Page 16 - ALG Issue 4 2018

Regular
Seasonal jobs to do...
December, January & February
1
16
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GENERAL
2018 will long be remembered for the unpredictable nature of the weather. The year started with snow, heavy rains and the cold
wet weather, all accompanied with strong gale force winds culminating with the ‘Beast from the
East’ sweeping across the country providing blizzard conditions and freezing
temperatures. There
seemed to be no
end in sight to the long cold winter.
As April eased into May the weather delivered some respite. At last the sun began to shine, but who could have foreseen the long hot summer delivering almost twelve
weeks of scorching
Mediterranean
weather? Climate
experts have warned
us that we could
experience similar hot, dry summer conditions for at least the next four years. Never has “Hope for the best but plan for the worst” seemed more appropriate. Still, as we always say at this time of the year; “Try to get on with winter digging when the weather and soil conditions allow!”
OUTSIDE
Apart from digging and clearing the land, carry out a safety check. Sheds need to be made watertight and secure; inspect them for any loose or flapping boards and sheets. Replace and repair any that present a risk to other plotholders, site visitors
and neighbouring properties. On both greenhouses and sheds all doors, windows and vents should be secured (locked preferably) against high winds. Check over and dispose of liquid fertilisers, chemicals, and weedkillers that are stored in glass or plastic containers. These could freeze in the winter, splitting open and spilling their contents everywhere. By next spring to summer they won’t be reliably effective as fresh 2019 stock anyway.
DECEMBER
Plant – During December the light levels are low, days are at their shortest and the soil is becoming colder, but provided the soil isn’t too wet or frozen, it is safe to continue planting fruit trees and bushes up to the middle of the month. Don’t worry if you can’t get on the land as long as the plants are heeled in the job can be carried out next February. Always check on newly planted trees and bushes after a frost. As the water in the soil freezes it expands raising the root ball above the soil. When the soil has thawed gently re-firm the plant using your heel. Earth up winter brassicas.
Fruit – Inspect all ties and stakes
on fruit trees, replacing rotten or damaged stakes that may snap
in winter gales. It is safer to completely renew all tree ties at this time of the season. It will also prevent ties becoming too tight next summer. Always use a soft string, never use wire. Also look at the base area where the trunk or shoots of fruit trees and bushes enter the soil. In windy conditions the trees and bushes swing around creating a crater where water can puddle and freeze. Once again remove or allow the water to drain before refilling the hollow either with soil or using the heel of your boot to re-firm the soil.
GREENHOUSE
Make time for carrying out a safety inspection and thorough clean up. Secure loose panes, replacing any damaged/cracked panes of glass. Remove any dead plants, clean the glass outside and inside. Throw any leftover potting compost on the
soil. It is always safest to start the new season with fresh sowing and potting compost.
HARVEST
From the plot - Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, kale, leeks, Oriental vegetables, parsnips
Out of store – beetroot, carrots, onions, potatoes