February Neswletter (2025)

Welcome to the February Edition of the Allotment Newsletter!

As we move through February, winter is still holding its grip, but there are signs that spring is just around the corner. For allotment gardeners, this month is about getting ready for the busy growing season ahead. Although it’s not quite time to dive into planting, there’s plenty of work to be done to ensure your allotment thrives come spring.

Happy gardening!

• The AGM (Annual General Meeting) will be held on the 19th March '25 at Hasland Club - The meeting is open to all allotment members and offers the chance to discuss the allotments, make suggestions for improvements and meet your fellow allotment holders. If you have anything you would like to put forward to the committee please send it in writing here before the 19th.

• Woodchip - You may have seen that the allotments have had some deliveries of woodchip, please note that the pile near the Orchard at the top of the site is for the Orchard. Any other piles in either of the car parks are free to use.

• Storms & Damage - Please keep an eye out for storm damage on both your plot and any surrounding plots. If you notice something urgent please alert the committee via whatsapp or email.

February Notices:

Here’s a look at some essential tasks for allotment gardeners this month.

Soil Preparation: The Foundation for Healthy Plants

• While the soil might still be too cold and wet to plant most crops, February is an ideal time to get it ready for the growing season. Take advantage of any dry spells to clear away debris like fallen leaves and weeds that may have accumulated over the winter. This is the perfect time to top up the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Adding organic matter helps improve soil structure and fertility, setting your garden up for a successful year.

• If you haven't already done so, consider testing your soil's pH. Some crops, like blueberries, thrive in acidic soil, while others, like brassicas, prefer more alkaline conditions. Adjusting your soil now can prevent issues later on.

Pruning and Maintaining Fruit Trees and Bushes

• February is an excellent time to prune fruit trees, such as apples and pears, while they are still dormant. Removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood will encourage healthier growth come spring. You can also thin out overcrowded branches to allow better airflow and sunlight penetration.

• For berry bushes like raspberries, blackberries, and currants, prune dead canes and thin out the old growth to make room for fresh shoots. A good tidy-up now will ensure better yields later in the season.

Planning and Organising Your Planting Schedule

• With the worst of the winter weather behind us (hopefully!), it’s the perfect time to plan your growing season. Take stock of what worked well last year and what didn’t. Have a look at your seed packets or browse seed catalogues to decide what you’ll be growing in the coming months. Consider crop rotation, particularly if you’re growing heavy-feeding plants like tomatoes or beans, to help maintain soil health.

• Don’t forget to plan for succession planting, where you sow crops at different times to extend your harvest. For example, sowing early peas or lettuce indoors now means you can enjoy fresh produce earlier in the season.

Start Sowing Early Crops Indoors

• Though it's too early to start many outdoor plantings, February is a good time to start sowing certain crops indoors. Onions, leeks, and early brassicas like cabbage and cauliflower can be sown in seed trays now, ready to be hardened off and planted out when the weather warms up.

• If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, you can start sowing peas, tomatoes, and even early carrots under cover. Just be sure to keep an eye on the temperatures—February can still bring a chill, and you don't want young seedlings to be exposed to frost.

Tidying Up and General Maintenance

• Now’s the time to check your tools and equipment. Make sure your spade, rake, and hoe are sharp and in good working order for the busy months ahead. Take a look at any garden structures, such as sheds, raised beds, and greenhouses. Repair any damage caused by winter weather, and make sure everything is secure.

• If you’ve got a compost heap, turn it to speed up decomposition and ensure good airflow. You might even be able to start a new compost pile with any organic matter you’ve cleared from your plot.

Protecting Against Pests

• While most pests are still dormant, it’s not too early to start thinking about pest control. Applying a winter wash to fruit trees can help deter overwintering aphids and other pests. If you haven’t already, make sure to cover early spring crops with fleece or netting to protect them from potential frost and pests like pigeons and rabbits.

While February can feel like a quiet month in the allotment, there’s still a lot to be done to get ready for spring. By focusing on soil health, pruning, planning, and maintenance, you’ll ensure your allotment is well-prepared for the busy growing season ahead. With a bit of care now, you’ll be rewarded with healthy plants and abundant harvests in the months to come.

Happy gardening, and here’s to a successful year ahead on the allotment!

February in the Allotment Garden: Preparing for Spring

February at the Allotments