Adventures in the life of an English allotment
Early this morning, the three of us (Derek, Sarah and myself) drove across Crewe to visit Hulme Street allotment. We were met by the Warden and a member of the committee. As it turns out, the committee oversees three sites (Ford Lane, Hulme Street and Walker Street) with each site having a Warden to deal... Continue Reading →
Autumn is my favourite season. The changing of the leaves, the hint of frost in the air and the nights closing in, all mean it's acceptable to curl up with a hot drink and a warm blanket. Down the allotment however, I find autumn a rather depressing time. The myriad of green foliage slowly gives... Continue Reading →
With the darker nights rolling in and the weather cooling, the weeds are finally beginning to slow down. It's also that time of year when some plots are given up as people struggle to juggle their work and family commitments. This year, we have had several changes of tenancy with new faces joining our community.... Continue Reading →
Waking up to sunshine pouring through the window, I grabbed my keys and ran down to the allotment. Upon my arrival, I found Cliff, Geoff and Cliff chatting by the sheds. I shouted hello and disappeared off to the shed. I put up the sail sunshade and threw in some kale for the little Weed... Continue Reading →
Over the past year I have been thinking about how to get power to the shed. The amount of time I spend down on the plot in the spring and summer would surely warrant the expense of a solar set up? It would mean we could have a light in the shed during the winter,... Continue Reading →
Today I ran down to the allotment early. The sun was out and it was dry! A magic, and often elusive, combination! I stopped to say hello to Michael and Phil before heading off to the shed. Out came everything once more - it's amazing how much stuff can be fitted into a shed! The... Continue Reading →
The last few days have been incredibly cold, so much so that temperatures have stayed below zero degrees for the last three days. For the UK, this is unusual and makes allotment jobs and projects more difficult to do. Digging for example is completely out of the question, with the ground frozen solid. On the... Continue Reading →
So now, in addition to the Avian Flu lockdown for the chickens, the UK has entered it's third lockdown. According to the Prime Minister we will be in lockdown until at least mid-February. As a result, I assume that the usual end of January seed sale will be cancelled which may leave us in a... Continue Reading →
This afternoon I ambled down to the allotment to make a start on autumn jobs. It's always the part of the year I dislike most as harvesting is slowing, the weather changing and the nights draw in. In the greenhouse, Pop and Leia were busy scratching for food they had thrown all over the floor.... Continue Reading →
Today I trotted down to the allotment, marvelling at how changeable the British weather really is. Yesterday was showers and overcast. Today was boiling. Not dry heat which somehow is more tolerable but the sticky, oppressive heat that makes everything difficult. All the usual gang were there when I arrived and after a preliminary check... Continue Reading →
I appreciate that this is probably way too early to be thinking about next year. However, in the changing of my plot from fruit and veg allotment to garden, I will have a chance to use the new sections to grow different plants. The pond area, bog garden and stumpery have given me an idea... Continue Reading →
The Good Life Crewe 
Recent Comments