Plain Pond Allotments

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

2021-05-10T08:10:00.000+01:00

We've been eating forced rhubarb for a few weeks and I decided to make an upside-down cake. It was quite delicious, so I had to share the recipe!

Ingredients:

450-500g rhubarb (forced rhubarb is sweeter and has a better colour)
For the syrup:
1 tbsp butter
2-3 tbsp brown sugar
2-3 tsp stem ginger syrup from the jar (if you don't like ginger just leave it out).

For the cake mix:
125g butter, softened to just melted
125g plain flour
125g granulated sugar
3 eggs
2-3 tbsp coconut flour (you can substitute almond flour or ground almonds if you don't have coconut flour)
1 tsp baking powder
¼ salt
¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 cube of stem ginger, finely chopped (optional)

Equipment:

Cake tin - I use an 8" (20cm) non-stick springform quick release baking tin, but you can use any sort of cake tin between 18 - 24cm with this recipe.
Weighing scales
2 bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Parchment or baking paper
Frying pan - the same size or bigger than your cake tin

Method:

Put your cake tin on the parchment or baking paper. Draw around it and cut out the middle.
Cut the rhubarb into strips to cover the circle of parchment paper.
Make the syrup - melt the brown sugar and butter in the frying pan and add the ginger syrup.
Cook the rhubarb strips in the syrup until just soft, then transfer to some kitchen roll. Reserve the remaining syrup for later.
Meanwhile, grease the sides and base of the baking tin and place the parchment circle in the bottom.
Carefully place the cooked rhubarb strips, rounded-side down, to cover the base of the pan. Add the chopped stem ginger if using and sprinkle with the coconut or almond flour to absorb the juice when cooking.
Pre-heat the main oven to 350 degrees / gas mark 4.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda.
In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Add the eggs and whisk until well mixed.
Add the wet mix to the dry mix and combine using the spatula.
Pour the dough over the rhubarb.
Cook on the middle shelf of the oven for 50-55 minutes. A skewer inserted into the centre of the cake should come out clean.
Leave to stand for 5 minutes.
Re-heat the reserved ginger syrup.
Cover the tin with a plate and carefully flip it over. Remove the tin and parchment paper. Drizzle over the warm syrup and serve immediately with cream or ice-cream.
Store in the fridge when cool and eat within 4 days.

Submitted by Jane, plot 9

Weekend Warriors

2021-04-13T08:10:00.000+01:00

On Sunday morning, Adrian ran one of his regular demonstrations on how to use the mower and strimmer.

He comprehensively covered safety and maintenance as well as lots of useful tips and we all got the chance to practice starting and using the donated equipment.

Despite the rather cold wind, we all enjoyed the workshop (and donuts) and felt much more confident afterwards. Thanks Adrian!

There will be another workshop next month - all welcome!

Au Revoir Isabelle!

2021-04-08T08:10:00.000+01:00

After ten years at Plain Pond, our friend Isabelle has said "Au Revoir", and given up her plot.

We will particularly remember and miss her inquisitive nature and the never-ending search for different and better ways to do things.

Always very sociable, it has been hard not seeing much of her in the last year, between Covid, road closures and family commitments.

We join in wishing Isabelle all the very best and look forward to hearing about her latest exploits whenever we meet.

Submitted by Jane, Plot 9

Beware Temptation!

2021-03-16T08:10:00.000+00:00

As the weather warms a little and the nights start to draw out our thoughts turn to sowing, but caution and patience now can prevent big losses later on. The important factors to consider are a) what facilities you have to raise seedlings and b) which plants are frost-hardy - and which are not!

Here in Somerset, our last frost can be in mid-May. If you sow tender plants now in trays or modules and only have a windowsill, those plants are going to be in the house for two months, becoming weak and leggy in the process. They are then more likely to succumb to pests, or to bolt (flower early).

Seduced by a warm spring, people sometimes plant them out, only to have them all killed by a late frost. Then there is no option but to start again and all that time and effort has been for nothing. Disheartening to say the least, and completely avoidable.

Seed packets can also be misleading. Possibly as a ploy to sell more seeds! Usually the earliest and latest recommended sowing dates on the packet assume that you have a heated greenhouse at one end of the spectrum and are going to over-winter your plants in a poly tunnel at the other end. For most of us, the middle of the 'sowing period' will be the most successful.

Even if you do have a greenhouse and a supply of fleece, the whole process of sowing, pricking out, potting on, planting out, fleecing and constantly monitoring the weather forecast is quite time-consuming. Just to achieve a few early tender crops.

If you are lucky enough to have a warm conservatory then go for it! Otherwise, stick to growing frost-hardy plants until mid-April and, if you are at all pushed for space or time, wait and sow direct when the soil is warm enough in May. Sowing direct at the right time, in the right conditions is much better than sowing in modules in the wrong conditions and will result in stronger, healthier plants.

Remember the story of the hare and the tortoise? What do you want to achieve? To be the first person to put their beans in - or to grow some nutritious plants to provide you with a few meals?

Click to see photo

Submitted by Jane, plot 9

The Fourth Golden Globe Artichoke Awards

2021-01-31T13:17:00.000+00:00

As Hollywood gears up for its glitzy awards ceremony, presumably via zoom, we are doing our own bit of back-slapping here in Somerset after a hiatus last year.

2020 was a strange and difficult year but, looking back, we achieved a surprising amount.

Thankfully, we were able to visit our allotments throughout the pandemic, and many of us emerged from a summer of lockdown with near pristine plots as a result. This high standard made the choice more difficult than usual, but some clear winners still emerged.

The results are as follows:

Best Quarter plot:

Megan, plot 7A(1) – photo above, Jeff’s plot in background

Best Half Plot:

Jeff, plot 7B

Best Full Plot:

Jane, plot 9 – photo below

Most Improved Plot:

James, Neil & Annette, plot 3B

Most Improved Soil Fertility:

Jan & Richard, plot 19

Best Wildlife Plot:

Lena, plot 23

Most Promising Newcomer:

Jim, plot 11A

Best Junior Grower:

Ben (aged 5), plot 3B

Most Helpful Plot Holder:

Jeff, plot 7B

Most Cheerful Plot Holder:

Michelle, plot 12A

Best Sunflowers:

Andy & Vicky, plot 4A(2)

Biggest Pumpkin:

Kate & Jon, plot 4B

Best Sculpture:

Keith, plot 13 – photo below

Best Photography:

Jane, Plot 9

Best Project:

Jane & Adrian, plot 9 – for new communal shed

DIY Genius:

Adrian, plot 9 – for fixing multiple tools, laying base for shed etc.

Best Working Party:

Joint winners: Communal Plot Clearance and Hedge-Laying

Best Event:

Jane, plot 9 and Julia, plot 7A(2) – for fundraiser in the Square

Hard Graft Award:

Lena, plot 23 – for services to hedging!

Best Individual Contribution:

Adrian, plot 6 – for biggest and best-ever seed order

Really, the list could go on and on, such is the high standard of our members, so well done everyone!

A special mention to our hard-working and dedicated committee members (and partners) who organise and turn up at the myriad working parties and events throughout the year, and do much work behind the scenes to maintain the communal assets for the benefit of everyone.

We couldn’t do this without the support and willingness to help of our members and we consider ourselves fortunate to have such a great allotment community – thank you all!

Here’s to a happy, healthy and hopeful year ahead for all of us.

Click to see photo

Let it Snow!

2021-01-25T08:10:00.000+00:00

It's not often I do plot lettings in the snow! However, we have six new allotments available, so I'd already lined up back-to-back viewings from the waiting list when there was an unexpected snowfall overnight. We went ahead with the socially-distanced visits, although I had to ask some prospective new plot-holders to use their imaginations when it came to what was under the snow and where the plot boundaries were!

The ground for the new plots was purchased last year by Wivey Town Council. Since then, the hedgerow has been breached to create an entrance from the existing site; overhanging tree branches have been cut down and disposed of; the grass cut back and sprayed; a skip-load of rubbish removed and deer-proof fencing erected. The project has been delayed at every step of the process by the various lockdowns so, although the plots aren't yet ready, we decided it was time to get the new plot-holders onto them without further ado.

Our solution was to agree with prospective plot-holders to waive the rent for the first year in return for their labour! They have all so far happily agreed to prepare the plots for rotovating, which will be financed by the council. Each plot will also be given plastic sheeting to supress the weeds and re-growth while the new plot-holders get cultivating. We hope this will enable them to make use of the whole growing season.

A warm welcome to all our new plot-holders, whose excitement and enthusiasm were not in the least deterred either by the snow or the prospect of some hard work ahead!

Our pic above shows new plot-holders Sharron and Ralph on their soon-to-be allotment.

Submitted by Jane, plot 9
Membership Sec.

Planting an Edible Hedge

2021-01-02T20:19:00.000+00:00

On a wet and windy December afternoon a few volunteers from the allotments and rugby club braved the elements to plant 400 saplings to form a hedge on the rugby pitch side of our boundary fence (more pics below).

Lena applied to The Woodland Trust for a free hedge pack which the trust kindly supplied along with tree guards and canes. We chose an edible hedge pack which gave us a mix of Hazel, Crab Apple, Rowan, Blackthorn and Dog Rose. This should provide us with an attractive and productive hedge in a few years time which will be great for wildlife and will also help keep out marauding Roe Deer!

Very many thanks to Lena for organising everything and to Jon for giving us all a quick masterclass in tree planting.

Click to see photo

Submitted by Julie, plot 11B

Tools for Christmas!

2020-12-22T08:10:00.000+00:00

We have received a large bundle of recycled tools for the allotments! They were donated by the Tools Shed project, which is run by The Conservation Foundation in conjunction with HM Prisons.

Tools Shed is a great project which ticks all the boxes! Broken or unwanted garden hand tools are left at pick up points for recycling; reducing waste and landfill. The tools are collected and delivered to prison workshops, where inmates learn how to repair and refurbish them, gaining valuable experience and skills which will help their future prospects. Finally, the tools are distributed free to gardening and environmental projects in schools, allotments and community gardens where they are put to good use in creating and maintaining green areas for the benefit of all.

I first heard about Tools Shed last Autumn and put in a request for some communal tools. In February, I was told my application had been successful and we were on the verge of getting the tools when covid intervened and the project was put on hold. Finally, I was contacted by Kevin (pictured above), the South West Regional Coordinator for Tools Shed, and we arranged a safe, socially-distanced handover at Monkton Elm Garden Centre last week.

I was very impressed both by the quantity and the quality of the tools we received! They will join the other donated tools in our communal shed for plot-holders to borrow. Spare tools are always put to good use, particularly by people just starting out who may not have any tools of their own, so we are very grateful to receive these. In fact, there were more than enough tools in our bundle for our needs so we will pay forward the gift by sharing or donating some of the tools with other local gardening initiatives.

Tools Shed is a national project. Our tools were refurbished at Dartmoor Prison and our nearest drop-off and collection point is Monkton Elm in Taunton. The project is currently suspended due to covid-19, but Kevin told me they hope to be operational again in late spring so if you have any tools you can donate please hang on to them until then.

Find out more about The Conservation Foundation here.

Submitted by Jane, plot 9

Town Clerk Visit

2020-11-22T08:10:00.000+00:00

We were pleased to welcome Sarah, the Clerk to Wivey Town Council, to the allotments yesterday. Sarah visited as part of her job, to collect plot rents for next year from anyone who wanted to pay in person, either in cash or by cheque. Although most plot-holders pay by direct bank transfer nowadays, it's good that Sarah provides the means to pay by other options so that no-one is excluded.

We set up the table in the communal shed and and a ballot-style box was provided for people to drop their payment envelopes into so that social distancing could be strictly observed. It is always useful for Sarah to have a look around the site and meet some of the tenants, and it gives us the opportunity to discuss any issues and our plans for the future. As Sarah has two allotments of her own, and is also the Clerk for Dunster Allotments, she is uniquely placed to offer her advice and expertise, and we highly value her opinion.

Newt News

2020-10-27T18:08:00.000+00:00

Fran and Ben have discovered lots of wildlife on the overgrown plot they've recently taken over - mostly toads which they've safely relocated. They were busy clearing and digging this weekend when Ben was lucky to spot this little smooth (or common) juvenile newt.

Fran says it was buried quite deep in the soil and was very sluggish. Although they don't strictly hibernate, newts do burrow down to shelter from the harsh winter. We checked the wildlife factsheet in the communal shed and decided to put the newt in the bottom of a compost heap where it would be undisturbed.

The last time we had a photo of a newt on the website was 2014. It's good to know they're still here!

Seed Harvest

2020-10-08T13:00:00.000+01:00

This is the last harvest from my greenhouse this year. I'm going to save seed from all of these.

The tomatoes don't taste so great now but I've let a few ripen to use for seed as they're particularly good varieties which I want to grow again. Luckily, they didn't get blight so the seeds are ok to save.

Harvesting tomato seeds the traditional way is a bit of a fiddly business, so I turned to the internet to see what other people were doing. I came across a few good suggestions which I'm going to try.

The first thing to decide is how long you want to save your seed. If you just want it for next year, things are much simpler.

Always start with clean, good-quality, ripe tomatoes and process one variety at a time.

Method 1. Plant the seeds. You can either halve the tomatoes and scoop out the flesh with all the seeds or just plant the halved tomatoes. Plant a couple of inches deep, either in a bed or pot of compost in the greenhouse. You can also plant outside. If you plant them outdoors, cover the soil with a deep mulch and mark the spot! In the spring, remove the mulch, stir the soil gently, cover with a cloche to warm things up - and you should get seedlings.

Method 2. Dry the seeds. This is a simple method. Use the tip of a knife to carefully pick out the seeds onto a piece of kitchen towel. Spread them out a bit and leave to dry for a few weeks. The seeds are coated in a gel which will stick when dry. When ready, fold the whole thing up and put in your seed envelope. Alternatively, position each seed onto a paper plate to dry, then pick them off.

More inventive ideas include setting the seeds directly onto a piece of tape or sections of kitchen roll / toilet tissue / coffee filter which will fit directly into your seed starter trays.

Method 3. Ferment the seeds. This method is for longer-term storage and involves cleaning the seeds before drying them. Cut the tomatoes and squeeze the seeds and juice into a container. Cover and soak at room temperature for 24 hours. Strain off any pulp and the juice, leaving just the seeds. Put the seeds in a strainer and rinse well with water to remove all the gel. Put the largest seeds on a paper plate to dry thoroughly for a week or so, turning regularly, before storing them in a cool, dry place.

If you're saving seed from more than one variety, mark them carefully at each stage of the process. I always think I'm going to remember which was which, but I never do!

Tomatoes are self pollinating, so if you save seed from open pollinated varieties they should come true to the parent plant. (You can also experiment with cross-pollinating.). F1 Hybrids are more difficult so you might want to try potting side shoots to keep indoors over the winter instead. I might try this with my non-hybrids too - but that's a whole other blog.

Submitted by Jane, plot 9

Fabulous Fundraiser

2020-09-07T08:10:00.000+01:00

Our fundraising event yesterday morning was a fantastic success! We set up our stand in the centre of Wivey at 8:30am and plot-holder after plot-holder turned up with donated home-made and home-baked goodies. After three frantic hours we'd raised £126 and sold everything except some books and dvd's, which we donated to the Community Centre.

Thanks to everyone who donated items for us to sell. Also to Dave from the Community Centre who loaned us the tables and chairs and a special thanks to Gerard at Whelans who sent out coffee to keep us going! Thanks also to all the lovely people of Wivey whom we met and enjoyed chatting to about cooking and gardening - and of course, bought all our produce. The cakes were enormously popular but we also sold jams and jellies, chutney, pickles, sourdough starters, plants, seeds, books, dvd's, home items and even frozen trout!

One of our plot-holders, Mark, was the winner of the raffle and chose the hedge trimmer - well done Mark!

Sharing: A Better Way

2020-08-17T08:10:00.000+01:00

With the world's natural resources under ever-greater pressure, there has never been a better time to share as much as possible.

Here at Plain Pond, we share many things; from communal tools and equipment (most of which have already had a previous life and found their way to us through donation or via Freecycle or Gumtree), to all the seeds and plants we share naturally as gardeners. We offer car-sharing on days out and bulk-buy netting and plastic sheeting to share amongst members. Up to five people share the Communal Plot and we share surplus fruit and veg in return for horse manure and other resources.

Beyond all this, we share knowledge. How to grow food so we can be more self-sufficient and how to look after the soil for future generations. How to take cuttings, propagate and protect our crops, how to sow, store and save seed, how to cook, preserve, forage and compost, how to make the most of every part of the plant and minimise waste. Our food miles are minimal, there are no plastic bags and what we eat is fresh, nutritious and tastes fabulous. If only everyone could have an allotment!

Submitted by Jane, plot 9

Preserving Produce

2020-08-03T08:10:00.000+01:00

With summer in full flow the freezer can soon fill up with produce from the allotment, so it makes sense to use a variety of different methods of preserving such as making jam, chutney and pickles.

Increasingly, I'm using lacto-fermentation as a quick solution to a glut. The vegetables are immersed in a salt brine rather than vinegar. The salt prevents the food from spoiling while the natural lactic acid in the veggies preserves them. The fermentation process is quite quick - a week or two - depending on what you're making. The result is a tangy, tasty, nutritious probiotic - great for gut health and much more!

Last week, I made a quick and easy sauerkraut to use up a couple of small cabbages and also had a go at fermenting cucumbers for the first time. The first batch was simply in a salt-water solution, with the sliced cukes kept beneath the brine with a couple of folded cabbage leaves I'd kept back. The next batch featured some added ingredients - dill, peppercorns and honey. We're looking forward to eating these!

Submitted by Jane, plot 9

My First Veg Box!

2020-07-08T08:10:00.000+01:00

Well, who would have thought - certainly not all my doubting family and friends - that after deciding I wanted an allotment (after an afternoon drinking in The Bear) and taking on an overgrown plot back in September, that I would still be visiting it, actually growing and eating stuff and loving it!

However, it’s all true and I have already had some Rhubarb, Gooseberries, Mange Tout, Courgettes, Lettuces, Raspberries and a few Strawberries myself and this week my big sister visited and picked her own veg box as I'd promised her she could have the first one.

Many thanks to everyone who has helped with advice and donated an assortment of various plants to get my plot going and, to anyone else thinking about getting a plot, I would say go for it! As soon as you walk through the gate you feel more relaxed, one hour can easily turn into three and it’s just the best place to chill and clear the head.

Submitted by Jim, plot 11A

Gooseberry Sawfly Caterpillar

2020-06-15T08:10:00.000+01:00

I spotted a new caterpillar on our gooseberry bush this week and remembered to take some photos to help identify it. I always check a new species before taking any action and usually it's some non-harmful moth larvae.

However, these small caterpillars turned out to be gooseberry sawfly larvae. They feast on the foliage of gooseberry, red and white currant bushes. There are three types of sawfly and these are the larvae of the common gooseberry sawfly.

In sufficient numbers they can cause severe damage, but the odd few aren't going to hurt - and will provide a meal for the resident blackbirds, so for now I will just monitor them and pick them off if they seem to be getting too numerous.

Submitted by Jane, plot 9

A New Shed!

2020-06-08T08:10:00.000+01:00

We have a new communal shed! Our previous shed was tiny, old and falling apart so last year we applied for funding from the Brendon Energy 10 Parishes Community Fund, and we were lucky enough to be awarded a grant.

Brendon Energy is a local business. Set up as a community co-operative in 2011 its aim is to establish and develop local renewable energy resources and benefit the community in the process. You can find out more about Brendon Energy at their website here.

The shed is a factory-second from a local company, Foresters Garden Buildings, based near Taunton. It is perfect for an allotment site, with only very minor faults which were easily remedied. The guys from Foresters did a great job, delivering and putting it up in less than an hour!

We had hoped to take delivery in March but, like most things, it was delayed due to the corona virus pandemic. The base has sat ready and empty for several months and it is great to finally see the shed in place.

The shed sits on our community plot and stores all our second-hand and donated tools and equipment, along with various other communal belongings, like the silage sheeting we use to cover plots in winter and the first aid kit. It is great to finally have space to house everything in one place!

All the tools are spray-pained neon pink and security post-coded to deter thieves. Although old, most are still serviceable and are of great benefit, especially to new plot-holders who haven't yet got much of their own equipment.

The shed also acts as an information-sharing point and a dry gathering place when it rains. We have already kitted it out with some great features - a tool rack made from a pallet and shelving for the silage sheeting, also made from pallet wood. A kind gentleman on Freecycle donated a composting bin and a large water butt and chairs and a bench were also donated by plot-holders.

We can't thank Brendon Energy enough for awarding us this grant. We would never have been able to afford such a great shed without it and it will be an asset to the 100+ Wivey residents who use the allotment site for many years to come.

Click to see photo

A Valued Visitor

2020-05-24T08:10:00.000+01:00

Jan has been finding plenty of wildlife on her plot recently. Last week she called me over to look at a May bug and this week she discovered this lovely little slow worm under some black silage sheeting. After a quick photo she carefully put it back. Slow worms are the gardener's friend and a valued visitor to the allotment.

Starting to Sow

2020-04-07T08:10:00.000+01:00

I wanted to share this way of sowing seeds which I learned from gardener and writer, Stephanie Hafferty (link at the end). I think good tips are always worth passing on.

The recent spell of good weather has focussed my thoughts on sowing and I'm keen to catch up after a wet, cold start to the spring. The soil is warming up nicely and I'll start sowing direct in the next week or two but for now I'm sowing in seed trays under cover to improve the chances of germination.

As you can hopefully see from the photo (click to enlarge), the method is to fill a small seed tray, divide in half and then sow short rows of seeds on each side. This allows 20 or more different varieties to be sown in just a small amount of potting compost.

I prefer to use a good quality, peat-free compost which costs a little more so I like the fact that this is very economical. I can also sow out-of-date seeds with less risk; if they don't germinate I haven't lost much in terms of space and effort.

Once the seeds germinate, I choose as many of the strongest ones as I need to prick out into modules to grow on. You can see some earlier ones in the background. These are tomato and chillies which I germinated in the propagator last month. They stay in the house overnight on south-facing windowsills and during the day I bring them out onto the decking for some sun. Once the risk of frost has passed they'll get planted in the greenhouse. The hardier seedlings will go into a mini-greenhouse and potted on until they're large enough to plant out.

Although this process is time-consuming it does allow for some early crops. I have concentrated on salads and herbs, spinach, chard, early cabbages and calabrese. Next week it'll be beetroot, radishes and spring onions. Tasty crops to look forward to!

For another description and more photos, here's a link to Stephanie's post on her No Dig Home website.

Submitted by Jane, plot 9

Government guidance over allotment visits

2020-03-26T20:38:00.000+00:00

There has been some confusion over whether people are allowed to go the allotments during the coronavirus outbreak. This has not only been expressed by allotment holders, but also by the general public and local residents. Thankfully, Michael Gove MP was asked this exact question on the BBC when restrictions were introduced. This is his response (see video):

Of course we understand that people may not wish to attend their plot at this current time, but it is an activity that the government is actively encouraging. Please adhere to the government's social distancing guidance and only make one visit per day.

It is also worth noting that a recent allotment ban due to coronavirus in Northampton has been overturned. You can read about it here.

Of course if restrictions change in either direction we will bring you up to date. Hopefully when this problem is behind us we can all enjoy the allotments more socially!

Hedge Laying Training

2020-03-09T08:10:00.000+00:00

The ground is far too wet to do much on the plots, but other work around the site is keeping us all busy.

On Saturday, a group met up for some hedge laying training and then spent a fruitful few hours tackling the far hedgerow. The event was organised by Lena and kindly led by Jon, who brought his expertise and some specialist equipment. The rest of us brought old tools, enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in.

Jon organised everyone into pairs with specific tasks, and two types of laying techniques were used on different areas of the hedge. It was good fun and the result is a thicker, stronger hedge, particularly at the base, which will help keep the pesky deer out of the allotments and away from our vegetables!

Lena brought tea and cake, which provided a much needed break, then it was back to work. There were a variety of jobs, some of which were less demanding so everyone could get involved. Well done, and many thanks to all who turned up to help, including a few friends.

Later, we will add barricades and in the autumn, some hedging plants to fill any remaining gaps. For anyone who couldn't make it, another work day is planned very soon.

More photos below.

Click to see photo

Fueled by Flapjack

2020-03-02T08:10:00.000+00:00

Working parties are such a great way to get a job done! It's amazing what a group of willing people can achieve in a short time and its satisfying and companionable at the same time.

Yesterday, the sun shone long enough for nine of us to clear an area on the communal plot. Having already dismantled the old shed, we removed it in sections, dug out and demolished an old compost heap and levelled the ground ready for some paving slabs. Jane provided snacks to keep us all going and Adrian used the old roofing felt to repair a leaking shed further up the site.

Big thanks to everyone who turned up to help and also to Jim, whose plot we have temporarily dumped the shed and pallets on prior to them being broken down and used to fill gaps in the hedge.

More photos below...

Click to see photo

Growing and Sowing

2020-02-17T08:10:00.000+00:00

Jan & I were looking at her rhubarb patch recently, exclaiming over the amount of new growth. Although we've been beset with high winds and torrential rain, the winter has actually been very mild and everything is growing apace.

Maybe we will have a cold snap (snow in April or even May is not unheard of), but in the meantime the weeds are growing and the raspberry canes are sprouting even as I cut them back. Whereas normally we'd still be thinking spring is a long way off, suddenly there is some urgency to get jobs done.

When it comes to sowing however, I recommend being patient. Most things can wait until March and April. The risk with sowing too early is being over-run with small plants before the weather is warm enough for them to go in the ground. Fleece can help, but the allotment site is very windy and exposed.

So, for now at least, I'm going to enjoy being warm by the fire while I check my seed packets and plan where everything will go this year.

Submitted by Jane, plot 9

Pretty Popcorn Presents

2019-12-27T15:50:00.000+00:00

One of the pleasures of having a garden or allotment is being able to gift things you've grown or made from your produce. I swap jams, jellies and chutneys with my friends in return for honey and other goodies, and visitors and workmen always leave with a jar or two of something tasty.

This year, I've grown popping corn for the first time. We love DIY popcorn, and I was cautiously hopeful of growing it myself. I grew a multi-coloured variety which is very attractive (more pics below) and, of course, I grew it in our garden at home rather than at the allotment to prevent cross pollination with everyone's sweetcorn!

Unlike sweetcorn, you leave popcorn cobs on the plant until they're dry. I harvested mine a couple of months ago, just before all the rain started. Ideally, I'd have left them on the plants a little longer, but they seem to have dried out ok in the house. Apparently you should aim for 14% liquid content. A single cob makes two big bowls of popcorn - just add salt or syrup and enjoy!

Happily, things went well and this year, instead of jam, my friends all received a popcorn cob with their Christmas card!

Click to see photo

Submitted by Jane, plot 9

Hedge Working Party

2019-10-28T18:00:00.000+00:00

Over a dozen of us joined forces yesterday to carry out repairs to the North boundary of the allotment site. Deer have been getting through the hedge here, straight into the allotments, and enjoying a free meal of our vegetables!

Lena organised the working party into groups and we filled the gap securely from both sides with cut branches and old pallets. While some people cut more branches, others used them to make a temporary barricade along the fence into the rugby ground. Other members donated wire netting and strung it along the bank as a further deterrent.

It was a lovely sunny day and, with many hands and a shared purpose, the work was soon finished. It was also a nice opportunity to meet and chat with other members and felt satisfying to be doing something constructive about this problem.

The final step is to properly deer-proof the fence. Julie has approached the council with a request to purchase the necessary materials. We then plan to organise another work day soon to finish the job.

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