Back On Excavating Bed 16

Appointment at St Georges Hospital to give blood for the Haematologist I'm seeing next week following my PET Scan mid February. At least they are not making me wait two months to get the results this time !

IN the afternoon as the weather is very Fools Spring like I  uncovered the soil at the end of bed 16 and started to weed and excavate the humus material into square flower buckets 

The flower buckets are beginning to get filled up with the humus material and I'm hoping I have enough to hold half of the beds contents such that I can then construct the 1.2m x 0.9m raised bed frames made of scaffold boards.   

From my left foot to the plastic spacer has been previously excavated, and back filled and walking and digging from the strip is helping to consolidate the woodchips that were used to fill the trench. 

As with the last trench I will excavate and place the flower buckets in the hole, and move the plastic shitter, then back fill on a hit and miss basis like underpinning a property. 

Adi my plot 2 neighbour was on his plot today using up his annual leave and was having a tidy and has dropped off two old and rusty but still functioning wheel barrows that were left by the old tenant of plot 3A on his plot but never came back to retrieve. These have been offered up for adoption by the first two of the four new plot holders, that want them and move them to their plots.    

Asparagus Bed Mulched

 

A trip to the allotment late afternoon to see what idverde had cleared from plot 3A 

I purchased a couple of sacks of Strulch ® which is a light and easy to use garden mulch made from wheat straw for organic gardening, back in November last year when it was on offer.

I weeded the bed then added the two sacks and raked it level. Job for the next visit to add posts and fence around the bed to keep the foxes from digging it up. 

Email to Jane at idverde re all the stuff they still need to remove in the morning. 

Mulching The Spring Raspberry Bed

Photograph of the first Spring Raspberry bed after two wheel barrow loads of mulch quality woodchips had been added.

On the left the asparagus bed that needs raking and covered in Struch mulch and a fence erected around it to stop the foxes from digging it up. In the middle the Spring Raspberry bed filled to the top with four barrow loads of mulch worthy woodchip.

Just before I left to go home for my evening meal I put in six vertical bamboos to start a high cage to hold in the canes when they start growing, it may be two years until I get any canes from this bed because I have cut all of them right back to the ground last year.  

One can see how much the other Raspberry beds to the right have consolidated and dropped since they were mulched in late December and January

Panorama of plot 1A from the footpath between Plot 1A & 2.

Apart from the work to the plum tree and the leaf bins and Daleks not a lot of prep work has been done on this side of Avalon so far, the beds are still covered for winter but a few weeds are coming to life, the apple trees need trimming and the grape vine cut back this month.

Planning and Reviewing March in Previous Years

Reviewing the diary over the last twelve 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.  

This year I'm in a much better shape physically and mentally, and have been getting down to the allotment when the weather is conducive to a visit and working . Last PET/CT Scan Mid November said I was stable but blood results looks like I may have active disease. Another PET/CT Scan 15th February and I have an appointment with haematology to get results on 10th March. 

My objective is to get as many raised beds installed by mid April 

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, The Loft Conversion is failing and needs remedial works.   
• Infrastructure - Convert standard 2.4m x 1.2m beds to 2 number 1.2 x 0.9m Raised beds with a path between for bed 16.
• Potting Shed - Finish tidying up the potting shed ready for Spring 2025 

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
• Main Crop Potatoes  - Harvest the last 3 buckets as required
• Onions - Overwintering Onions and Shallots in weed bed as necessary. 
• Leaf Cages - Move contents of secondary cage to primary cage half done last month 
• Apple Trees - Prune & Stabilise
• Grape Vines - Prune  

Sowing and Planting Plan for March

March

                          Infrastructure Work

                          Build Square Foot garden beds higher 

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 

From Guidance To Rule Book

 

I have been working on this for a while but as the weather has not been great and I have been having my stairlift and hospital bed serviced over the last few days I have been working on getting the London Borough of Sutton Allotment Gardener's Guide converted to a more Rule Book style format. 

Some may ask why are you doing this? Basically it was acknowledged at the last site reps meeting that the Guide needed some attention and it was more guidance about how to grow rather than what the rules are. 

The format and language needs to be more clear on what is and isn't acceptable and idverde have produced a number of more concise documents outlining the expectations in the first three months of ownership where an inspection will now take place to see if the new plot holder has achieved at least 25% cultivation of their plots.  They have also introduced different forms of notices as a result of the site inspections, and have better documented the practices, procedures and protocols.

These documents need to be incorporated into the current guide and a name change to Rules is a more accurate description of the new format. Information about crop rotation and gardening has been removed and its now more focused on allotment rules and allotment plot management and expectations from the site inspections. 

Jane from idverde does not have the time to merge all the documents she has produced into a new version where each section is numbered and each paragraph or rule is referenced. I updated the old guide when the London Borough of Sutton first appointed idverde to manage the allotments in 2017 and I'm happy to undertake this task as I'm now retired and have the time.  

I handed the source document over too the Parks Department in 2018 and they had done very little to it other than broaden the role of site representatives. They did make minor alterations during the Covid years but there were not discussed at the annual meeting or voted on buy all the stakeholders or their representatives. 

Various topics were discussed briefly at our 2024 meeting and minutes were produced but no formal vote or specifics were ironed out. A couple of years ago the council could not even be bothered to produce minutes.

I feel that all site representatives should have an opportunity to be involved in any modification to the document and thus I have created a closed Facebook Group specifically for all the London Borough of Sutton site reps and Jane from idverde so that we can discuss and make modifications to the document, before we offer it to the London Borough for a final review and rubber stamping.  

The format of the new version of the AGG is such that each section now has a unique number and each clause has a reference, for ease of reference when discussing and using the document. 

Below is an example of the new format 

The rules are in Black 

Guidance is italic and in Mauve 

Bedding In The Paper Dalek

A visit today to complete bottoming out the excavation for the next Paper Dalek and laying Magic Cardboard in the bottom then backfilling with woodchip from the pile in the car park 

Clearing the Raspberry canes from the Boundary Beds in front of the climbing frame greenhouse then getting mulch quality woodchips and filling the four beds to the top. I can now tick that task off my list.

Dalek & Leaf Bin

A visit to the allotment in the afternoon to top up the leaf bin and to excavate to formation level to bed in another Dalek.

I have filled the last Dalek I installed with shredded paper (browns) from my office clearance works I have been doing the last week.

I have two black bin bags of shredded paper in my car that needs a home until I use it with greens this year to make compost.

Bricks placed in the excavation so I could stand in the work area to shovel the humus material out to form a foundation for the Dalek to stand on.

Nearly got there, but not quite, I just need to level off the excavation, add magic cardboard and then backfill the excavation with woodchips, then the two large sacks of paper can go in it.

I decanted the leafs from the overflow leaf cage into the main leaf cage as the levels had dropped

Main Leaf cage after topping up from the overflow leaf cage

Filling The Shredded Paper Dalek

I've been sorting out my old office and shredding lots of old files, which is generating a huge amount of browns for my composting efforts. Another five sack loads of paper dropped off today.  

Paper Dalek before I placed a couple of bricks on the top sack to help consolidate the paper sacks such that I could get the lid back on the bin. I have a shredder's worth of paper to be processed at home so next visit I need to excavate the humus material from the location for the next New Freecycle Dalek  a formation. 

Excavating plot 16

An afternoon visit to the allotment to bottom out the trench started yesterday then to slip in a separating plastic flashing and backfill the void with woodchips. This will allow me to dig another trench of humus material that will be used in the top level of the new raised beds that will replace the old ground level framed bed.

Trench at the end of bed 16 bottomed out and the two square flower buckets removed after a plastic shutter was slipped in between the flower buckets and the humus material in the rest of the bed

Trench backfilled either side of the centre flower bucket with woodchips and consolidated by walking on them. The centre flower bucket removed and the middle of the trench filled with a second wheel barrow load of woodchips

Backfilled trench left uncovered but sack in the square flower bucket for weeds covered with small plastic table to keep rain out of the sack as these weeds will need to go home for the rubbish collection.

Bed 15 has consolidated and there was at least a 25mm (1") difference in level. The decomposed woodchip path material that I excavated between raspberry beds 1 & 2 was deposited on bed 15 and leveled out

Soil leveled out and re covered with the debris netting, I need to make some spacers for the hoops for this bed the cut the netting to fit better.

Decomposed woodchip path between raspberry beds 2 & 3 weeded and decanted into the square flower buckets on raspberry bed 2, as the buckets were now empty. As I find path quality woodchip in the pile or we get a fresh load dropped off the paths will be renewed.

I still have four boundary beds to mulch with mulch quality woodchips from the pile in the car park.

Excavating Bed 16 First Trench

It's been a few days since its been dry enough to actually get something done on the allotment, but it was dry enough to visit and show a new tenant the vacant plot and to get on excavating the good humus material from the end of bed 16 into square flower buckets today

7 square flower buckets of soil excavated from the end of bed 16, with 4 buckets around the bed and 3 in the excavation, and bindweed, couch grass and mares tail roots removed.

Aim of the next visit when working on bed 16 will be to bottom out the trench and backfill with woodchips and then take another flower bucket width to a spades depth from that end.

End of bed 16 covered with the large trays and a trug and bucket of weed roots covered with small plastic table to keep the water out of the bag.

Support Our Farmers

Hundreds of tractors are expected to descend on London for the third time since the autumn budget - Today Monday 10th February Back British Farming.

Mosquitoes and Midges.

 

Bed 16 Exposed

Another couple of hours on the allotment this afternoon, I swept the weeds and debris off the weed membrane and then took the weed membrane off bed 16 to expose the soil

0.9m wide scaffold board laid for visual reference of where the new raise beds will go and the possible need to tweak the location if I need to rebuild the half 0.6m beds to 0.9m

Digging and weeding at the end of the bed nearest the boundary path with plot 2. Soil bulking and breaking down as turned with the fork.

Lots of couch grass, mares tail and bindweed roots removed, thankfully no snail or slug eggs encountered so far.

View down the allotment looking where I've been working to improve the infrastructure the last three months.

Strips of heavy duty water proof tarps that I've had for the last twelve years, laid over the bed to help keep the bed dry-ish whilst I dig weed and excavate.

Small table placed over the black rubbish bag inside the square flower bucket that is half full with weeds and the debris that was removed today to prevent it filling with water should it rain.  

Next visit I will be excavating the soil to a spades depth and decanting it into the many flower & spud buckets I have then filling the hole in the ground with rotting timber, branches, raspberry canes and other materials I have been gathering with the woodchip back up the ground level then building the beds ready to also fill up with similar material half way and then return the decanted soil on top.