May Newsletter 2008
Whitehouse Allotment and Garden Society
Newsletter
May 2008
The Potato Planting day 11th May
A very big thanks to all who helped in the run up, and on the day itself. A total of 22 people helped plant 220 Kg of seed potatoes at the bottom of E row. This was a fantastic effort by all concerned. I have spoken with Age Concern, the benefactor of the crops, and they are extremely pleased.
As part of the preparations for the day, we had 16 vacant plots ploughed and power harrowed, which are now ready to be let.
“Thanks for all their hard work in planting the seed potatoes. Please pass on our appreciation to all concerned.
I wish you good potato growing weather.
John Adcock , Age Concern Leics & Rutland”
Tips for the Month.
A busy time in the vegetable garden – sowing planting and hoeing. Sow French beans, runner beans, beetroot, carrots, chicory, outdoor cucumber, kale, marrows, courgettes, maincrop peas, mangetout, radishes, spinach and Swedes.. finish sowing broad beans, leaf beet, summer and winter cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.
It is planting time for a number of crops – Brussels sprouts, celeriac, celery, capsicum, summer cabbage, and tomatoes in a cold green greenhouse. Prepare the planting sites for courgettes, marrows and outdoor cucumbers. Harvest early sown lettuce and radishes.
Sow non-storable crops little and often.
Several vegetables such as lettuce, radish and cabbage cannot be stored for later use. To avoid gluts and famines it is wise to sow a short row every few weeks.
Water Usage
Please remember we ask all members to be careful with their water usage. If you have a shed please collect and use what you can. We allow a hosepipe to fill two water butts per plot, but do not allow you to water the garden with a hose, or to clean potatoes. High water charges will be reflected in next year’s rent!
We are planning to put on some water butts for the newer plots at the bottom of D, E and F row, with a hose to them, as there are no taps working nearby. Please be patient, but we will try to get this done as soon as possible.
SHEDS
We are buying some sheds, which will be available for you to buy at a discounted rate. They are 6’ x 4’ pent roofed without a window, and good quality tongue and groove. We need a minimum of 5 people before we can buy at the discounted rate. Cost will be £160, which we can split over 4 quarterly payments if you want. We will even erect them for you, as long as you help with putting a stable base down.
I already have orders for 3, so if you want one Please speak to Nick as soon as poss.
Weather by Dave Morgan
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Apr-07
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Apr-08
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max temp degrees C
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25
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22
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min temp degrees C
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0
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-22
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Average temp degrees C
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11.6
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8.5
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rainfall this month
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|
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total rainfall this year to date
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205.5
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295.5
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average temp this year to date
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8
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6.7
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Dumping Waste
It has been noted that there has been some illegal dumping of waste (mainly Building materials) on site.
Please be aware, the last person who dumped waste is currently paying a bill for well over £1000 and is under investigation with a view to prosecution by the Environmental Crime Team.
New Members
Please give our usual warm welcome to Alison and William Benner F35, Liz Maher, F9, and Ian Burley, F30
Scarecrows
Are your scarecrows ready to put on your plot?
We have had one entry so far, and will be the only one judged if we have no more entries. This means that this plot holder will earn a year’s free rent. Judging on August 3rd, the same day as our open day.
Open Day
Our open day is August 3rd. we would be pleased if as many people as possible help to grow just a little produce to sell on the day. We have some carrot seeds for you to grow, if you have nothing spare. See any of the committee.