THE PLOT CREW ARE OUT AND ABOUT!
We have quite a cast of characters and many are ge ing an early start on their patch
January is progressing and as the days lengthen gardeners are straining at the leash to get started. Patience is a virtue in gardening, but at times this gets put to the test as we all want to get the new season under way.
As you walk by the rows of greenhouses do ed along the path of the allotments there are many signs of new activity. A glance into Jeff’s shows that a range of small, plastic greenhouses have been erected inside the big greenhouse, ready to start early crops in the double comfort of this extra protection. Many plot holders have started filling pots with compost, ready to warm up and house their early sowings of broad beans. The sales of compost from the stores on the allotment have already started to rocket in anticipation of be er, warmer days. Slow down lads and lasses, it’s only mid-January! This optimism must be driven by the fact that even on the somewhat barren plot there are signs of new life. An inspection of the rhubarb patch shows a large bud at the top of the crown bursting into a leaf or two. Now’s a good time to cover these with an old bin to force some early tender stalks. The protection of this bin and the slightly warmer climate in the darkness of it will bring pale pink, tender stalks for an early April feed of sweet rhubarb crumble.
There’s also been some new action on two of the plots on the far side of the allotments. Ray hasn't been seen for most of autumn, but the early January days have brought him out to turn over his plot ready for a new start.
Our other mystery visitor is Kevin. He’s rarely seen and never in winter. He, however, grows a willow tree on his plot and cuts the long, straight branches of this tree for growing his runner beans up. He’s been and cut these ready, so he must be expecting an early season. This practice is the ultimate in green thinking as most of us use imported bamboo canes.
With autumn free time on my hands I took it upon myself to clear up under the trees at the bo om of my plot. With the trees trimmed back and the ivy gone there’s a lot of space there. This is my major composting area, so time to reorganise. The green Dalek bins can go up against the wall and create space to put my carrot and parsnip growing bins in their place. Just what I need on an already large plot, more growing space!