January Jobs on the Allotment
You may have noticed the wind and rain this year instead of the cold and frost we expect. But many jobs outside on the allotment are possible.
Tomato and Aubergines seeds can be planted indoors, best to start these off in a heated propagator. Continue growth on a south facing window sill. In a month or so all tables and surfaces near a light facing window will be covered with trays and pots, the family and friends will have to eat from a tray on their laps and the cat will be banished from entering the room for a couple of months.
Not sure about planning your plot! Take a look at lots of other plots for loads of ideas. Really good to visit other allotments in the area for ideas.
All the best, Kath.
Photos by Kath McLoughlin
You may have noticed the wind and rain this year instead of the cold and frost we expect. But many jobs outside on the allotment are possible.
- Add well rotted compost to your plot
- Dig a runner bean trench
- Make compost area or bring in compost bins
- Prune apples and pears
- Plant bare rooted trees and bushes
- Watch out for damage to the green house, try to replace glass with good clear Polycarbonate panels and clip panes into position
- Harvest Leeks, Parsnips, Swede etc
Tomato and Aubergines seeds can be planted indoors, best to start these off in a heated propagator. Continue growth on a south facing window sill. In a month or so all tables and surfaces near a light facing window will be covered with trays and pots, the family and friends will have to eat from a tray on their laps and the cat will be banished from entering the room for a couple of months.
Not sure about planning your plot! Take a look at lots of other plots for loads of ideas. Really good to visit other allotments in the area for ideas.
All the best, Kath.
Photos by Kath McLoughlin
Add Compost
Compost area with pallets
Plastic compost bin
Make compost
Harvest leeks, parsnips, swedes etc
Cover to suppress weeds
Weed and cover
November Jobs
Clear and tidy your plot to reduce overwintering pests and diseases.
Harvesting Begin to harvest winter cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leeks and parsnips, wait for touch of frost for the parsnips, the chilling effect turns the starches into sugars and this gives them their natural sweetness.
Pick Brussels sprouts working from the bottom of the stalk upwards to make sure that all of the sprouts get a chance to swell and also snap off any yellowing leaves at their base to ensure good air circulation around the plants.
Clear the ground of any remaining vulnerable crops such as celeriac, carrots, Florence fennel and put them into store before any hard frosts are forecast.
Sowing and Planting Sow a crop of round seeded hardy peas. They can be sown either in the open ground if the weather conditions are favourable or three to 3”/9 cm pot and transplanted later when the roots have reached the bottom of the pot. Transplant any pot raised broad beans sown earlier to a sheltered spot to protect from cold and ice. It is not too late to take a chance on a sowing of broad beans if it is done early in the month. Transplant October sown lettuces to grow on under cloches or frames.
Although these winter varieties are tough enough to withstand most British winters it is always best to have some protection on hand ready to protect them if needs be. Wet growing conditions can do as much damage as the cold.
Now is a good time to plant new fruit trees and bushes. Soft fruit bushes can also be moved now as well.
Harvesting Begin to harvest winter cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leeks and parsnips, wait for touch of frost for the parsnips, the chilling effect turns the starches into sugars and this gives them their natural sweetness.
Pick Brussels sprouts working from the bottom of the stalk upwards to make sure that all of the sprouts get a chance to swell and also snap off any yellowing leaves at their base to ensure good air circulation around the plants.
Clear the ground of any remaining vulnerable crops such as celeriac, carrots, Florence fennel and put them into store before any hard frosts are forecast.
Sowing and Planting Sow a crop of round seeded hardy peas. They can be sown either in the open ground if the weather conditions are favourable or three to 3”/9 cm pot and transplanted later when the roots have reached the bottom of the pot. Transplant any pot raised broad beans sown earlier to a sheltered spot to protect from cold and ice. It is not too late to take a chance on a sowing of broad beans if it is done early in the month. Transplant October sown lettuces to grow on under cloches or frames.
Although these winter varieties are tough enough to withstand most British winters it is always best to have some protection on hand ready to protect them if needs be. Wet growing conditions can do as much damage as the cold.
Now is a good time to plant new fruit trees and bushes. Soft fruit bushes can also be moved now as well.
