assorted notepads

January Neswletter (2025)

1/18/2025

Welcome to the January Edition of the Allotment Newsletter!

Happy New Year, fellow gardeners! As we step into 2025, it's the perfect time to reflect on last year’s harvests and start planning for the exciting growing season ahead. January might be cold and quiet in the garden, but this is the ideal month to get organized, prepare your tools, and think about what you want to grow. Whether you’re a seasoned allotment holder or a newbie, we’ve got plenty of tips, advice, and inspiration to help you make the most of your plot this year.

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.

  • Website Launch - We have launched our brand new website! The new website hopes to attract more perspective plot holders to the allotments. We also have a private 'Members Area' where the monthly newsletter will be available, as well as a place where plot holders can submit recipes or hints and tips for other members to access. Instructions for how to access the members area will have been sent via e-mail and/or WhatsApp.

  • WhatsApp Community Launch - We have now also launched our WhatsApp Community Channel! This will be a place to communicate with fellow allotment holders and discuss gardening tips and tricks. You should have received an invite along with instructions for how to join via e-mail.

  • Potato Day! - Transition Chesterfield are holding their annual Potato Day on the 25th January. They will be in the town center selling a variety of seed potatoes, alliums, beans and peas. More information can be found here.

  • King Seed orders are ready to collect in the shop! - If you have not collected your order yet please contact a member of the committee to arrange collection.

January Notices:

Though January is often the coldest month of the year, it's still a crucial time for allotment gardeners. While your plot may be dormant, there are plenty of tasks you can tackle to ensure a successful growing season when spring arrives. Here are some essential gardening tips for January:

  • Plan and Prepare
    This is the perfect time to reflect on last year’s successes and challenges. Review your planting plans and make adjustments for the coming year. Consider crop rotation, the variety of plants you want to grow, and when to start seeds indoors. Planning ahead will give you a head start when the weather warms up.

  • Prune Fruit Trees and Bushes
    January is the ideal time to prune apple, pear, and other fruit trees. By removing dead or diseased wood, you’ll help the tree focus its energy on healthy growth in spring. Similarly, trim back gooseberries, currants, and other soft fruit bushes to promote better fruiting.

  • Maintain Garden Tools
    Cold weather means it's easy to forget about tool maintenance, but now is the time to clean and sharpen your tools. A well-maintained spade, hoe, or pruning shears will make all the difference when you start working again in spring.

  • Protect Your Plants
    If you’ve planted winter vegetables like leeks, kale, or cabbage, keep an eye on them during the colder days. Cover crops with cloches, fleece, or other protective materials to guard against frost damage. You can also mulch around plants to help retain moisture and keep the soil insulated.

  • Start Indoor Seed Sowing
    If you’re eager to get started, now’s a good time to sow seeds indoors for early spring crops like tomatoes, peppers, and leeks. Use a heated propagator or place them on a windowsill to give them a head start.

January may seem quiet in the garden, but it’s a month for thoughtful preparation. Taking care of these tasks now will set you up for a fruitful and productive year ahead.

Gardening Tips for January: Preparing for the Growing Season Ahead

January at the Allotments