(c) 2026 Keith Wheeler of Allotment Life For Beginners UK

I love these informative posters that Keith produces and I have made a Keith Wheeler hyperlink label so you can find them all.  Used on manvslug.uk with permission 

I would add another "How To Fix Them" Use white card, or a foil covered piece of cardboard  behind the tray to reflect the sunlight on the backs of the seedlings, in addition to turning to keep them straight.  

Bed H1 Continued

Another afternoon on the allotment this time working from within Bed H1. Stepping into the excavation made decanting the soil and weeding it an awful lot easier, and not as hot  as I had the long sleeved T shirt on today and not the fleece, and a T-Shirt.

When I think I could not get into and out of the potting shed two years ago, and had trouble with the front door and backdoor thresholds at home, the fact I can step down into the trench and get back out is awesome. I'm happy to be getting some of my mobility back for a while in 2023 / 2024 I thought I might have to give up at least half of my allotment.

Potting shed was 20c and 24c the cold end and 32c the warm end at 2pm today which was Sunny and 15C outside.

I felt like I was actually making progress today and didn't have to take as many breaks, as I was not trying to bend more than double to weed.

Photo taken about an hour in from arriving and at one and a half 30L Pots with Handles filled.

Three 30Litre pots with handles filled today and weeded as decanted. I estimate at least another two days/ visits worth of excavation before I can start back filling the excavation. 

Garden trays placed over the Bed to keep the soil dry. I also branded the 30L Pots with Handles that I had brought down to the allotment.  

The Condensation Killer

 

Even without a single drop of rain, a winter shelter can become a drowning chamber. Survival in the cold is not just about blocking the wind; it is about managing the water vapor exhaled by the occupant.

The Myth: The Roof Equals Dryness

There is a persistent misconception that as long as a wildlife shelter has a waterproof roof, the interior bedding will remain dry. We focus entirely on external precipitation, assuming that "keeping the rain out" is the final step in shelter design. We operate under the false security that a sealed, airtight box is the warmest option for a sleeping animal. In reality, an airtight box is a deathtrap of moisture.

The Scientific Reality: The Dew Point Trap

The danger inside a small, enclosed shelter is governed by the laws of thermodynamics.

The Breath Factor: A mammal’s breath is nearly 100% saturated with water vapor. In the confined space of a cat or hedgehog house, this warm, moist air quickly hits the cold interior walls.

Phase Change: When the temperature of these walls is at or below the "dew point," the vapor undergoes a phase change, turning into liquid water (condensation).

The Wetting Effect: This water then drips directly into the bedding. If you have used blankets or hay (which are hydrophilic), they absorb this water and lose all insulating properties. Conductive heat loss then accelerates, pulling warmth away from the animal's body up to 25 times faster than dry air.

What is Happening Right Now (March 3rd)

As of early March, the UK is experiencing highly erratic temperature fluctuations. We are seeing mild, damp days followed by sudden, sharp frosts at night.

Hedgehogs are currently emerging from hibernation. This is their most vulnerable physiological state; their immune systems are suppressed, and they are prone to "Hedgehog Lungworm" and bacterial pneumonia. If they spend the night in a damp, condensation-heavy box, the combination of cold and high humidity irritates the respiratory lining, often leading to secondary infections that prove fatal during the "hungry gap" of March.

Why It Matters Ecologically

Artificial shelters are a vital response to the loss of natural habitat, but poorly designed ones act as "ecological traps." By attracting vulnerable species into a space that fosters dampness and pathogen growth, we inadvertently increase mortality rates. Building for physics—prioritizing airflow and moisture management—is the only way to ensure these refuges serve their intended purpose as life-support systems.

Small Practical Actions for Today

The Ventilation Rule: Drill several small holes (roughly 1cm in diameter) near the top of the shelter’s walls. This allows warm, moist air to escape before it can condense on the ceiling.

Elevate the Floor: Place the shelter on bricks or wooden "feet." This prevents "rising damp" from the cold March soil and allows air to circulate beneath the floor, keeping the base dry.

The Straw Standard: Use strictly agricultural straw. Unlike hay or blankets, straw is hollow and hydrophobic; it allows moisture to drain away and maintains its structure even in high humidity.

Pitch the Roof: Ensure the roof has a slight overhang and a clear slope to prevent water from pooling or seeping into the entrance.

The Verdict

Breath becomes water on cold walls. To save a life this March, you must build for physics, not just feelings. A small vent and an elevated floor are more valuable than the softest blanket. Keep the air moving, keep the bedding dry, and let the shelter be a true refuge.

Scientific references & evidence

British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). Hedgehog Homes: Design and Safety. (Emphasizes the critical need for ventilation holes and elevated floors to prevent respiratory distress caused by condensation).

The Mammal Society (UK). Winter mortality and shelter microclimates. (Documents the high incidence of hypothermia in small mammals associated with damp bedding and inadequate airflow in artificial cavities).

Incropera, F. P. (2006). Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer. (Provides the biophysical basis for condensation and conductive heat loss in saturated insulating materials).

Bed H1 & Loft Conversion

Afternoon on the allotment, it may be Fools Spring but we had 17C-18C outside and 32C in the potting shed.

I continued weeding the narrow bed H1, the bending double and some to get the bindweed roots out is exhausting. I really needed the long sleeve T-Shirt or the cooling arm sleeves today.

Bed H1 - the previously dug end, the spade shows the depth of excavation

Loosen up all the soils and bringing the bindweed roots and mares tail roots to the surface

Loosen up all the soils and bringing the bindweed roots and mares tail roots to the surface

Filling the 30L Pot with handles with bind weed and mares tail root

In the end I decided to re assemble the loft conversion in the potting shed using the Ryobi glue gun so I can then fit the timber along the panels and screw it together so it can't become unstuck and fall apart again

Root Trainer Tree Trays

 

Grow stronger roots from day one

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Promotes straight, downward root growth

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Reusable & durable

Ideal for allotments and serious growers

Was £25.95 – Now only £20

Use code TREE6 at checkout to receive your discount.

If you’re starting trees or deep-rooted crops this season, this is the time to stock up.

Offer ends midnight Sunday 8th March

Shop now www.oaklandgardens.co.uk

Freecycle Find

 

Collected today, I will use on the strawberry bed and on filling the the new raised bed. Which is best for the strawberries Hay or Straw?  

Planning and Reviewing March in Previous Years

Reviewing the diary over the last thirteen years for March 

2013 - Infrastructure works, picked up 17 paving slabs off Freecycle, met my plot neighbour for the first time, finally after clearing I started on digging and weeding, Comfrey roots purchased and grown in toilet rolls.   

 

2014 - Infrastructure works continue, Erected the green house on plot 1A, lighter nights and a few extended lunch time visits from work and early evening visits, Spuds sown and solar tents to warm up the soil on beds. Sowing seeds and a hard frost at the end of March 

2015 -  Infrastructure Works, the very last two beds and paths on Plot 1A were formed, Greenhouse clearance ready for using, Collecting and drying Coffee Grounds, Grass cuttings and composting starts, Spuds in buckets and sowing mad March.  

2016 - Infrastructure works on Spencer Road Plot 23B, Comfrey beds dug and weeded, Daleks Composting compound started, Lots of Paving Slabs off Freecycle, First two beds weeded and formed, Timber scrounged from roofing works, Spuds planted, Tomatoes sown.

2017 - Infrastructure works, Grow Stations created, walking Onions Bed and Comfrey pipe for Plot 23B, seeds sown and Grow house at home full, Onions and Beetroots sown on allotment.

2018 - The Beast from the East and snow early March this year, Infrastructure works, Woodchipped the paths on plot 1A, Catawissa Walking Onion Bed installed,  Catawissa Onion Planting Membrane made, Sowing in Grow Stations from the 9th March, Onions and Beetroots sown on allotment, The Agralan Compact Plug Plant Trainer purchased and used for the first time, Raspberries purchased and planted, Soilfixer over Winter Experiment concludes, Sprout Sowing, Mr Fothergill's Optigrow®  Leeks Experiment. 

2019 - Infrastructure works,  Buy Seed and Cutting compost from Tesco, Quad biking for my Birthday, Onions in Modules in the Growhouse, Chitting Potatoes, Woodchip behind the shed, Full day on the plot as Jen taken out for the day, Cutting and painting timbers for beds, accident injuring leg. Picked up a load of paving slabs off Freecycle, visit to hospital as I had Cellulitis as a result to the injury to my leg. First Early spuds in buckets.

2020 - Covid-19 hits the UK. Cutting weed path membrane. Attended the Gardening Press Event 3rd March. Tree is finally removed from the top of my shed on plot 1A. Visit to the allotment to get parsnips in the ground. Radish in Modules sown, Won Mr Fothergills Swift Cucumber seeds. Runner Bean frame rebuilt. 

Tomatoes sown in Grow Stations 11th March. In lockdown due to Jen being high risk and not even going to the plot for exercise. Working on your allotment for exercise is allowed. You can use your car to go to the allotment. Bought more CHM Modules, Sowing Spring Onion seeds. Suttons & Dobies re uplift in business due to people working in their gardens, Composting at home in the back garden using flower buckets.

One could not believe the stupidity of the human race massing for loo rolls and taking little heed of warnings about not going to the seaside etc. Anthia & Hubby Fellow site rep got me sacks of compost and dropped them off.  Mr Fothergill saw a 10 fold increase in demand over 14 days due to people working and growing in the garden. 

2021 - Infrastructure works, Virtual Gardening Press Event. Keter Store retained and moved. Built and installed the timber base to the plot 1 greenhouse. Cutting path membrane for the remainder of the paths around the Rhubarb beds etc. Installing the plot 1 greenhouse cladding and weeding and clearing the path around SFG bed 1. 

Cutting paving slabs for the inside of greenhouse on plot 1. D.T.Brown Raspberry collection arrives Emma on site with be but we remain over 2m appart. Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium Fruit & Vegetable Compost to trial. Emma & Kelly assisted in gathering all the debris on the plot. we gathered it up and placed in the greenhouses to keep it dry until we could get it down the dump.

First signs of leaf and growth of the early raspberry canes. Cutting the timbers and painting them for the Square Foot gardening beds. Trench created with the Power Planter for a hose pipe from the tap to the corner of the plot. Emma discovered how much work is involved in removing mares tail, couch grass and bramble roots when clearing a plot. Plot clearance of rubbish with Emma and Kelly taken to the local tip. 

Scaffold tubes driven into the ground each end of the Raspberry beds. Taking paving blocks from the back garden down to the allotment to replace the soft bricks (milk bottles full of sand). Hydrating Coir and home and storing on the plot in a coir dustbin.

2022 - Applying Equigrow mulch and conditioner to beds. Clearing the old leaf bin area for the grapevines. Visiting the Harry Potter Experience. fear of Covid and traveling on the tube stopped me going to the Gardening Press Event this year instead I spent time on the allotment. Second grapevine arrives and is planted. Making up the Mels Mix for the two square foot gardening beds, hydrating coir, sowing Watermelons, sowing Aubergines and planning the square foot gardening beds, Chalk Quarry Driving Experience with Emma, Radishes growing, reviewed Son of a Secret Gardener

2023 - Infrastructure works, Getting the weed membrane and paths in along the boundary beds. Freezing artic blast arrives. Unwins garden Wooden Seedbox for the new potting shed. Dalefoot Compost arrives. Building the loft extension for the plot 1A greenhouse. Hydrating Coir whist the sun shines. Weeding and Feeding beds. Asparagus bed cleared and mulched, patio in front of shed on plot 1 leveled. Pebble pool installed. Loft Conversion to Plot 1A Greenhouse installed. Last ever potatoes bought from wilko. A selection of  gooseberry, blueberry and Black Current plants bought and planted. Potting shed arrives and is stacked ready for assembly. Bed 16 dressed and weeded ready for beetroots. Sorting out the components to be used in the climbing frame greenhouse.

2024 - I still had ulcers on my legs, I could not drive myself and my mobility was seriously impaired following the radiation treatment for cancer so site visits were limited to when a family member could get me to the allotment. Applying for an Allotment article written. I sorted out my seed collections and produced my seed audit for the year. LBS Waiting List and Vacant Plots information obtained and table updated. Lots of rain and flood warnings issued. Article written about the history of Mill Green Allotment. Melons sown. Harvesting French bean seeds from beans dried and saved in the potting shed, Storm Nelson damaged my windows in the potting shed and I improvised a temporary replacement.  

2025 - This year I was in a much better shape physically and mentally, and got down to the allotment when the weather was conducive to a visit and working. Strulch on the Asparagus bed which didn't stop the weeds and months later got paved over. Remember Strulch is expensive and will not hold back bindweed and mares tail. Excavating the trenches under bed 16 and back filling with timber and woodchips .Drying Coffee grounds in the potting shed. Constructing the raised Bed frames for bed 16 & 16A. All gold Raspberries started to come up in the boundary bed. Planting Onions in SFG Bed 2 

To Do List   

The plan for March 2026 weather permitting is to get as much of the new raised beds infrastructure on Plot 1 in place as possible and get both plots and greenhouses ready for the spring growing season 

Mill Green - Plot 1

• Greenhouse 1 - Currently being used to house all the cardboard to be used in the new raised beds  
• Infrastructure - Bed 16A Completed, Bed H1 started, to be 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 - 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 March

March

                          Infrastructure Work

                          More Raised Beds  

Week 1              Asparagus – Sow seeds inside

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

Week 1              Squash / Pumpkins - Prepare Soil 

Week 1              Radish – Sow fortnightly until the end of September

Week 1              Lettuce (Winter) – Sow fortnightly

Week 2              Brussels Sprouts - Sow seeds of early varieties 

Week 1 - 2         Carrot - sow seed of early varieties under cloches

Week 1 - 2         Carrot - sow Bugs Bunny varieties in Cut Down Water Butt

Week 1 - 2         Beetroots - sow in modules in the Greenhouse or Potting Shed 

Week 2              Garlic- plant in late winter / spring

Week 2              Rhubarb - start to harvest

Week 2              Tomatoes - sow seed inside

Week 2              Melon – Amarillo Ora - sow indoors

Week 3              Asparagus - apply spring fertiliser

Week 3              Cauliflower (early summer) - harden off

Week 3              Spring Onions - start to sow fortnightly

Week 3              Spinach - sow seed outside

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

Week 4              Radish – Sow fortnightly

Week 4              Lettuce - start sowing seed outside every two weeks

Week 4              Beetroot - sow seeds under cloches

Week 4              Brussels Sprouts - thin seedlings as they appear

Week 4              Cauliflower (early summer) - plant out

Week 4              Onions - sow seed outdoors

Week 4              Potatoes - plant out sprouted sets

Week 4              Sweet Peppers - pot up

End of April Last Frost Date 

Removing Banding From Scaffold Boards

An afternoon on the allotment using the hammer and chisels to remove the banding to the end of scaffold boards that will be used to make the raised beds 

Also an opportunity to stack the boards so they can breath and to dry out after all the rain we have had  

Cleaning up the glue off the twin walled polycarbonate panels that failed on the Plot 1 greenhouse. Next job to tack glue the dormer together and then install timbers like the Plot 1 Dormer that was fixed a couple of years ago (picture below)

Not as sexy looking with the timber but also not going to fall apart again. My son-in-law used far too many screws. if he had done what I asked he would have got both greenhouse dormers strengthened, and I would not have the rebuild to do for the Plot 1 Greenhouse.    

I ordered some long armed T-Shirts as I have to now shield my skin from sunlight, but they forgot the "M" in my domain name manvslug.uk. 

Having been in contact with the company and they are re-printing and sending me replacements.