Out and About - Winter 2021

GARDENING

DAVID COLE h at One Tree more than 30 what works be tastiest vegeta Wi on allot

as had an allotmen Park in Newbury fo years. He’s learne st and how to get t bles through trial a error nter the men r d he nd t t

W inter is nearly upon us – and parsnips. I always like a frost on these before starting to use them as I’m sure it makes them taste sweeter. Now is the time to plan your crop rotation for next season. Try not to plant brassicas where they were planted in the last two seasons, it is best to have a two- year break. This is not always possible, but one needs to give at least a season gap. As already written earlier in the season, plan your root crops where you had brassicas this season and do not apply manure or fertilizer. The rest of the garden can be manured or fertilized, especially where potatoes and brassicas probably the only things left in the garden are brassicas, leeks

Down at One Tree Park Allotment

are going next season. Make a list of the seed you will require before you visit the local garden centre rather than select as you need and don’t buy things unnecessarily. Having said that, always try a new crop each year that you haven’t grown before – it’s a challenge and you may be pleasantly surprised. If you want to try seed merchants, Marshalls, DT Brown or Kings all I’ve been overwhelmed with One Tree Park Allotment Association. As soon as everyone knew I was in The John Radcliffe the offers of help to my wife and Get Well Soon cards poured in, true community spirit.

produce catalogues which are very helpful. I always strive to get the vegetables to look like the catalogues when ready to harvest, which is a real challenge. If you grow pumpkins, squashes or marrows, these should store in a cool, dry place until January. Marrows can be roasted in the same way as squashes and are delicious. Leave parsnips in the ground until you We are just winding things down and altering some of our fixtures and fittings, hopefully making it easier for our fundraising next year. Looking forward to the festive spirit and another meeting of the Association.

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O&A WINTER 2021