NOVEMBER JOBS
This can be the best time of the year to prepare your plot. For existing plot holders compost dead plants or take home the usable remains of old summer crops, this will help you avoid diseases and pests. New plot holders with overgrown beds, this is a great time to clear, dig and cover to prevent new growth till you need it in the spring. Also think about acquiring manure from trustworthy sources. Some phone numbers are displayed on the notice board. May be cost effective to share cost with a fellow plot holder. Leaf mould also makes a good compost.
November is also the best month to mend fences, fix the shed roof and check all glass panes are well secured against gale force winds. Last year on Albemarle allotments some glass windows blew out as far as 20 feet from the greenhouse during the spring storms.
Prepare a compost area on your plot. Have a walk round to see what other plot holders are using.
I noticed this year that one or two plotters grew massive pumpkins on their compost heaps, that’s a bonus!
Harvesting
You can now start to harvest winter cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leeks and parsnips, but wait until after a frost before taking up parsnips. Pick the Brussels sprouts working from the bottom of the stalk upwards to make sure that all of the sprouts get a chance to swell. At the same time snap off any yellowing leaves at their base to ensure that there is 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
This year I may try to sow some winter varieties such as round hardy peas in small pots and transplant later when roots are at bottom of the pot. If broad beans are being grown provide some shelter from wind and frost and of course the soggy ground. This can be good fun making a tough structure out of plastic and canes and bits of string. Also good time to plant new fruit trees and bushes. Soft fruit bushes can also be moved.
All the best from Kath.
Thank you to National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Ltd for information.
This can be the best time of the year to prepare your plot. For existing plot holders compost dead plants or take home the usable remains of old summer crops, this will help you avoid diseases and pests. New plot holders with overgrown beds, this is a great time to clear, dig and cover to prevent new growth till you need it in the spring. Also think about acquiring manure from trustworthy sources. Some phone numbers are displayed on the notice board. May be cost effective to share cost with a fellow plot holder. Leaf mould also makes a good compost.
November is also the best month to mend fences, fix the shed roof and check all glass panes are well secured against gale force winds. Last year on Albemarle allotments some glass windows blew out as far as 20 feet from the greenhouse during the spring storms.
Prepare a compost area on your plot. Have a walk round to see what other plot holders are using.
I noticed this year that one or two plotters grew massive pumpkins on their compost heaps, that’s a bonus!
Harvesting
You can now start to harvest winter cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leeks and parsnips, but wait until after a frost before taking up parsnips. Pick the Brussels sprouts working from the bottom of the stalk upwards to make sure that all of the sprouts get a chance to swell. At the same time snap off any yellowing leaves at their base to ensure that there is 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
This year I may try to sow some winter varieties such as round hardy peas in small pots and transplant later when roots are at bottom of the pot. If broad beans are being grown provide some shelter from wind and frost and of course the soggy ground. This can be good fun making a tough structure out of plastic and canes and bits of string. Also good time to plant new fruit trees and bushes. Soft fruit bushes can also be moved.
All the best from Kath.
Thank you to National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Ltd for information.
