Page 48 - Simply Vegetables Autumn 2024

Northern Branch
MEMBERS 20000 TO 29999
This year has been totally different to previous years with a slow start to the season and plenty of rain over the last few months. The late frosts never arrived and if you were brave enough you could have planted out a little sooner than normal although the temperatures were quite low and light levels very low in late spring. I planted out bedding in the tubs and containers which have come on slowly but now showing a lovely display of bloom without too much attention to watering. I do feed regularly to get the full benefit of blooms throughout the summer and autumn.
I have some great shows to judge again this year and I am looking forward to seeing the exhibits on display. I also judge allotments at Middleton St George near Darlington which is a pleasure to do. It is interesting to see how gardens develop, and the different techniques people use to achieve successful growing of crops.
This year has been a mighty battle of the molluscs, gastropods or commonly known as slugs and snails. They have devoured many grower’s plants soon after planting out in the garden. We have been advised by the RHS to work with them and befriend the slimy devils as only two percent of them are harmful to plants!!! I seem to have the majority of the 2% in my garden
as everyone I see appears to be munching the plant leaves. My dad always used chimney soot from a log fire to put around any brassica this also prevented root fly. We also used bran put out under an old roof pantile to feed them and dry them out so they could only return home slowly with the hope of birds picking them up for an early morning breakfast. Also, hedgehogs would devour them. I did purchase some breakthruspray from a website and found this very beneficial. it is also eco-friendly. You dilute it in rainwater and spray it on the plants. The ingredients are metallic and also feed the plants.
At work we are finishing off the planting of cyclamen for Christmas time and the Poinsettia are now about ready to stop. We do this by removing the centre and allowing the side shoots to develop. This is only done once around the end of July. The plants will produce six to nine bracts on each plant. We are growing 8000 this year and around 25000 cyclamen.
We have been working with peat free composts over the last two or three years and now found a seed compost that is almost as reliable as the peat version although it still hasn’t the ability to provide fertility to the plants the same as peat- based composts. This compost is only
for seed sowing and plug production not
growing on in the potting stage. We apply fertilisers overhead on a regular basis as no feed is added to the seed compost during production. Any plants we grow on are grown in peat reduced composts not peat free as yet.
The Northern branch will be active throughout the summer and autumn so please look out for activities in your area. The Northern branch championships are held at Newby hall within the Harrogate Autumn flower show. All exhibitors will get a free pass, so it is well worth attending the event as you also get a chance to look around the house and gardens during the show. Many societies will be attending so vegetables and flowers will be on show and many plant stalls will be attending the event. I worked out the other day that this will be my 33rd Autumn flower show that I have been involved in either as an exhibitor or judge.
I look forward to seeing many exhibitors and spectators at the shows and other events over the next months. I hope you all have a great season and some success in your gardens.
Happy growing
Adrian Read FNVS Chairman, Northern Branch
North East Derbyshire District Association (NEDDA)
July 10th brought about our first D.A. visit for 2024. This was a visit to a private garden in Pleasley Vale. Pleasley Vale being the home to William Hollins Mills. Construction of the mills commenced in the 17th Century which transformed the cotton spinning mill industry with its water powered mills.
It’s with thanks and gratitude to our hosts for the night; Gordon and Anita Dowling for making us feel very welcome and giving members an insight into the history of the area and also to Geoff and Cindy for recommending and securing our visit there.
Pictures from the visit feature Gordon in conversation with members, members on the lawn area marvelling at the gardens/plants and the 17th century house where the hosts live and Mr Fruit himself aka Adrian Baggaley identifying heritage fruit varieties in the communal walled garden.
On the 6th of October Adrain Baggaley is hosting the D.A. at his mightily guarded orchard where we’ll be sampling his fruits of the year (well hopefully).
20th November our guest speaker is Adrain Baggaley on Cider & Perry.
Our monthly meetings are February (AGM), March, April, May, October & November.
Meetings are held at ‘Pleasley Miners Welfare,’ Chesterfield Road. NG19 7PD starting around 19:45hrs unless otherwise stated.
Mick Shipley
48 Simply Vegetables
Adrian Baggaley
Gordon in conversation with members
Members on the lawn area