Friday 14th August - Unidentified Squash?

Its been a while since the last update - blame the weather as the weeds are going mad and it takes all the spare time we have stopping them from taking over. Its not all bad though as most of the crops are also growing well. We've had less success with peas than in previous years but everything else is doing okay and I think we'll be making plenty of pickles and chutneys this year. We experimented and grew

We're still learning but its great spending time at the allotment and even better when the rewards are so tasty. Or mostly tasty we experimented with a couple of crops with mixed results. The asparagus peas were very pretty but not as tasty as we hoped and the cucamelons haven't produced much at all. At least ours haven't - the plant we gave away has cropped fantastically well!

Our squash plants have some great looking fruit on them. The only problem is that two of plants have not produced what we expected. We mostly grew the plants from seed but did purchase two custard squash plants from a nursery; we grew them last year and they were really tasty. The plants we bought were clearly labelled and we looked forward to harvesting the yellow summer fruits. Yesterday we checked the plants and found plenty of fruit but not the yellow 'pattypans' we expected. Anybody know what type of squash these are?

Friday 19th June - Allotment Winners Announced

Today the independent allotment adjudicator visited our lovely plots and we are delighted to announce the awards as follows:

Best full plot to:
John Dean - plot 25 

Best half plot to Karen and Barry Mueller - plot 24a

Huge congratulation from John Jarvis, ourselves and the allotment committee 

Well done!

Mel & Debs 

18th June - Allotment Judging Time

Hello fellow allotment holders,

Looks like the weather is finally on the turn and our produce is being given a chance to rise and shine.

This seasons allotment judging will take place on Friday 19th June at 10am.

As ever the judging will be done by an adjudicator from another allotment. Their decision is final.

Prizes of four 75L bags of compost  will be awarded this year for the best full plot and best half plot. Winner will be on the notice boards and also be posted on the blog.

Best of luck to everyone and as always, please send in your thoughts comments and questions.


Warm regards

Mel and Deb

May 24th

Everything is growing very quickly and our time at the allotment today was mainly about weeds. Fortunately the fruit and veg is also growing well! It looks like it might to be a good year for Strawberries and Apples - there's certainly plenty of blossom  - and the Brassica's, Onions and Garlic are looking strong and healthy. We still have plenty to do, but we are focusing on the areas that will, we hope, be productive this year and have started hardening off some of the greenhouse grown plants; hopefully the risk of frost has passed but we'll be keeping an eye on the weather forecast and whisking them back inside if necessary.
A welcome distraction from weeding was provided by a pair of Blue Tits, who are rearing young on next doors plot, and a pair of Goldfinch gathering nest building material.
We're probably going to have a few spare plants - possibly Aubergine, the odd Tomato and Globe Arthichoke to name a few. Keep an eye on the Swaps section or come and see us if you're interested. If you have any spares to share with fellow allomenteers we can put them on the blog to let people know.  Don't forget this blog is about Byrons Lane Allotments so if you have any pictures or tips and hints to share or would even like to write a guest blog then get in touch! All ideas welcome.
Mel and Deb

May 2015

Hello everyone,

We are now well into May and the weather is warming up, although we have been caught out by a couple of cold snaps. 

The allotments are looking fantastic, as spring is well and truly sprung!

Please do look at the hints and tips section,  where we still have a question from one of our fellow allotment friends. Also please do send us some pictures of your plots. We would love to share how things are coming along.

Happy Allotmenting Everyone!

Mel & Debs

Debs captured this cheeky chap watching us work from the conifer

April 2015

Hello Everyone

This month has been really interesting weather wise, keeping us all on our toes as we begin sowing seeds, planting out and shaping our plots.

The allotments are beginning to transform, exciting times are ahead. There's  also a question from one of our members in the hints and tips section, so any advice would be welcomed.

Remember this BLOG is for everyone, so don't forget to submit your hints and tips, photos of your plots or swap and sells using the contact form.
 

Happy growing one and all!

Mel

Welcome

Welcome to the Byrons Lane Allotment Holders Association (BLAHA) blog. We hope this will provide a good information point for everyone.

We will include general information, details of meetings and events, communications regarding proposed works or changes, how to get your compost, fertilisers etc from the BLAHA  and top tips throughout the season.

If you would like to submit photographs of your plots, articles, or any other items on the blog, please use the contact form on the right of the main pages.

Hope you all enjoy it.

Mel