Posted: Thu Feb 10, 05 3:54 pm Post subject: New Allotment... Maybe...
I'm off to see a couple of allotments tomorrow evening.
Two years ago, I took on an allotment. I then promptly came off my bike and made a mess of several ribs, so I couldn't dig for a while. Trying to wrench some of that damned horseradish out was one of the most painful things I've ever tried!
Tomorrow I see some plots between 5 poles and (I think) 25 poles, on the Old Chesterton site in Cambridge. I'm so very tempted, but I'll need to give serious consideration to what I can grow there that's low(ish) maintenance.
Do it - I took my plot on when our baby was born, not the greatest of timing, but there's loads of stuff that's low maintenance - just don't overstretch. If you're uncertain about the time available just take on a half plot.
Spuds are certainly going in. Carrots are certainly fire and forget, once you get past the first few weeks. Onions CAN be really easy, but it's dry around here so they've got a tendency to bold (damn them). Any suggested varieties that are less bolty?
I've never grown chick peas. Should I use the dried ones I normally sprout? What are their growing habits?
New Potatoes
Parsnips
Salsify
Scorzonera
Beetroot
leeks
easy to plant direct and then just an occasional weeding and thining.
Beetroot sometimes does really well here, but I've had one crop mysteriously vanish overnight from the garden (and be replaced by lots of snail trails). Parsnips are going to be a must... What are their watering requirements?
Quote:
The following can be started in pots and planted out, or planted direct and just left to it with the occasional weeding.
Cover these with netting to stop birds/butterflies
Cabbages
Brussels
Kale
PSB
Kale and cabbage will be a must I think, if I can only get down to keep them watered.
Quote:
You just have to be around to harvest these
Sweetcorn
Broadbeans
French beans
runner beans
Anything that says few pests or stands well in the catelogue description is usually a good bet.
Thanks for the advice... Most of those I've grown, but always in the back garden where I can be on hand to pick off beasties, water, weed, etc. Managing an allotment is going to have to be less 'touchy feely', but I'm keen to have a go anyway
Leeks definitely, brilliant to grow. So you don't need to water your beans?
First attempt last year, just dwarf Frenchies they did well, no comparison to the shop bought stuff.
Definitely don't grow courgettes/cucumbers/squashes unless you've got the time to water.
I'd grow some caraway, cumin, coriander and fennel (non bulbing), just let them go to seed and dry out. Much more pungent than shop bought spices.
We have fennel and coriander in the garden anyway (more useful having herbs close to the kitchen, I think). But I've never grown cumin and caraway, I've only used the leaves. Do they work well as kitchen herbs rather than spices?
I've never grown chick peas. Should I use the dried ones I normally sprout? What are their growing habits?
Fenugreek... Whats it useful for?
Normal chick peas will grow fine, if it's cool when you sow them just sow as is, if it's warming up soak overnight before planting, they grow very low, and have lovely (edible) foliage.
Fenugreek leaves are a great addition to most curries, pakoras and a whole host of Indian recipes, the seeds are useful too, so it's useful even if it bolts. They have a "curry" kind of flavour
I've never grown cumin and caraway, I've only used the leaves. Do they work well as kitchen herbs rather than spices?
I've never used the leaves only the seeds which I use liberally, coriander and cumin especially are indispensible in my kitchen. And we've always used a fennel seed tea instead of gripe water for the kids.
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