Allotment Tales 08th May 2025 and Workshop report

Another sunny day, lovely for us although not so much for the plants as the soil is so dry. We made sure to water well before leaving today.

Last week we’d spread lime on the brassica bed, ready for planting Brussel sprouts and Purple Sprouting broccoli – lovely young plants. Hazel stakes were hammered in and covered with enviromesh to keep pigeons at bay. Protective microfleece went over the carrot tubs too.

We concentrated weeding efforts underneath our fruit trees and attempted to tackle the bindweed in our adopted communal bed. Unfortunately, this has quite a hold and will need regular attention to prevent surrounding plants from being smothered. We also weeded paths and checked for trip hazards in advance of Saturday’s Plot Maintenance workshop.

We erected bean stakes in preparation for Saturday and finetuned plans over coffee. After Break, weeding continued, plus lots of watering and a check for flatworms. Think it was too hot for them today.

We beautified the plum tree with various coloured ribbons – not an essential task but helpful for identifying areas of vulnerability from crossing branches. These can be harder to spot once the tree is fully in leaf.

Jobs for next week: sow more root veg, water and weed

Plot Maintenance Workshop

A lovely day for activities. We enjoyed showing participants around the plot, discussing experiences and answering questions “on the hoof”. Everyone was keen to have a go at planting beans and peas and to build supporting teepees and woven supports through the broad beans which are coming on well. Feedback showed that today’s hands on approach went down well with participants, as well as seeing that no plot is ever perfect; there’s always learning to be gained from the range of weather conditions, weeds and competing wildlife that shows up each year. Every day’s a school day!