February Newsletter 2008

February 2008  

Good News

Recently we submitted a grant application to New   Parks and Fosse Area Committee for an Attila 51 Brushcutter. We have been fortunate and been granted £930 towards the cost, subject to final approval. This is the first grant that this society has been successful with for quite a number of years.

The Attila 51 is an industrial quality brushcutter, and will tackle most plots that are overgrown, but not including high brambles. This will enable us to not only clear plots, but to keep vacant ones in good condition too.

As soon as the cheque arrives, we will be placing the order, and would expect to receive this within the next two weeks.

Vince Edwards who is the Allotments Manager at Leicester City Council has pledged his support and help in clearing some of our more overgrown, bramble infested plots within the next few months.

Sheds

We have just purchased 5 sheds which we are available to rent to if you wish. They are 6’ x 4’ and we have requested that they have no windows, as this is better for security. The sheds will be sited on your plot, and will cost £15 per year, but may rise annually as decided by the committee in line with ground rent.

 Anyone interested, please come and see the committee, or contact me direct.

 At the moment we will be storing them in one of our containers (flat packed)

We are intending to buy some more, as soon as this batch are all taken. We will be putting some on vacant plots for prospective plot holders, as this seems to be something that they wish for.

Welcome to our new members, Helen Wright who is on plot F18, and Pete Knight who has taken on plot E27

I am sure you will all give them our usual warm welcome.

Tips for the month

A busier time than February, but frosty weather may make outdoor work impossible. Peas, Broad Beans, Radishes and Turnips can be grown under cloches, and greenhouse cucumbers are started indoors. Shallot planting can begin and now is the time to buy seed potatoes and set them in trays to encourage sprouting. Inspect plants for wind damage, and stake if necessary.

In Season Food.

Rhubarb. Fibre helps lower cholesterol. It has only 7 calories per 100g, and is said to speed up metabolism.

Chicory. Delicious raw in salads, its folate helps keep the blues at bay. The british diabetis association say it contains immunity-boosting prebiotics, which aid digestion and fight cholesterol.

Kale. A rare green, it flourishes in cold months. It’s rich in lutein, which protects eyes from age-related macular degeneration, and has vitamin E for glowing skin.

Onions. May help ward off colds and could boost levels of heart-healthy HDL cholesterol. Researchers claim they also  contain peptides that prevent bone loss.

Onions and Peas and Potatoes

We have in stock Maincrop Onions both Red and White, and 4 types of Peas, ranging from early to Maincrop. All are available in the shop.

At the time of going to press, potatoes have arrived, and nearly everyone has collected their own, apart from one or two.

We have a bag left, which we will be planting for our open day. Any offers to help planting will be greatly appreciated when the time comes.

Weather by Dave Morgan

There has been a change to the system we were going to have installed. As you were aware, we were to have one of our containers converted and have a toilet with a cess pit. We are now likely to have a Composting Loo instead.

Washbrook Allotments already have one, and are extremely pleased with it. John Dooher and Ernie Brown have been to see it, and were impressed.

There is no smell, and the compost can be used on fruit trees etc, but is recommended not on top crops.

In the tea hut, is a leaflet to have a look at with some frequently asked questions about the composting toilet.

We are lucky to have this much needed facility provided by the Allotments Manager and Leicester City Council,  I am sure you will all feel relieved when it finally gets installed!!