Useful Advice

Resources

Members are able to consult (and are encouraged to contribute to!) resources in the shed, e.g. old gardening magazines. There are also a wide variety of websites that offer great advice for growing fruit and veg. Here are a few of the best:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardenersworld/

http://www.rhs.org.uk/index.htm

http://www.nsalg.org.uk/

Tips from our members

We will feature tips submitted by members on a rolling basis. See also our leaflet for new plot holders which has more useful advice and information.

Blackfly on broad beans

If you don’t want to use chemicals try a high-powered jet of water. Next year you could try pinching out the growing tip as blackfly particularly enjoy this tender morsel (which also makes good eating – steamed). Or try companion planting – e.g. growing poached egg plants nearby because they attract hoverflies which are beneficial insects. Garlic is also a real turn-off for blackfly. A few cloves planted in between broad beans will deter blackfly.

Free propagator tops

Take your disposable shower caps from hotel bathrooms and stretch them over large flower pots of half seed trays. They are much easier to use than plastic bags and elastic bands but remember to remove the shower cap regularly to shake off any condensation which could damage seedlings.

Frost damage

If your potatoes get hit by frost and look pathetic, don’t despair. They recover after a while! Make sure you fleece fruit trees if there is a hard frost forecast when they are in bud or blooming.

Compost

Make your own compost by using old dead crops, grass and paper or cardboard. Use a “dalek” or make your own compost shelter using pallets and cover over in the winter. Turn regularly and keep moist. There are some comfrey plants at the very top corner of the site which make excellent compost activator.