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Allotments
Weeds and weather
Posted by: Jane Moore, 16 May 2008, 10.00AM
The weather has been remarkable lately. A fortnight ago we had frosts and chilly winds, then suddenly we had sunshine, showers and the odd thunderstorm.
The recent sun and rain have been fantastic for the allotment; everything seems to have leapt into life - including the weeds. My last couple of sessions on the plot have involved a never-ending cycle of weeding and sowing seeds.
It's so important to keep on top of weeding at this time of year. If left, they can smother young plants, competing with them for moisture and nutrients. My plot is certainly far from perfect - it's a constant battle of removing perennial weeds and hoeing annuals in the worst affected areas. I try to weed on a 'little and often' basis; I concentrate on the worst beds and turn a blind eye to other areas of the plot that need attention. My purple sprouting broccoli, for example, is now in full flower. I won't be using that bed until I'm ready to plant sweetcorn, so I may as well leave the blooming broccoli to provide valuable nectar and pollen for visiting insects.
During the summer months it's important to take precautions against the sun and heat. I always make sure I wear plenty of sunscreen and take a large bottle of water to drink from.
I've started visiting the plot in the mornings at the weekend or on weekday evenings to avoid the hottest part of the day. It's also a good idea to create a shady area on your plot - unfortunately the only shade on my plot is in my shed, but that's often hotter than outside.
Comments
kaycurtis20002000@yahoo.co.uk
16 May 2008, 03.55AM
Silke
19 May 2008, 12.31PM
Sally Swann
25 May 2008, 08.57PM
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