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Allotment Update

October-Craigentinny Plot-holders’ Meeting

Saturday 13 October 2012

Attendees:
John M (Chair), Norma, Alec, George (Minutes)

1. Chair. Agreed John would chair the meeting.
2. Matters arising from the last minutes.
A) Communal Shed Roof. No further information. In addition a new lock for the door is required to replace the broken one. John M. will pursue the matter with Ian Woolard.
B) Scaffolding Planks. £21 received
C) Resurfacing of Main Path. No further information. John M. will ask Ian Woolard
3. Woodchips. Thanks to Rod for obtaining a supply.
4. Website Joan P. had produced an example of a newsletter. We thought it was a great idea. Joan has offered to produce it monthly and is looking for copy, photographs etc
5. FEDAGA AGM. This will take place on the 16th October. Everyone welcome. If you can’t make it and would like to raise an issue or ask a question get in touch with John Mc.
6. Site Rep. John M. has agreed to do this on a temporary basis. We’re still looking for a permanent site rep.
7. Date of next meeting –Since we still had a number of items outstanding agreed to meet again on Sat 10 November at 11am.

NOTICE TO ALL PLOT-HOLDERS
If you haven’t been sent a copy of these minutes & would like a regular copy in future, then please email me at rubiensk@waitrose.com

Categories
Allotment Update

OCTOBER – Craigentinny Plot-holders’ Meeting AGENDA

Saturday 13 October 2012 at 11.00

1. Apologies
2. Matters Arising

A) Communal Shed roof – progress?

B) Main driveway – update.

C) Scaffolding planks – update

3. Site Rep – we need one. Looking for volunteers or nominations

4. Craigentinny Allotments Website – looking for posts, info etc (Joan P.)

5. A.O.B.

6. Date of next Meeting

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Allotment Update

WOODCHIP

Rod has managed to get a load of woodchips, perfect for paths. It’s at the front gate and all are welcome to help themselves. it’s on a first come first server basis so get in quick, before it’s all gone.

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Allotment Update

Papermaking with Plants

The above course is being run at the Royal Botanic Gardens on 20th and 21st October. It is being run by expert Johnathan Korejko, and costs £90 (£81 for members). Not cheap but if your feeling flush or looking for a fantastic gift, call 0131 248 2937 or go to the website rbge.org.uk

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Allotment Update

CLOCKS GOING BACK

 

Remember that the clocks go back by an hour on October 28th, so the plot will be dark by 6pm ……………

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Allotment Update

Seasonal Tips – Seaweed

With autumn here and the odd storm why not visit the beach and boost the fertility of the soil on your plot. How so? Autumn and winter is a great time to collect some seaweed from the beach. Scottish farmers have been using seaweed for centuries as a free fertilizer. It is full of the nutrients and trace elements that are so important for strong plant growth.
Of course its not really possible to collect enough to make a huge contribution to your manuring regime, but small amounts used wisely can hit the spot so to speak. A mulch on the asparagus bed will really help those spears come spring time. Also seaweed is a fantastic activator in the compost heap helping that whole mystical process speed right up.
So with Porty Beach being so near pay it a visit some fine winters day and get yourself some fine fertilizer.
John McKinlay
PS Make sure you only take the dead seaweed left after a storm, and check the rules of different beaches before you take anything

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Allotment Update

Eat the Glut

I love mashed potatoes, but hate cleaning the pot afterwards, so I make a huge pot and then freeze it. Mix the mash with bacon, cheese, cabbage or kale. I freeze them in blocks wrapped in tin foil so I can just pop them in the oven to cook, and have no washing up………….!

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Allotment Update

CRAFTY CORNER

I love looking at some of the home made crafts I see on other plots, I’m sure other people do too, so please send pictures of your crafty projects to joanpisanek@hotmail.com and I’ll publish them. To get started I thought I’d show you how I’ve used my old cut off jeans

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Allotment Update

THINGS TO DO IN OCTOBER

I love October, it’s light and cool enough to work, and provided it’s not too wet it’s a great time to improve the soil and finish off all those DIY jobs. I love it when the beds have been cleared and I can start planning the next years planting. Make sure you cover any unused beds, either with some green manure or black fabric/plastic.
Remember that the water will be shut off during the winter, and well into spring. If you can’t get a water butt set up, use a large pot covered with some fine mesh to keep it clean, so you’ll have some water for tender spring plants in the greenhouse.
Rhubarb doesn’t need much attention, but a little TLC now is well rewarded. Divide any congested clumps, clear all the dead leaves and mulch the crowns. Don’t use nutrient rich compost, as you’ll encourage flowering, but some bark will keep in warm and tidy.
Plant Garlic and overwintering onion sets
Remove the bottom leaves from your brassicas and make sure your Brussels sprouts are staked.

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Allotment Update