News from an allotment holder at Hortham Farm, Almondsbury
It’s been quite a busy time on the allotment with clearing and composting to be done. I have been pleasantly surprised at how long summer vegetables have continued to be productive, I certainly didn’t expect to be picking summer purple sprouting in December!
The shallots, onions and garlic I planted in October have all made their appearance, interestingly I did find some onion bulbs some distance from their planting place. Playtime for the birds maybe?
As this is my first attempt at vegetable growing and managing an allotment I have had to rely heavily on my trusty allotment book, internet and anyone passing! I planted winter purple sprouting, cabbages, sprouts, and kale all at the appropriate time and already we have been eating the kale, I must say I didn’t realise kale was so delicious! Alongside my own potatoes, leeks, onions and parsnips my personal chef (husband) is quite impressed with my efforts!
When I took the allotment on, my intention was to walk or ride my bike to the allotment but it hasn’t quite worked out like that! However one day I did notice the small bus that comes along the A38 and down into Hortham village, so thought maybe I could walk to the farm and bus back using my bus pass (no need to ask which age bracket I’m in!) However the day I chose, I needed to bring back the bean sticks and no, the bus driver wasn’t too happy!
It is great fun having an allotment in so many different ways and I can certainly recommend it, even if it’s only for a year, it’s worth a try. There are just a few allotments left if you want to make any new year resolutions. Anyway, back to the seed catalogues.
Article by Joan at Allotment No. 8
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