9th October 2011
Great news unexpectedly received the ' go ahead' to move oto a plot..
. One of the sections of the plot before I started. Further on in the season.
Note: I have erased many of the enteries for 2012 as it is now December. It would be nice it in the coming year if this section could be more interactive. People could make suggestions related to growing vegetables or ask questions.
I mentioned earlier that I have been working as a volunteer ar Akiva Primary School. The garden with raised beds was initiated by the parents. When I started the garden had some vegetables and bulbs but some beds were heavily overgrown with weeds. There is more order now.
.
+(640x480)+(640x480).jpg)
8th August 2012
The tree stump on my new plot is there for training and for people to wonder why it;s there..
back soon.
Most of the entries for 2012 have been erased to make room.
1rst january 2013
Below left is a photo of the new plot. Since the photo was taken part of it has been sown with Onions and Garlic
.
March 2013 this area is now has onions and garlic
planted and some potaoes. There are also trenches ready for more potatoes.
25th January 2013
Despite the weather I wasn't going to let it beat me completely. i have been to the plot a few times. The last time i was there I too apart the netted tunnel meant for the brassicae as it had collapsed under the weight of the snow. I will rebuild it in a different way or use parts of it. Despite all the supports and the manaufacturers comments a plastic frame can't stand up to harsh weather.
However my new polytunnel has held up well. Today I spread bark around the outside of the polytunnel and used some to build a kind of ramp on which i placed the water barrels on each side of the entrance into the polytunnel. They will feed the drip system which i will set up on the raised beds as we are not allowed to use a mains tap for drip irrigation. I put posts around the barrels to ensure they stay upright. That's all for now.
1rst feb 2013
The phoenix has risen . The frame for the netted tunnel is back up and now really strengenthened with more supports and a central post. Thanks to Terry for using a mallet, on his own initiative. to bang the supportive posts even further! Important to help each other. The net is partially on. I may finish that today. I am growing a lot of seeds at home but this time round I ordered some brassicae plants to start off the season. I am now waiting for compost to arrive to top up the second polytunnel bed and top up the plots and my wife's raised vegetable bed. Until next time
5th Feb 2013,
The compost arrived and I have wheelbarrowed a large quantity. I finished filling the beds in the polytunnel. I went on to wife's raised bed and topped it up with compost. I have also started to set up a drip system in the polytunnel which will run off a rain barrel as we are not allowed to take water from the mains for what is termed as 'permanent irrigation'. I find it ironic considering wastes less water than the standard methods of watering.
I consulted with the neighbours and they were agreeable that I sow and plant a vegetable/flower garden in the raised bed that is between our driveways. I have already planted shallots and layed a drip irrigation system though it needs tidying up.
8th Feb
I did a lot of wheelbarrowing today. I raised the level of the path between my plot and the adjacent plot due to the dips and then went on to add another layer of compost to the first plot. At the end of the day around 15.00 hrs I set out the drip irrigation in the polytunnel and linked them to the water barrels. I haven't quite finished spreading compost.
12th february 2012
I took some cabbage seedlings, onion seedlings and a mini staging to the polytunnel on the plot. I lit the small parafin heater. I hope it will stay alight! I knocked snow off the netted tunnel. I brought two more loads of compost for the first plot and then continued to fill the raised beds which are meant for people who find regular allotment work too difficult perhaps due to a physical disability. I previously topped up four other raised beds as the soil level dropped during the season.
At home I worked in the backgarden taking out the 12 mm drip irrigation and installed new 16 mm drip pipe. I will also change the pipe layout so that the whole of the backgarden works off one tap.
That's all for now
20th February 2013
The lack of entries does not mean I haven't been on the plot. I have been doing a lot of wheelbarrowing of compost. I also took some to a fellow plotholders plot who hasn't been around due to family issues. I planted today around the pond. I have ordered a new cover for the polytunnel as I am dissatisfied with the current cover that came with the structure. It seems very flimsy and already has some minor tears and a lot of condensation. Must go
22nd february 2013
Met T and discussed the fitting of the new polytunnel cover. We also had a look at the paraffin heaters as I had some problems with one of them. We both left after that as it was rather cold. At home I potted on some tomato seedlings a bit early but i enjoy it. I also sowed another tray of red celery as the first on is beginning to germinate. I also sowed something new dalia Yams which are apparently edible
2nd March
Yesterday I tried out something that I hadn't done before to create a 'hotbed' with fresh manure and then covered it with compost and sowed seed; I then created a cloche and covered it with netting and fleece to keep in the heat. I will update you on the results.
The wood for the polytunnel arrived but some of it was the wrong size. I had to get onto the company. A disappointment as I had to pay for vehicle hire to transport the wood. Today I pulled off the original cover on the polytunnel. Must go now
5th March 2013
Today I planted a Cherry tree near the pond area and 'gapped up' the onions. In other words filled gaps where the onions which I planted last aumn hadn't come through. I also took a look at the wood that had arrived for making the doors and other for the polytunnel. I was a bit concerned as working with wood and DIY is not my expertise. I think I have found someone who can help me. Must go
7th March 2012
After reading a book on growing early vegetables in hot beds by Jack First. It stimulated me to bring fresh manure from the local community. I dug a section of the raised bed close to the house. took out soil and filled the section with manure with the intention of heating up the ground. I then covered with what I had to hand such as fleece to contain the heat. I need to find something more effective
8th March 2013
Today I removed the fleece that I placed yesterday. I sowed two types of lettuce and pak choy. I then placed a cloche over the sown area. It's early so it's somewhat of an experiment.
9th March 2013
Moved the tool cupboard to a more accessible position. Noted that I need to oil and clean tools. I cut up the prievious polytunnel cover to cover some of the wood for the refitting of the polytunnel. I took another risk today and sowed peas. I placed hoops along the rows and covered the rows with fleece.
13th march 2013
Sorted out the damage from the recent gales. Started digging trenches for the potatoes which will be planted towards the end of the month when one of the plotholders told me that wood was available. I took some to make edging for my plot. I set it up and painted it green. I will soon add some photos of the plot. I might add a photo each month to show how the plots develop.
17th March 2013
Since I last wrote I took a chance and sowed red cabbage and sprouting red brocolli in the netted tunnel and then covered the two rows with fleece. it's taking a chance. i can always resow. Planted two rows of potatoes. I have also erected a tidy tent to house the overflow of equipment. I took down the culti-tent which I have had for quite a long time as it was in a bad state and generally tidied up the wood stacked against the fence. That is all for now.
20th March 2013
Spent time on the plot the other day spreading chicken 'poo' pellets. Compost made from recycled waste will arrive at the site on Thursday. My priority is to complete topping up the raised beds for disabled people. I heard from A... who is charge of the project that he wants to go ahead installing the drip irrigation which I will install due to my experience in that area. This morning I also heard from the school where I work voluntarily that they too want to install a drip irrigation in the school garden. It looks like I am going to be very busy.
23 March 2013
Two days ago I planted strawberry plants and did my best (given the strong wind) to cover them. Probably not the best move given the weather now. I started topping up the raised beds and continued yesterday. R, a fellow plotholder is going to help build the frame for the polytunnel and the new cover. DIY is not one of my skills so I am relieved.
31 rst March 2013
I am going to try and update all that i have been doing recently. I completed topping up the raised beds though A... added even more! I brought some more compost for myself and put five loads on a fellow plotholders plot as she is an older person and finds it difficult. I spent time at A...'s house discussing and deciding the order of drip pipes and equipment for the raised beds.
I received some bare rooted brassicae plants in the post and have planted them in the netted tunnel. I strung some fleece above which I secured to the net and central pole. Topped up the soil near the edges of the plot.
I planted some lettuce seedlings under a makeshift cloche.
Today, at home, I transplanted some celery seedlings. On the allotment I planted the rest of the potatoes and sowed some lettuce seed under the same cloche.
I erected another cloche on my wife's raised bed and sowed four short rows of lettuce seed to give her a bit of head start. It's always a gamble doing things this way. I have seen some germination under the cloches. I have no doubt that in some places i will have to resow.
That's all for now
Great news unexpectedly received the ' go ahead' to move oto a plot..
Note: I have erased many of the enteries for 2012 as it is now December. It would be nice it in the coming year if this section could be more interactive. People could make suggestions related to growing vegetables or ask questions.
.
Raised Beds have been erected on my allotment site, Gordon Road, N12 (off Nether Street, Finchley Central) . These are for the use of physically disabled people only. Some have already been rented out but some are still available. The raised beds are quite long enabling them to be divided up into smaller sections. People needing extra support would need to come with support workers. There is vehicle access right up to the raised beds. There are good onsite facilities such as rooms for making tea and coposting toilet.. We receive regular deliveries of recycled compost and manure at certain times of the year. For all information and questions please email Andrew Brown:
+(640x480)+(640x480).jpg)
The tree stump on my new plot is there for training and for people to wonder why it;s there..
back soon.
Most of the entries for 2012 have been erased to make room.
1rst january 2013
Below left is a photo of the new plot. Since the photo was taken part of it has been sown with Onions and Garlic
.
March 2013 this area is now has onions and garlic
planted and some potaoes. There are also trenches ready for more potatoes.
25th January 2013
Despite the weather I wasn't going to let it beat me completely. i have been to the plot a few times. The last time i was there I too apart the netted tunnel meant for the brassicae as it had collapsed under the weight of the snow. I will rebuild it in a different way or use parts of it. Despite all the supports and the manaufacturers comments a plastic frame can't stand up to harsh weather.
However my new polytunnel has held up well. Today I spread bark around the outside of the polytunnel and used some to build a kind of ramp on which i placed the water barrels on each side of the entrance into the polytunnel. They will feed the drip system which i will set up on the raised beds as we are not allowed to use a mains tap for drip irrigation. I put posts around the barrels to ensure they stay upright. That's all for now.
1rst feb 2013
The phoenix has risen . The frame for the netted tunnel is back up and now really strengenthened with more supports and a central post. Thanks to Terry for using a mallet, on his own initiative. to bang the supportive posts even further! Important to help each other. The net is partially on. I may finish that today. I am growing a lot of seeds at home but this time round I ordered some brassicae plants to start off the season. I am now waiting for compost to arrive to top up the second polytunnel bed and top up the plots and my wife's raised vegetable bed. Until next time
5th Feb 2013,
The compost arrived and I have wheelbarrowed a large quantity. I finished filling the beds in the polytunnel. I went on to wife's raised bed and topped it up with compost. I have also started to set up a drip system in the polytunnel which will run off a rain barrel as we are not allowed to take water from the mains for what is termed as 'permanent irrigation'. I find it ironic considering wastes less water than the standard methods of watering.
I consulted with the neighbours and they were agreeable that I sow and plant a vegetable/flower garden in the raised bed that is between our driveways. I have already planted shallots and layed a drip irrigation system though it needs tidying up.
8th Feb
I did a lot of wheelbarrowing today. I raised the level of the path between my plot and the adjacent plot due to the dips and then went on to add another layer of compost to the first plot. At the end of the day around 15.00 hrs I set out the drip irrigation in the polytunnel and linked them to the water barrels. I haven't quite finished spreading compost.
12th february 2012
I took some cabbage seedlings, onion seedlings and a mini staging to the polytunnel on the plot. I lit the small parafin heater. I hope it will stay alight! I knocked snow off the netted tunnel. I brought two more loads of compost for the first plot and then continued to fill the raised beds which are meant for people who find regular allotment work too difficult perhaps due to a physical disability. I previously topped up four other raised beds as the soil level dropped during the season.
At home I worked in the backgarden taking out the 12 mm drip irrigation and installed new 16 mm drip pipe. I will also change the pipe layout so that the whole of the backgarden works off one tap.
That's all for now
20th February 2013
The lack of entries does not mean I haven't been on the plot. I have been doing a lot of wheelbarrowing of compost. I also took some to a fellow plotholders plot who hasn't been around due to family issues. I planted today around the pond. I have ordered a new cover for the polytunnel as I am dissatisfied with the current cover that came with the structure. It seems very flimsy and already has some minor tears and a lot of condensation. Must go
22nd february 2013
Met T and discussed the fitting of the new polytunnel cover. We also had a look at the paraffin heaters as I had some problems with one of them. We both left after that as it was rather cold. At home I potted on some tomato seedlings a bit early but i enjoy it. I also sowed another tray of red celery as the first on is beginning to germinate. I also sowed something new dalia Yams which are apparently edible
2nd March
Yesterday I tried out something that I hadn't done before to create a 'hotbed' with fresh manure and then covered it with compost and sowed seed; I then created a cloche and covered it with netting and fleece to keep in the heat. I will update you on the results.
The wood for the polytunnel arrived but some of it was the wrong size. I had to get onto the company. A disappointment as I had to pay for vehicle hire to transport the wood. Today I pulled off the original cover on the polytunnel. Must go now
5th March 2013
Today I planted a Cherry tree near the pond area and 'gapped up' the onions. In other words filled gaps where the onions which I planted last aumn hadn't come through. I also took a look at the wood that had arrived for making the doors and other for the polytunnel. I was a bit concerned as working with wood and DIY is not my expertise. I think I have found someone who can help me. Must go
7th March 2012
After reading a book on growing early vegetables in hot beds by Jack First. It stimulated me to bring fresh manure from the local community. I dug a section of the raised bed close to the house. took out soil and filled the section with manure with the intention of heating up the ground. I then covered with what I had to hand such as fleece to contain the heat. I need to find something more effective
8th March 2013
Today I removed the fleece that I placed yesterday. I sowed two types of lettuce and pak choy. I then placed a cloche over the sown area. It's early so it's somewhat of an experiment.
9th March 2013
Moved the tool cupboard to a more accessible position. Noted that I need to oil and clean tools. I cut up the prievious polytunnel cover to cover some of the wood for the refitting of the polytunnel. I took another risk today and sowed peas. I placed hoops along the rows and covered the rows with fleece.
13th march 2013
Sorted out the damage from the recent gales. Started digging trenches for the potatoes which will be planted towards the end of the month when one of the plotholders told me that wood was available. I took some to make edging for my plot. I set it up and painted it green. I will soon add some photos of the plot. I might add a photo each month to show how the plots develop.
17th March 2013
Since I last wrote I took a chance and sowed red cabbage and sprouting red brocolli in the netted tunnel and then covered the two rows with fleece. it's taking a chance. i can always resow. Planted two rows of potatoes. I have also erected a tidy tent to house the overflow of equipment. I took down the culti-tent which I have had for quite a long time as it was in a bad state and generally tidied up the wood stacked against the fence. That is all for now.
20th March 2013
Spent time on the plot the other day spreading chicken 'poo' pellets. Compost made from recycled waste will arrive at the site on Thursday. My priority is to complete topping up the raised beds for disabled people. I heard from A... who is charge of the project that he wants to go ahead installing the drip irrigation which I will install due to my experience in that area. This morning I also heard from the school where I work voluntarily that they too want to install a drip irrigation in the school garden. It looks like I am going to be very busy.
23 March 2013
Two days ago I planted strawberry plants and did my best (given the strong wind) to cover them. Probably not the best move given the weather now. I started topping up the raised beds and continued yesterday. R, a fellow plotholder is going to help build the frame for the polytunnel and the new cover. DIY is not one of my skills so I am relieved.
31 rst March 2013
I am going to try and update all that i have been doing recently. I completed topping up the raised beds though A... added even more! I brought some more compost for myself and put five loads on a fellow plotholders plot as she is an older person and finds it difficult. I spent time at A...'s house discussing and deciding the order of drip pipes and equipment for the raised beds.
I received some bare rooted brassicae plants in the post and have planted them in the netted tunnel. I strung some fleece above which I secured to the net and central pole. Topped up the soil near the edges of the plot.
I planted some lettuce seedlings under a makeshift cloche.
Today, at home, I transplanted some celery seedlings. On the allotment I planted the rest of the potatoes and sowed some lettuce seed under the same cloche.
I erected another cloche on my wife's raised bed and sowed four short rows of lettuce seed to give her a bit of head start. It's always a gamble doing things this way. I have seen some germination under the cloches. I have no doubt that in some places i will have to resow.
That's all for now
.jpg){kind=link}