Sowing Tomatoes

This morning I've sown 3 of the following varieties of tomatoes, the Big Mother Fucker and Tennis Ball were given to me to harvest seeds from by a fellow plot holder who had no idea what they were called, so I named them after their size. They grew well last year and didn't get blight.  

Burlesque
Crimson Plum

Big Mother Fucker
Tennis Ball
Crimson Crush

Crimson Cocktail

Crimson Blush

Arielle F1 

The Crimson Range is Blight Resistant and I intend on planting these out on the allotment in Beds H1 and H2 (if I get H2 built in time) 

Raise Bed H1 with the footprint of Bed H2 on its right, 2.4m long so room enough for four plants along the bed. 

Back British Farming

 

In April 2026, Tesco announced record profits of £2.8–3.1 billion while British farmers went bankrupt supplying their shelves. Keir Starmer's government has done nothing to stop a supermarket oligopoly that controls 80% of UK food retail, allowing three chains to dictate terms to every farmer in the country.

In January 2026, a Devon cattle farmer lost his long-term Tesco contract. That contract was worth £324,000 annually—78% of his farm income. Not because he failed. Because Tesco found cheaper beef elsewhere. The contract was terminated with no protection, no compensation, no government intervention.

This is the scandal of Britain's food system. More than one in three UK farms reported losses in 2025. Average returns on capital in farming have been negative for a decade. Meanwhile, Tesco announces record profits every quarter. Farmgate prices for milk sit at 28-47p per litre while retail price is £1.00-£1.50. The squeeze happens at the farm gate. The profit lands in supermarket headquarters.

The government had choices. Introduce price floors. Mandate fair payment terms. Regulate the oligopoly. Break up market concentration. Protect British farmers from being undercut by cheap imports. They chose none of these options. Starmer's government inherited a farming crisis and made it worse. They took office promising support. Then they introduced inheritance tax that forces family farms to sell. Then they allowed supermarkets to keep squeezing. Then they stood back.

On April 16th, Tesco announces Q4 results. The numbers will be strong. Profit guidance likely exceeded. And British farmers will go deeper into the red, knowing their government won't protect them from supermarket extraction.

This is government failure. Complete failure. A case study in how Westminster abandons British agriculture while corporate profits soar unchecked.

This channel investigates how Westminster's policy decisions destroy British farming when no one's watching.

Please Vote For Mill Green Allotment

 

Mill Green Allotment is in the 40 plots or less category and is currently 2nd for the most votes and we only have 20 plot holders

Please  Vote Here 

As of Easter Monday these are the results in the £500 voucher category Yellow pins 

1. Kimberworth Park Allotments — 74 votes
2. Mill Green Allotments — 53 votes
3. Carter Royd Allotments — 42 votes
4. Tullos Crescent Allotments — 34 votes
5. Sydney Street Allotments — 32 votes
6. Three Pits Allotments — 1 vote
7. Castle Hill Allotments — 0 votes
8. Community Plot (Gavin Morgan) — 0 votes

Kimberworth Park Allotments

Mill Green Allotments

Mill Green has less plot holders than Kimberworth Park Allotments

Plots 9 & 9A out of Action due to Japanese Knotweed

Weeding Bed 15 & SFG Bed 2

14C and sunny today on the allotment. I've added labels to the potatoes chitting in the potting shed. I cleared to weeds from Bed 15 and Square Foot Garden Bed 2 this afternoon. Only John on the allotment when I arrived, Two more allotment holders came in the afternoon, I really expected to see more people down there today.

Bed 15 Before weeding.

Bed 15 After weeding.

Bed 15 watered and covered with Debris Netting.

Potatoes with Labels I created this morning. 

Potatoes with Labels I created this morning.

SFG Bed 2 Before, Lettuce bolted. 

SFG Bed 2 mid- weeding.

SFG Bed 2 weeding complete.

SFG Bed 2 watered and covered with debris netting.

Hydrating Blocks Of Coir

 

Hydrating 13 blocks of Coir now that the water has been turned on ready for planting First Early Spuds in Buckets 

What To Grow In April

 

Wilkinson Sword Long Reach Pruner

 

If you follow manvslug.uk you will have seen that I was looking for a lightweight pruner mainly for cutting back all the bindweed that is now growing at a rate of knots, and I have purchased the Wilkinson Sword Long Reach Pruner, which has an Ultralight Bypass Design, Grab and Hold System, Rotating Easy Grip, High Carbon Steel Blade. 

It's Light weight is 755 Grams and the tag says its up to 50% Lighter but does not specify lighter than what? When looking at the Wilkinson Sword Gardening Tools web site it states this......

The Long Reach Pruner measures 650mm long and 100mm wide and will cut up to 22mm diameter material 

 

About this item

• CUTTING MECHANISM: Ultralight bypass pruner design with high carbon steel blade featuring non-stick coating for clean, precise cuts
• GRAB AND HOLD SYSTEM: Innovative gripping mechanism securely holds dead heads and cuttings after cutting, preventing them from falling to ground
• ADJUSTABLE GRIP: Easy-grip handle rotates to provide optimal cutting angles and better access to hard-to-reach foliage
• LONG REACH DESIGN: Extended length aluminium shaft allows for pruning at height while maintaining stability and control
• PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: Wilkinson Sword quality with ultra-sharp steel blade ensures lasting performance and clean cut.

Key Takeaways from Reviews

• Design & Weight: Part of the "Ultralight" range, it features a 65cm (approx. 2ft) aluminium shaft that is very light, reducing fatigue during long pruning sessions.

• Grab & Hold Mechanism: A standout feature, this mechanism holds onto deadheads or cuttings after they are severed, preventing them from falling into awkward spots.
• Cutting Action: The bypass blades are sharp, high-carbon steel with a non-stick coating, handling green growth and stems up to 22mm thick with ease.
• User Experience: Many users find it "excellent" for cutting through tough or thorny shrubbery without stepping into flower beds.
• Adjustability: The handle rotates to allow for different cutting angles

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and easy to handle.
• Excellent "grab and hold" feature keeps mess to a minimum.
• Strong enough to cut through thicker, established stems up to 22mm.
• 10-year guarantee.

Cons:

• Some users reported that the mechanism can jam or break with very heavy use.
• It is a 650mm tool; it provides extra reach but is not a full "long-reach telescopic" tool that extends many feet.
• It can pinch fingers if not used carefully.

Is it worth it?

Yes says AI, it is considered excellent value for money for routine gardening, particularly for trimming, pruning roses, and cutting back perennials, offering a good balance of performance and comfort. It is often described as a "must-have" tool to add to the garden shed, especially for those looking to avoid using ladders. I however want to use it mainly for cutting bindweed and mares tail as I can no longer bend or get down on my hands and knees. 

Based on the above information from an AI Google search, I shopped around and purchased for £28.99 with Free Delivery. I will give you my personal view on the Wilkinson Sword Long Reach Pruner, once I have taken it to the allotment and used it for a while. 

Weeds!

 

With a root the size of a decent carrot 

Charles Dowding returns to digging.

 

Charles Dowding has dropped No Dig and  launched a new range of rotavators, which he hopes will improve soil conditions at his Home Acres site.

Planning and Reviewing April in Previous Years

Reviewing the diary over the last Thirteen years for April 

2013 - After Burning everything that could be burnt in March, I finally started digging and weeding the first four beds on Mill Green Allotment, installing the woodchip paths and establishing the comfrey bed.

2014 - Potatoes in buckets, Potatoes in the ground, Sowing Tomatoes, Beetroots, Spring Onions, weeding and fertilising beds, potting on tomatoes into vending machine cups. a cold snap and fleece over the spuds.

2015 -  New edging to beds, Planting potatoes in buckets, Potatoes in the ground, Brassicas into vending machine cups, Sowing Tomatoes,  

2016 - Daffs in Comfrey bed 1, Digging and weeding new beds, Freecycle Slabs, planting Potatoes

2017 - Infrastructure works, paths desperately need replacing Neglecting Mill Green in favour of Spencer Road site as access is just so difficult due to construction traffic and no where to park. Jen in hospital with pneumonia so huge reduction in anything associated with the allotment, finally discharged and turns into Hell boy and re admitted. Constructed runner bean cantilever brackets and the extension to the shed at Spencer Road. Construction and erection of the comfrey pipe at Spencer Road. Kerb edgings and a double Dalek picked up from Freecycle. 

2018 - Plot 1 covered with weed membrane, Still on Spencer Road allotment at this stage, Plant Spuds in Buckets, Sacks of grass from Ron, Tomatoes potted on into vending machine cups, Allium Trays and planted onions, Spuds planted in the ground, Bought new B&Q Strimmer, Sowing Cucumbers, Butternut Squash and Marrows, Apple Trees in Blossom, Bluebells flowering in the Comfrey Bed, Cabbages and cauliflowers planted donated by Keith & Pauline, Onions in modules planted out,   

2019 - A lot of time was spent going backwards and forwards to the hospital due to the injury I had at the end of March and the Cellulitis that had flared up on my leg. Because of the pain and the infection gardening was really out of the question. My daughter and future son-in-law did what they could to help me get plants in the ground on the plot and I was only allowed to attend in a purely supervising role. I did make onion bed planting membrane and I was allowed to visit on my own to fill up the compost Dalek. First Early spuds in buckets, Obtained Tumbling Composter off Freecycle.  

2020 - April 2020 was the sunniest on record according to the met office, rain finally came on the 28th April. Due to lockdown many people started taking more care of their gardens, and National Gardening Week was 27th April - 3rd May. As shielding my wife most of my growing activities were confined to the back garden although those with allotments were allowed to visit for exercise purposes. The normal amount of tomatoes in buckets was reduced and I had the Bio Green City Jungle and the Quadgrow on the decking to grow tomatoes in. My WORK Hydroshot arrived but I could not trial it on the allotment. Growing Tomatoes and Radishes in the Space Saver Greenhouse. Cutting more path weed membrane for plot 1. Reviewed the City Jungle and made unboxing and assembly video. Won a couple of competitions, for a Compost Caddy and a hanging basket gadget.

2021 - Green Manure Cut and dropped then dug in. Paving blocks taken from the back garden down to the allotment to replace the milk bottle soft bricks. First Early potatoes in buckets planted. Onion sets put in the ground. 2 Plastic Dustbins off Freecycle, Cutting blue water pipe to length. Freecycle rubber matting and black pipe for hoops. Watering System Extended. Picked up Freecycle water butt for the plot 1 greenhouse. 12th Snow in the morning gone by the afternoon. Clearing behind the plot 1 greenhouse and erecting the timber table. Cleaning and Jet Washing the Plot 1A Greenhouse. Jet Washing the paving slabs and setting up and teak oil the table behind the Plot 1 Greenhouse. Sowing Beetroots and Sweetcorn in modules. First year trying to grow Aubergines, I didn't manage to get the area for them to live on the plot and the plants took an age to grow. I gave up on them this year. 

2022 - Major work this month getting the asparagus beds ready. Sowing and potting on brassicas and tomatoes. My Daughter caught Covid and moved out to protect my wife, Asparagus beds made and when crowns arrive they were planted. Grow With Me 2022 Tomatoes into pots. Sowing Melons and Spring Onions. Sowing Moonshine Sweetcorn that had really poor germination rates. Sowing Little Gem Cos Lettuce & French Dwarf Beans.

2023 - As my wife passed away in January I spent a lot of time on the allotment this year. Erection of the potting shed, and assembly of the two staging's supplied with it. Setting up the potting shed and started to sow seeds in it. Plot 15 created and let to Michelle the bee lady. Sweet peas planted along the greenhouse climbing frame. Emma planted onion sets. Daffodils in the green picked up and planted in the boundary beds. Freecycle spoon scales & paving slabs picked up. Storm Damage to greenhouse loft extension roofs. Making 105 hole planting membrane sheet with tuna tin on a broom handle. Picked up bags of compost from Freecycle. Constructing the third staging for the potting shed. Excavating and making Hugelkultur beds in the climbing frame greenhouse Freecycle paving slabs picked up and laid. Germinating Parsnip seeds. Grapevines showing signs of life and blossom on the apple trees. Picked up more free paving slabs. One bed of parsnips planted and Sweetcorn germinated on damp kitchen paper in the potting shed. Finished the month off by cutting the grass along the main path and the path between plots 1 & 1A and Plot 2. 

2024 - With the weather being naff and my mobility issues I set up a table in the rear of the living room in front of the window and set about starting off my seedlings in doors. Something I would not have got away with when the wife was alive. Having found medical boots that would go over my dressings I managed a few visits at the end of the month and was anticipating more visits to the allotment in May of 2024.  

2025 - Filling the bottom frame of Bed 16 with woodchips Loft Conversion on Plot 1 Greenhouse falling apart but still stable. Trimmed the path between Avalon and Plots 2 & 2A, Water turned back on, Fencing behind the notice board renewed, Last of the woodchip into Bed 16, Drying coffee grounds in the potting shed, Filling Raised Bed 16,  Hydrating Coir, Sowing Sweetcorn and French Climbing Beans. Woodchip paths renewed between Raspberry beds. Tomatoes and cucumbers germinating. Beds 15 and 15A weeded and topped up to the edge of the scaffolding boards. Path widening Bed 16A. Weeding the climbing frame greenhouse beds 

To Do List   

Mill Green - Plot 1

• Greenhouse 1 - Currently being used to house all the cardboard to be used in the new raised beds Loft Conversion fixed & Fitted   
• Infrastructure - Bed 16A Completed, Bed H1 Completed and Beds H2, 14 & 14A to be started and worked towards completion. 
• Infrastructure - De-Band Scaffold Boards & Assemble more Raised Bed Frames   
• Rhubarb - Weed and Mulch
• Raspberry Beds - 3 of 4 now Weed and Mulch, then build cages
• All Gold Raspberry Beds - New Fencing to be installed  
• Climbing Frame Greenhouse - Weed and Mulch  

Mill Green - Plot 1A

• Greenhouse 1A - Set up more Coffee to dry out 
• Daleks - Dig in the additional Daleks along the path with plot 2A
• Grape Vines - Prune  

Sowing and Planting Plan for April 

April                  Asparagus - harvest when 15cm high

April to May      Peach - protect blossom from frost

April to May      Peach - spring prune after blossoms fade

Week 1              Parsnip – Germinate in Take-a-way containers

Week 1              Gourd – Luffa – Soak overnight and sow

Week 1              Asparagus Crowns - plant outside

Week 1              Brussels Sprouts - Sow seed of mid to late varieties

Week 1              Cabbage (summer) - sow seeds indoors

Week 1              Onion Sets - plant

Week 1              Onion Sets - protect from birds for 5 weeks

Week 1              Radish - sow seed under cloches

Week 1              Shallot - plant sets outside (18cm / 7in apart)

Week 1              Shallot - protect from birds for 5 weeks

Week 1              Turnip - start to sow seed outdoors

Week 1              Spinach - sow seed inside

Week 1              Swiss Chard - sow outdoors with cloche protection

Week 1 - 2         Carrot - remove cloches from early sown varieties

Week 1 - 2         Carrot - sow early seed varieties in open

Week 1 - 2         Strawberries - buy and plant potted plants

Week 1 - 2         Cucumber  – Sow Party Time all six seeds

Week 2              Melons – Sugar Baby sow seed in pots indoors

Week 2              Melon – F1 Mabgomel sow seeds in pots in doors

Week 2              Melons – Rugoso di Consenza Giallo sow seed in pots indoors

Week 2              Beetroot - sow seed in pots indoors

Week 2              Broccoli (sprouting) early varieties - sow under cover

Week 2              Salsify - sow seeds

Week 2              Tomatoes - pot-up young plants

Week 2              Squash / pumpkins - sow seed indoors

Week 2              Radish – Sow fortnightly

Week 2              Spring Onions – Sow fortnightly

Week 2              Lettuce (Winter) – Sow fortnightly

Week 3              Parsnip – Transplant into loo rolls once signs of germination

Week 3              Broccoli (sprouting) early varieties - sow seed bed

Week 3              Cabbage (summer) - sow outdoors

Week 3              Calabrese (sometimes called broccoli) - sow seed

Week 3              Cauliflower (summer) - weekly feed

Week 3              Courgette - sow seeds indoors

Week 3              Cucumber (ridge) - sow seeds in Potting Shed 

Week 3              Lettuce - begin to thin seedlings, distance by variety

Week 3              Onion seeds - harden off seedlings

Week 3              Radish - sow seed outside

Week 3              Sweetcorn - sow seed indoors / greenhouse

Week 3              Swiss Chard - sow seed outdoors no protection

Week 4              Beetroot - sow seed outside

Week 4              Broccoli (sprouting) late varieties - sow under cover

Week 4              French Beans - sow seeds under cloches

Week 4              French Beans - sow seeds in pots indoors

Week 4              Parsnip - sow seed outside

Week 4              Spinach - plant out seed sown indoors

Week 4              Spinach - thin out previously sown seedlings

Week 4              Sweetcorn - sow seed under cloches

Week 4              Turnip - thin seedlings 15cm earlies, 25cm main crops