherry tomato variety, and a pear variety. We are still not sure of the pear as seedlings were given by a plot neighbour, although ...

A short poem/post about the allotment

Onwards friends by Rebecca Drozd , July 16, 2021

Spread of various allotment vegetables, eggs and preserves.

Nibbling our way around the plot this morning...

Pak choi

Pea shoots

Rocket

Cut and come again lettuce

Chilli's

Quail, duck, chicken eggs.

Red currants

Saving seeds from one year to plant the next.

So which seeds are best and which ones do I avoid? , Jan 21, 2021

Growing your own vegetable from seed is one of the most enjoyable aspects of gardening. Using seeds you have saved from last year's harvest will no only give you a great sense of satisfaction but it can also save you money. You will also be able to grow your favourite varieties year-on-year.

So which seeds are best and which ones do I avoid?

The most obvious seeds to save include tomatoes, peppers, beans and peas. The plants have flowers which are self-pollinating so will grow true to type the following year. You will need to allow the seeds in all plants to fully ripen and this will take some patience.....

New year preparations

Planning and repairing, Jan 14, 2021

So, January has come and it's time to begin the years preparations for the allotment. There are a number of jobs to do before the last frost of the year. We have to weed the early vegetable beds. You can find a discussion on effective weeding here.

After the beds are clear we can add the chicken manure compost we have been collecting over the year...

Winter lull

Extra images of saffron, Nov 22, 2020

Close up of saffron flowers and the stamens or fronds from the flower 1/2

So, winter is upon us and the allotment schedule is quieting down. We have a few jobs on the go for winter.

Firstly, we look after our chickens and ducks everyday. Keeping them healthy and cared for by feeding, providing water, and changing bedding...