Frequently asked questions?
1. What does it take to become an allotmenteer?
Growing fruits and vegetables can be demanding, and does require commitment, but brings with it an enormous amount of satisfaction. Knowledge of basic principles, thoughtful planning, good preparation, and, above all, time spent in regular care of growing crops, are crucial to success.
2. How much time would I need to spend on the allotment each week to make it work?
The time you put in will be rewarded in the amount you get out of it. However, a minimum of two hours a week in the first few weeks to prepare and sow seeds would be necessary. After that, regular visits to inspect for pests and diseases, and to control the weeds is necessary.
3. How do I get started on the allotment?
First of all, draw a plan (to scale) of the allotment. Make allowances for paths, borders, etc. It's fascinatingly interesting after you get started. Next, take inventory of your likes and dislikes in vegetables. Put down on paper every vegetable you wish to grow. Read More>>
4. What are the main pests and diseases I should look out for?
Cabbage Caterpillars: Cabbages and other brassicas can be extensively holed by caterpillar feeding by the end of summer. Holes are eaten in the outer leaves of all brassicas and damage may also be seen on the inner leaves of cabbages when the heart is cut through. Caterpillars and their excrement are often found on the plants. Read More >>
5. What is the most common mistake beginners make?
The most common mistake that beginners make is not asking enough questions? Never be afraid to ask us what you should do in any particular instance. Experience is a great thing and you build it over years of practice. We all learn from our mistakes but we can reduce them by learning from others too.
6. Where would I learn more about growing vegetables and fruits?
There are many good books out there and the web is also very useful. Gardening courses are becoming more popular as more people are getting back to growing their own vegetables. We run a Basic Gardening Course, from March onwards which is hands on, learning everything from growing seeds, transplanting, preparing the ground and protecting the vegetables from the common pests and diseases.
7. Where can I buy seeds, plants, equipment and tools from?
All good garden centres and hardware shops sell equipment and seeds. Some of the garden centres will sell the young plants also. At the Big Tree Allotments we raise our own plants in our tunnels chemically free and sell them at very reasonable prices. We also sell a wide range of seeds, garden equipment and tools in our Garden Shop.
8. How do I know when to water?
Automatic irrigation systems are expensive and not really an option on allotments. The next step is targeted watering - different crops need water at different times. Water peas and beans when they are flowering and again as the pods swell. Leafy crops, such as lettuce and spinach, will benefit from supplementary watering about two weeks before you plan to harvest them. Onions and leeks only need watering to get them established. Sweetcorn should be watered as it comes into flower. Tomatoes need watering twice weekly from flowering - watch out for blossom end rot where the end of the fruit turns brown. This is a symptom of inconsistent watering and can be rectified by more regular watering. Other than this, only water if plants are actually wilting.
9. Will my vegetables survive if I go on holidays?
Generally with a little advanced planning they will be fine. In the height of the growing season vegetables may need some watering if there is no rain for a couple of weeks. If you inform us that you are going on holidays we can arrange to water where necessary.
10. What can I do with my vegetable waste?
Most of the outer leaves and roots of vegetable plants may be composted in our bins provided. Alternatively you may keep a compost bin on your allotment. Read more >>
11. What vegetables can grow in the winter?
There are some really robust vegetables that can put up with our cold winters, ensuring that you have a supply of vegetables throughout the winter months. Read More >>