Cote de Hagg - and eyeing up the opposition

A reminder to all of our keen customers who are planning to flock to the hut this weekend, in order to celebrate the fine spring weather.  The hills will once again be filled with the sound of cowbells, and puffing and panting, as the brave and the good cyclists of our city tackle the seven hills.  Road closures have been flagged up in our area, and we know that the racers should be setting off from the bottom of Hagg Hill at around 9.50.  In the past, the road has been closed for about 30 minutes over this period.  As usual, the Allotment volunteers will be lining the pavement and cheering on the participants, and, if you would like to join us, we will certainly be putting the kettle on when the peddlers have flashed by, and the excitement has died down.  In case you are worried,  you certainly won’t miss it if you blink!

Meanwhile, most of us are somewhat less energetic, but are nevertheless entering into the competitive spirit, and have our eyes on the prize of potato glory.  More than 30 members have, so far, signed up for the potato-in-a-bucket competition, and Malcolm Lee (one of our triumphant entrants last year) has kindly agreed to share some of the secrets of his success.  He writes:

"These are just my own methods which work for me.  Other methods work just as well for other people.

Potatoes prefer well-drained, light, deep, loose soil, high in organic matter with a pH between 4.8 and 5.5.  A mix of ⅓ ericaceous compost to ⅔ general purpose compost seems OK to get this reduced pH.  Add the compost gradually to the bucket as the potato tops grow and once the compost is at the top of the bucket mulch with wood chippings.

For fertilisers mix some Growmore and some sulphate of potash into the compost mix.  Prepare the compost/fertiliser mixture at least a week ahead of planting, water it and keep it damp until used.  Once the tubers begin to grow use liquid tomato feed.  It’s important to maintain watering once this stage is reached.  

Set the bucket into soil so the drainage holes are below the soil surface.  Using crocks in the bottom of the bucket seems to inhibit root growth through the drainage holes into the surrounding soil which also needs a dose of fertiliser.

 There is only one way to find out if Malcolm’s advice is sound, and if you have not yet picked up 2 competition potatoes, we still have a few left.  Go on.  You know you want to!!!!  Oh, and of course we can help you out with Growmore, sulphate of potash etc etc!"

Apart from all that, we are now entering seedling season, and preparing for the Plant Sales.  This year these will be held on May 4th and 5th, and 18th and 19th.  Veg seedlings will be available to purchase as soon as they have been pricked out, if you want to get ahead of the game.  At the same time, we will be pleased to help you re-home any surplus seedlings that you may find yourself with!

Finally, news of yet another delivery.  This time it wasn’t pallets of compost and potatoes, but a second beautiful daughter for Eric and Emmajane.  Agatha has already started volunteer duties at the hut, of course!  Many congratulations to her mum and dad, and to big sister, Ingrid.

Hope to see you soon.
Debbie, on behalf of the volunteer team.

Crosspool Open Gardens 2019

Crosspool Open Gardens 2019