Cold and snowy on the Allotment
On Thursday the snow was still on the ground and there was a very cold wind so we only did a short stint but we were cheered on by a very friendly robin. On the east side of the plot is a row of hazels planted as a windbreak which we keep coppiced by cutting out the older branches, leaving last year’s growth. The prunings are trimmed and kept as stakes and the smaller side shoots will be burned in the next bonfire.
Cutting back the hazels
The soil on the plot is quite alkaline and blueberries prefer a more acidic soil. We used to add a peat mulch each year but now we recycle Christmas tree branches! As the conifers rot down they help keep up the acidity level.
And then we escaped to the Bridgend cafe to warm up in front of their wood-burning stove.
Jobs for next week
- Move the saskatoon
- Tie in any loose shoots on the soft fruit
- Trim the grass edges
Our ever-popular Winter Fruit Pruning workshop will take place on the 26th of February at the Allotment. Time are 2pm – 4pm. The workshop is free but booking is essential. To book your space, please email the Allotment Team: rchsallotment@gmail.com.
