MARKHOLE

  NEWS AND VIEWS

                                                                            February 2011                                                    

Dates for the Diary:  AGM 15^th May,  Open Day 30^th July

 

Please make a note of our Open Day date. We have invited the Birds of Prey Group for the several years now. Do you want them to come again? The Committee would like you to let them know. It would also be much appreciated if you would rack your brains and suggest some alternative attraction for Open Day. Something you would appreciate, or something that you have seen elsewhere and think would draw the crowds and make the day a resounding success. Do please let the Committee know as soon as possible, as it may be necessary to book well in advance.

The Council met with site representatives on January 31^st. to agree the terms of the agreement with devolved sites. This includes the arrangements for termination of tenancy for neglected plots. These are likely to be imposed rigorously as demand for plots in the Borough remains high. For the same reason new applicants will be allowed only one five rod plot.

Historically ten rods was considered necessary to provide a family with all their vegetable needs. Families were bigger in the past but, if for example, the area for potatoes is limited, five rods can suffice for most people’s needs. Spacing between plants can be reduced providing the fertility of the soil is improved. We have access to horse manure to assist in this and it is up to you to produce compost to improve  the soil structure. All vegetable waste may be composted. Weeds and kitchen waste are ideal but it is most important to bang the earth off the roots of weeds and especially off grass. Allow the roots of couch grass to shrivel completely in the sun, they may then be composted without problems.

It is possible with some crops to squeeze two crops into the season. Sow an early variety of peas such as Feltham First and as soon as the last pods have been picked follow with a mildew resistant variety such as Ambassador. You may then still be picking peas in October  and have a drawer full of peas in your freezer. Plant an early potato such as Swift and follow this with a second early such as Charlotte which will usually mature before the first frosts. Yielding of some crops such as beans may be prolonged by frequent and careful picking. For instance  if a few beans are allowed to mature further flowering will be discouraged. Such tips maximise production from your five rods.

 

                                                                      Editor Peter Foote