​  In the Bleak Midwinter

                       What to do on the Allotment over Winter

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Well winter is here so what can we do on our soggy frozen plots?

Well here are a few ideas:-

1 Dig the plot over to allow the frost to break up the soil. That will make rotavation a lot easier in the Spring. Do it in bits but try and avoid standing on the ground when it is very wet as it compresses the soil (particularly our clayey soil!)

2 Straighten the edges of the paths.

3 Clear the plot of any rubbish that make make good hiding places for slugs and snails.

4 Prune fruit trees and bushes. Winter is an ideal time for that as they are dormant.

5 Tidy up the shed

6 Check all fruit bushes and repair any stakes etc

7 Harvest winter veg. This year I have swede, winter cabbage, red cabbage, Caveolo Nero, Brussels Sprouts, Everlasting Spinach, Swiss Chard, parsnips and carrots. I don't bother digging out my carrots to store them as it will take really extreme temperatures to freeze them solid. So whilst growth will slow down and stop there should be plenty to eat over winter all being well. But remember, slugs can still be active in a mild spell, and if you haven't done already net the brassicas so the wood pigeons don't get them!

George Gray