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What to do at the allotment in March

March 15, 2015 By Jill Anderson 2 Comments

This is turning out to be a rather nice month, some sunshine, a little rain and lots of crocus popping up everywhere, neatly taking on the baton from the snowdrops.

I like the sense of anticipation at this time of year, but there’s a limited amount of time and energy, so my approach this month is to concentrate on things that will really make a big difference to the growing season ahead.

Here’s a little up-date of the area that I took over last year. The weeds were chest-high, but weed-killer is off the menu because I’m growing organically. I have been tempted to use glyphosate because it would be so much quicker, then I see all the bees buzzing round and think of my little grandsons picking and eating carrots here and my resolve is strengthened.

I do like to show you inspiring photos, but this is reality. The covering of tarpaulins is gradually stifling the weeds. I’m sure there are still nettles and bind-weed lurking under the ground, but I’m going to peel back a little of the covering and plant potatoes here this month.

What to do at the allotment in March-organic gardening

the plot covered in tarpaulin, killing weeds organically

I hope the plants will take off and race ahead of the weeds, which I know won’t be far behind. The rest of the area will stay covered until the autumn, at least.

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Comments

  1. Rick says

    March 15, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    Hi Jill,
    Allotments are always hard work when you take them over in poor condition. I’ve found that if its been well dug before by the previous person, and you dig it over with a tool called a ‘back saver’ and clear the worst of the roots you’ll get it dug in no time. I found it easier than covering the weeds, as the tarpaulins break down in the sun and weather and contaminate the ground with plastic bits. I love the up dates, and your doing a great job.
    R

    Reply
    • Jill Anderson says

      March 16, 2015 at 8:40 am

      Hi Rick,
      Thanks for your comments, good to hear you’re enjoying the up-dates. You’re method sounds good, especially if it’s been previously well dug, I’m leaving my new bit under tarpaulins for now (though they are quite ugly!) and getting on with my existing allotment. I’ll keep you posted on progress! Regards Jill

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Hello, I’m Jill Anderson.
This is where you’ll find good, solid information about gardening, growing fruit & vegetables and how to keep it all looking good.
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The healing, calming power of nature in one photo. The healing, calming power of nature in one photo.
These wonderful autumn colours won’t be around for much longer. But that’s ok, because now is what matters, & their fleeting beauty makes them even more precious.
It’s easy to see how being among trees & nature is so beneficial for our health & wellbeing. 
Have a great Sunday.
Savouring all the autumn colour, & doesn’t it lo Savouring all the autumn colour, & doesn’t it look spectacular with this bold front door.
Today has been hard work, after a lovely time last week in Norfolk. The north coast there is spectacular. Realising these last few months, that there are so many beautiful places here. 
Have a nice evening.
Charming glasshouse at Houghton Hall, Norfolk. Vis Charming glasshouse at Houghton Hall, Norfolk. Visiting to see the Anish Kapoor sculptures, which are amazing, but unprepared for the beauty of the grounds & garden. 
Such a treat, worth coming to Norfolk for this alone!
Hope you’re keeping well, & managing to smile some of the time. x
P.S. more of Houghton Hall & Anish Kapoor on my stories
We stopped off on the way home to pick blackberrie We stopped off on the way home to pick blackberries, after coffee & cake, sitting in the churchyard - the cafe was full, & the churchyard is a quiet, peaceful spot..... as you’d expect.
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Stay cool my friends x
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It gets sun for about 4 hours only, you can order the bulbs now for planting in September. It’ll reappear every year & waft delicious scent around your garden, or through your windows.
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Enjoy the rest of your Sunday x
Hope is a decision I’ve thought long & hard abou Hope is a decision
I’ve thought long & hard about how to view the tumult in the world we’re living in now. 
The only thing that works for me, is to choose hope.

It’s a tall order, but avoiding mainstream news & speculation helps avoid the anxiety, that’s often waiting in the wings.

One day soon there’ll be grandchildren clambering over this again.
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