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.
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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:
Photos from 2012
Photo taken Spring 2012
The new area planted up with potatoes. There is a pond at the back to encourage wildlife.
This area which has a pond at the far end is planted up with onions , garlic and potatoes.
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
2nd April 2013
The new area planted up with potatoes. There is a pond at the back to encourage wildlife.
This area which has a pond at the far end is planted up with onions , garlic and potatoes.
3rd april 2013. Changed drip irrigation at the front of the 2013 house and installed larger diameter drip pipes 16 mm. and changed part of a drip line at the back
10th April 2013: I removed the cloches on the plot and took out some compost from the compost box and spread in the netted tunnel. I have decided to use the tunnel for tomatoes this year and grow brassicae outside with a netted cover. R said I could use his greenhouse until my polytunnel is up and running which is relief as the seedlings at home are spilling over.> Brought some trees cabbage. and a purple cauliflower
13th April 2013,
Lately i have been adding some of the things that i am doing at home i the garden as i think it's added interest. Despite the late night I was busy today. This morning, in the garden, I finished clearing the branches of two unproductive camelias. Only the stumps are left and then I cut down the Choisya which was interlaced with other things and cleared the branches. I then went to the allotment site. Watered the pots i had left in R's greenhouse. Headed for my plots. I decided to replant the strawberries in a square with less distance between them to mak it easier to cover them and to free up more space. I the sowed two rows. One was a 'nursery bed' for winter cabbage, a dutch variety. I will transplant when they are big enough. Next to that row I sowed red spring onions which can grow into big onions if thinned out.
16th April 2013
I have planted some pea seedlings along the edge of the plot. I erected a fence of netting for the peas to climb up. I have set up a dripline connected to a water barrel which runs along the row of peas,
I sowed a some chard and scorzenera seedlings and watered
20th April 2013
The rebuilding of the polytunnel is progressing> R is waiting for staples before continuing.
I have been busy sowing and a lot has germinated. The plot is alive! I brought a lot of seedlings and have temporarily put them in R's greenhouses. I dug over the around the pond. I have decided to use that area for squashes as it is raised. I also dug over the area where I had originally planted Dahlia as it seemed to me that they had been affected by the wet weather. I intend to use the netted tunnel for tomatoes, cucumbers as well as the polytunnel.. I sowed a few more rows. That's all for now
24th April 2013 The polytunnel is nearing completion. Yesterday I started to fill the beds inside. Today while at a garden centre I noticed some well developed cabbage plants greyhound and red cabbage I was really intending this year to rely on my own seedlings but I couldn't resist these plants especially as I love eating red cabbage. I planted them and covered with a net.
27th April 2013
The polytunnel is close to completion. R who is working on the polytunnel made some suggestions regarding the flooring. Today I took a bit of a risk and took a number of young Asturian
Tree Cabbage seedlings and planted them; I know them to be quite hardy. In the past I have sowed them directly into the soil. I thought them to be quite hardy.
30th April 2013
The fact is that I don't log every visit to the allotment only when there is something a bit more to say. Yesterday was clearance of bits from the polytunnel and other rubbish. I also dug over the far corner where the pond is situated and erected canes in the form of a tepee for climbing beans of some sort or other. I am also intending to plant courgettes and squash around the pond. Today I planted some lettuce seedlings and sowed Salsola
In the polytunnel I followed on from R who is rebuilding the polytunnel. I painted the finished raised be a and topped it up.. Sowed some outdoor cucumber seeds in pots and left them to germinate.
Extra news
The person in charge of lighting bonfires (which is fairly close to my plot) of wood didn't keep a watch and some of my signs were burnt and a row of lettuce. The grass around about was burnt. I have made my point about the issue
5th May 2013
I improved the soil in the polytunnel by adding John Innes and fish, blood and bone meal as recommended by R and have started to plant. R still has some bits to finish off. it was nice that a load of friends came to visit today including my taiji instructor Paul Brecher and son Z. If anyone is interested you can look at his website
www.taiji.net
8th May 2013
I have planted up tomatoes cucumbers and melon seedlings in the polytunnel. The melons were given to me by R.
Where support is need I have used string rather than canes as I think it too risky. Finished laying the decorative stone and slabs (slabs provided by R). I planted some brussels sprouts and cabbage. I finished by netting. R told me something interesting that he first soaks his melon seeds in soapy water and then ordinary water. He gets very good results.
9th May 2013
Some of the plants in the newly rebuilt polytunnel are looking good. Some of the others it's a 'wait and see. The others are Melon seed.. I am observing closely because some were planted in the newly arrived compost made from recycled waste which comes very hot and takes a while to cool down. It is delivered free to the site.
Hoed up some rows of potatoes that had come through. Using some spare wood
. I put together a small raised bed against the fence. Planted out some courgettes put down a drip system that runs off a water barrel. It's not really necessary but more for fun. I covered them with a net. It's rather early and so it's a bit of an experiment. Must go
13th may 2013
The lack of entries since the 9th doesn't mean I haven't been busy. I spent two half days working on a fellow plotholder's plot. Noticing that he lacked the experience and the fact that now he doesn't live in London I thought I would rectify various thing but after an exploratory dig I discovered more than I bargained for. Not human bones but bricks silver foil rotten wood wheelbarrow loads of grass. At least that section is cleared! I will leave the rest to him.
Otherwise I have watered a fellow plotholders greenhouses/polytunnel (while he was away) and my own. I have been planting in my polytunnel and potting up seedling. I am hoeing up potatoes more frequently. Just as reminder that my blog contains a variety of articles and I am looking for other contributions not only on horticulture.
15th May 2013
The polytunnel is now brimming with plants. Despite the rain and breaking the rules about treading on soil in wet weather I transplanted calabreze and 'stray' cabbage in the netted tunnel. I covered the celery as it was looking a little worn. I was well aware when I planted them that it was a bit early. The brassicae planted outside are looking good.
20th May 2013
I couldn't possibly log all the changes on the plot. Amongst other things I put up more canes for climbing beans in the centre. Today Planted courgettes around the pond
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