Did you know parsnips are one of the longest taking vegetables to grow! You can plant them in Spring and the won’t be ready till Autumn/Winter. One tip is to leave them in the ground until after the first frost this gives them extra flavour. In this article, we will be explaining how to grow parsnips.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Purchase Parsnip Seeds
Are you wanting to try your hand at growing parsnips? Here you can purchase parsnip seeds directly from Amazon:-
When to Sow, Plant and Harvest Parsnips
Here is our guide to when to sow, plant and harvest parsnips in the UK:-
Sow
March to May
Plant
Not Applicable
Harvest
September to February
Remember these timings are always based on the area you live and the weather you are having.
How to Sow Parsnips
When sowing parsnips some packets will say to sow in February, if I was you I would not listen to this wait until at least end of March/April or even May as this can provide better germination times. The best way to sow parsnip seeds is straight into the ground do not sow them in seed trays.
Prepare the ground ready by getting rid of all the weeds and stones in the ground. Sow the seeds thinly in rows in the ground.
Parsnips like warm soil to germinate so you might want to put a cloche over the top of the ground to keep it warm. This way it will speed up germination. Don’t be worried if you don’t see the shoots straight away as it can take a while for them to germinate.
How to transplant Parsnips
As parsnips are growing where they should and not in seed trays you won’t need to transplant your parsnip plants. The only thing you will need to do is thin the plants out so that there is around 20cm between each plant. Get rid of all the small shoots and leave the best ones growing.
How to harvest Parsnips
At the top of the page we mentioned that you should leave your parsnip roots in the ground until the first frost this will add extra flavour to the roots.
The plants will start to die back at the end of summer. This does not mean they need pulling they can be left in the ground until you actually need them.
When lifting them gently ease them up with a fork being careful not snap the roots off.
How to look after Parsnips
The best way to look after parsnips is to keep them weed free as they don’t like to compete with the weeds for water or nutrients.
Keep the parsnips watered this will stop the roots from splitting.
Parsnip Pests and Diseases
Parsnips can suffer problems like any other fruit and vegetable they can suffer from:-
Canker:- This is when the parsnip will form a red or brown canker on the top of the root. To prevent this make sure you sow them thinly apart and you can also purchase canker resistant varieties.
We hope you have found this page useful on how to grow parsnips. You can find more information on parsnips below.
More information on Parsnips
Do you need to know how to freeze parsnips from the amount that you have grown? You can find out here.
Are you growing apples for the first time in the garden or the allotment? Do you need to know when Apples are in season? Here we will give you all the tips and advice for knowing when to pick those delicious apples from your fruit trees.
Some people are saying that apples are getting riper earlier and earlier each year. Is this down to the climates changing or are people just picking them too early?
The main time for harvesting your apples is the end of September through to October. Depending on the variety of apple tree you plant will be the time it is actually ripe.
How early you are picking your apples from the trees can depend on many factors, the variety of the apples, what the weather was like in spring, when the trees blossomed, if there was enough bees to pollinate your apple trees. The list goes on
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
How do you tell if your apples are ready to pick?
One thing you do not want to do is pick your apples to early. This can be a big mistake with new gardeners. There is a method to do to make sure that your apples are ready to pick and its an easy gardening tip. To check your apples are ready is by putting your palm of the hand under the apple and gently twist. If the apple comes off in your hand easy it is ready. If the apple needs a tug it is not ready to be picked yet and should be left on the tree until the apple is ready for picking.
My apple tree has dropped some fruit
Around July to August your apple tree can drop some apples this is nothing to be worried about. It does not mean they are ready. Most fruit trees will drop some fruit around this time. Be patient and wait until September to try picking your apples.
We hope that you now know when apples are in season and when you should pick them from the tree. To find out more tips and advice check out our plant index here.
Growing rhubarb is very easy and simple it does not take much looking after apart from watering it and feeding it once a year. They also need the crowns splitting every 6-8 years which is also an easy job. You can be picking great rhubarb from the plant over the months and then you may see a rhubarb flower growing. The question is why is the rhubarb flowering? What has caused the rhubarb to flower? Here we will explain why rhubarb flowers and what to do if you notice your rhubarb flowering.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Why is my rhubarb flowering?
Rhubarb is like many other vegetables that flower they can bolt which means it will start to produce a flower on the rhubarb crown. It can also mean the rhubarb is going to seed. You have not done anything wrong when you notice the rhubarb flowering – this is completely normal – most vegetables flower so that they can reproduce and you can grow new plants from it. Sometimes rhubarb varieties can flower more times than others this can be down to the variety or few factors which lead to this.
Heat and stress are a common form causing the rhubarb to flower. If the weather is very warm in Spring time it can confuse the crown and it starts producing the flower. Stress on the plant is when the crown feels threatened so it tries producing more flowers to basically stop its extinction This can be down to if you are not watering the plant enough especially in hot weather. This should be done on a daily basis as rhubarb is made up mainly of water.
What should I do if my rhubarb flowers?
This question is totally up to you. You could save the flower on the plant and save the seeds to grow new plants which is very easy to do. The other option is to do what most gardeners do and is to to chop the flower off at the base. This is the most common method. If you leave the flower on the crown will focus on growing the rhubarb flower rather than growing the stems – it will put all its effort into reproduction.
If you do not want the seeds chop it off at the base as soon as you see it growing. You will still be able to eat the rhubarb stems but remember the rhubarb leaves are poisonous so make sure you dispose of them.
Now you know what to do if a rhubarb flowers and why it flowers. There is no need to worry you know how to fix the rhubarb issue. If you would like to know about forcing rhubarb click here.
Rhubarb is a fantastic fruit to grow in the allotment or the garden as you can get great crops from it if you look after it well. Keeping it well watered when it is growing and feeding it at the beginning of the year will help you get an abundance of crops. The best thing about it is you can actually freeze rhubarb once you have cooked it so it does not take up so much space in the freezer. Here in this article we are going to explain about splitting rhubarb. We will tell you when the best time is to split rhubarb and how to split rhubarb.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Why do you need to split rhubarb?
This is a great question why would you need to split rhubarb if your plant is doing well and producing crops each year? After around 7 years if you don’t split your rhubarb it will not produce as many sticks and the root becomes old and wooden. Splitting the rhubarb root gives the plant a kick and gives it a new lease of life.
Rhubarb is very easy to look after. Lots and lots of water will help the plant gain momentum. What will you be having your rhubarb in will it crumbles, pie or even gin?
When do you split Rhubarb roots?
The most ideal time that you need to split your rhubarb is just around Spring time just before the rhubarb wakes up from it’s winter hibernation and starts producing its shoots. Do it just as the soil starts to warm back up from the wintry days and when it is manageable.
How to split rhubarb crowns
Rhubarb crowns are pretty easy to split and divide the best way is to get your self a standard spade and dig round the root. Carefully ease up the crown, the roots will go down quite far. There is every chance the roots will snap when the crown is lifted as the roots are pretty brittle.
Once you have taken the rhubarb crown out of the ground you can get your spade and spilt the crown into multiple pieces the best way is to have around 3 buds per each section. This is one way of getting more plants in the garden or allotment for free.
Once you have sorted your rhubarb sections out and split it up nicely you need to replant it straight away so that the roots do not dry out. When you replant the sliced up sections they need to be spaced far enough apart so that the clumps are not to near each other. This give the plant room to expand into new big clump.
Water the roots or crowns in well into the soil. You are best not picking from the crown in the first year let the roots take hold in the ground and let the crown settle into it’s new home. Just leave any sticks on it that grow and cut off any flowering stems.
The Spring after just as the crowns are waking back up from the winter break you can put some well rotted manure round the crowns to feed them but not not put the manure on the crown as this can rot it and kill the crown which means you have lost all the work you have put in.
You will be able to pick delicious rhubarb from your new crowns in the second year. It may take a few years for the plants to produce heavy crops but if you keep them well watered and fed you will son be giving it away and be sick of the sight of crumbles and pies.
We hope you have found these tips useful. You can find out where to purchase rhubarb crowns here if you need any. Find out how to grow rhubarb in pots here. If you want to know about how to force rhubarb you can find out our tips here.
Growing butternut squash can be very successful if they are done right and you could be harvesting between 10 and 15 squash per plant. Butternut squash is part of the winter squash family (like pumpkins) You need to wait until the rind has hardened before picking. Butternut squash grows into a great looking and colour squash. This is a popular squash to try growing in the garden or allotment. Will you be trying to grow butternut squash this year?
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Purchase Butternut Squash Seeds
Are you looking at growing butternut squash. Below is a link to Amazon where you can buy the seeds directly through them where it is safe and secure.
When to sow, plant and harvest butternut squash
Knowing when to sow, plant and harvest butternut squash are important. You need to get the timings right when growing squash so you have the most time for these to start growing. Below you can find a table of all the butternut squash information:-
Sow
April to June
Plant
May to June
Harvest
August to October
How to sow butternut squash seeds
When sowing butternut squash seeds you need to think about how long it takes from sowing the seed to harvesting the squash off the plants. It takes around 120 days from planting the seed to harvesting butternut squash so the ideal place to start your seeds is indoors and not outdoors as this will reduce the time you can grow them. If you are growing outdoors you won’t be able to plant the seeds util the chance of frost has passed as this will kill the seedlings and plants off.
To sow your butternut squash seeds indoors the best plan is to plant one seed per small plant pot rather than in seed trays as you will only have to transplant them when they get bigger, this saves chance of upsetting the plants and damaging the roots.
Plant one seed per plant pot but make sure the seed is on it’s side when you sow the seed. Water the plant pot to kick off the germination then you can cover the plant pot with cling film this will keep the plant pot warm and moist. Put the plant pot somewhere warm in a greenhouse that has plenty of light.
How to transplant butternut squash plants
When planting out butternut squash you need to think about how much space you need. Butternut squash vines can reach at least 15ft in total.
You don’t want to plant outdoors till after the chance of frost has passed. This is usually the end of May beginning of June.
Choose a piece of ground that you have cleared, weeded and added some well rotted organic matter too.
You can now plant the butternut squash around 2 meters apart in total. This is so they are not too clustered and can breathe easy.
How to look after Butternut Squash Plants
To look after your butternut squash it is pretty easy all you need to do is keep them weed free, feed them well and keep them watered to help them swell.
How to Harvest Butternut Squash
When you are harvesting butternut squash make sure you harvest them before the first frost comes as this can cause the fruit to rot. Pick them when you are ready to use them but leave them on the vine as long as possible.
When you are often growing fruit and vegetables you often want to know how many will grow on the plant and whether it is worth the time and effort in growing it. So when you are growing pumpkins people often ask how many pumpkins per plant?
There are many factors when growing pumpkins to how many pumpkins you will get on each plant. When growing pumpkins you need to remember they will require a lot of space in the garden as there vines can grow up to 13ft at least and the pumpkin leaves can be really big on the plant.
Some pumpkin plants you can get on average of 5 pumpkins per plant – these are the larger variety of pumpkins. The small variety of pumpkins you can get up to 10 pumpkins sometimes more if you are lucky.
When growing pumpkins it’s all about how much effort you put into the plant to how big they grow on the plant and how many you get on the plant. You will need to keep the plants weed free they do not like fighting for the water and the nutrition from the ground with other plants. Make sure you give the plants lots of water to help them swell and produce large fruit on the plants. Pumpkins are thirst plants and require a good water daily. Do not water them directly next to the stem though as this could rot it and snap it off. Plant a plant pot at the side and water it that way. This lets the water go directly to the roots.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
How many pumpkins do you want from your plants?
This is a very good question. Are you growing pumpkins to get lots to harvest or are you growing them to see how big you can grow them? If you are growing them for size you will only want one or two pumpkins per plant – take off any others that grow. The more that are growing on the plant it will focus on growing them all. If you have one on the plant it will put all its effort into growing you a giant pumpkin.
On average you are best growing at least 3 or 4 per plant any more and you will have lots of vines growing all over your garden making it like a jungle. They will require huge amounts of water and feeding to help them. The less you grow on them the better produce you will get from the plant.
Space for pumpkins
If you do not have much space in your garden or allotment to grow huge pumpkins try going for the smaller varieties of pumpkins. There are more pumpkin varieties than you realize not just the ones you see in the shops in October.
When growing pumpkins you can help direct the vines to where you want them to grow. If they are growing along the ground the vines will root in to help get more water and nutrition from the ground. Some people grow pumpkins over arched trellis so they are not covering the ground and you will be able to see the pumpkins hanging down.
If you are growing the large pumpkins they will require a huge amount of space. Try growing them down the edge of your garden or somewhere you can help control the pumpkin plant vines.
When planting the pumpkin plants out plant the pumpkin plants at least 5 ft apart from one another. Do not over crowd the plants.
Make sure you keep them watered everyday especially in dry summers. Pumpkins are made up mainly of water around 90% of it. This means they need the water or the pumpkin will not grow and the harvest will not be very good.
More information about pumpkins
Here we list some more subjects which may help you in growing pumpkins at home and the allotment:-
Pumpkins come in all different shapes, sizes and colours they are not just the ones that you will see in the supermarket for Halloween. In this article, we will provide you with all the different pumpkin varieties UK. Which variety of pumpkin will you try growing next in the UK?
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Blue Hokkaido Pumpkin
This pumpkin variety comes in a small size not like your usual pumpkin. It is a beautiful blue/grey colour on the skin and a golden flesh on the inside. This pumpkin is often used for dessert dishes and also for your savory dishes.
When growing this variety of pumpkin it requires a lot of space like other pumpkins as it can grow between 3-10 pumpkins per plant. So it produces some great crops.
The Blue Hokkaido Pumpkin is also known as Blue Kuri squash. This variety is defiantly worth a try at growing in the UK. You can get seeds from the link below.
This variety of pumpkin is related to the butternut squash. This variety of pumpkin obviously comes from the area Long Island and is a popular growing pumpkin here.
The pumpkin variety is a heirloom variety. It is often thought to look like a wheel of cheese. Obviously it does not taste like cheese. When deciding what to cook with it use it like you would butternut squash.
The Long Island Pumpkin is a popular variety to grow at the allotment and at home with great crops. You can purchase seeds for the Long Island Pumpkin in the link below. Will you try growing this variety.
The Rouge VIF D’ETAMPES Pumpkin is also a heirloom variety pumpkin. It is also known as the Cinderella Pumpkin from the Disney film. They actually used this variety of pumpkin to draw the pictures.
This variety of pumpkin started it’s time off in America but is extremely popular in France. It is often used in Autumnal displays and Harvest displays.
To look at the Rouge VIF D’ETAMPES Pumpkin it is slightly flat looking.
If you would like to grow this Disney fairytale pumpkin you can purchase seeds from the link below.
Sugar pumpkins sometimes get confused with the pumpkins you buy for Halloween but they are a lot smaller and sweeter.
These pumpkins are ideal for pureeing, roasting and steaming with. They taste amazing and the inside of the texture will go creamy when you are cooking with them.
These are a lot smaller than the large ones which you tend to buy round October, as these are smaller they are much better for cooking with. If your recipe is to use a pumpkin this would be the one you are best choosing. You can purchase Sugar Pumpkin seeds below for planting.
White pumpkins used to be uncommon to see but they are popping up more and more around the world. Especially as they are great to look at.
As well as them being called the white pumpkin they can be called :- albino pumpkin, ghost pumpkin, Snowball, Casper, Lumina, Baby Boo, and Cotton Candy Pumpkin.
These pumpkins are grown like other pumpkins and will take around 90 days to grow from planting the seed through to harvesting them.
These are quite popular for Halloween now as they are a lot easier to carve than the standard organe pumpkin.
If you would like to grow these ghostly pumpkins you can click the link below to purchase them.
We hope you have found the Pumpkin Varieties UK useful. Do you want to know what is the best way to store Pumpkins? Here you can find out the best way.
Patty Pan squash growing can be great fun plus you will get some amazing results. They are certainly shaped strangely. They are sometimes called Scallop Squash or have the resemblance to flying saucers. Why not get the children involved in growing this funny-looking squash. These can also be called scallop squash from the shape of them.
Patty Pan Squash is part of the summer squash range. They grow on plants that are similar to courgettes or Zucchini. If you look after the plant you will get great crops from them producing mild-tasting squash. They can come in three different colours white, green or yellow.
On this page we will go through Patty Pan squash growing from seed through to harvesting them. We will also explain how to care for Patty Pan squash.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Purchase Patty Pan Squash seeds
Would you like to try growing Patty Pan squash? Here you can purchase seeds direct from Amazon from the link below.
When to sow, plant and harvest Patty Pan squash
Knowing when to sow seeds, plant the plants and harvest the produce is valuable information. Here you can find out the times for the UK:-
Sow
April to May
Plant
May to June
Harvest
July to October
How to sow Patty Pan Squash Seeds
When sowing Patty Pan squash seeds you can either plant them straight into the ground when the weather has warmed up or you can plant them in plant pots in a greenhouse or somewhere warm. This way you can get them started earlier and extend the growing season which will produce more crops.
To sow Patty Pan seeds in plant pots you will only require smallish pots but if you start them in pots rather than trays you won’t need to transplant them and it will not damage the roots.
Plant one seed per plant pot using multipurpose compost and then water the plant pot to help with germination. Put the plant pot somewhere warm and light to start your seed growing. You can even put some cling film over the pot to keep it warm and moist acting as an insulation.
How to transplant Patty Pan Squash plants
When you are planting Patty Pan plants you need to think about how much space they take up on the allotment or garden. The vines on these plant can reach up to 6ft so will require a lot of space between each plant. Patty Pan Plants have both male and female flowers so will need a few plants nearby to help with pollination of the flowers.
Plant your Patty Pan Squash plants into a hole that has compost and fertilizer in it to help make the soil rich and well drained.
How to look after Patty Pan Plants
Your squash plants will require you to keep them well watered as this helps swell the fruit and make them produce more. If they are not watered regularly they may drop the flowers or the fruit will go rotten.
You can also add some mulch to the soil round the plants to keep them moist and damp. But do not put it round the stem as this could cause the stem to rot and snap off.
Another tip is to put a plant pot buried into the ground next to the plant and water into that. This way the water will go to the roots and not the stem causing it to rot off.
When the plant starts producing the fruit you can feed them every 14 days with a high potash fertilizer.
How to harvest Patty Pan Squash
When growing Patty Pan squash they can take anywhere from 45-70 days from planting to harvesting. With these squash, you can pick them at any size from 2 inches across or until they are a lot bigger the choice is totally down to you. The best time to pick them is when they are smaller so they are tastier.
Do you fancy learning how to grow spaghetti squash? Find out our tips and advice here.
Growing Spaghetti Squash can be exciting with great rewards from the plant if they are looked after. You can either grow Spaghetti squash along the ground or up a frame. The choice is totally down to you and obviously depending on how much space you actually have in the garden as the plant can take up a lot of space. Here we will share with you all the tips for growing Spaghetti Squash and how to get great results.
Spaghetti is part of the Winter squash variety. Spaghetti squash gets it name from once it is cooked and you open it up it looks like spaghetti noodles pasta.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Winter Squash
As mentioned above the Spaghetti squash is part of the winter squash family. Part of the winter squash family is butternut squash, Acorn Squash, Banana Squash, Buttercup Squash, Pumpkin plus lots more.
You won’t find any other winter squash like this variety, most winter squash are creamy on the inside whereas this one is stringy like spaghetti.
Purchase Spaghetti Squash Seeds
Do you fancy growing Spaghetti Squash plants at your garden or allotment. Here you can find the link from Amazon to purchase these seeds.
When to sow, plant and harvest Spaghetti Squash
Here you can find out when in the UK is the best time to sow, plant and harvest Spaghetti Squash. Knowing the right time to plant these is critical to getting as many crops as possible.
Sow
April to May
Plant
May to June
Harvest
July to October
How to sow Spaghetti Squash Seeds
When sowing spaghetti squash seeds you need to think about how long they take to grow from seed to harvest. You are looking at around 100 days in total. So ideally you should be starting them off indoors this way you can start them in March. You can also plant them outdoors straight in the ground but they will need the warmth to germinate plus they can get attached while the plant is young.
To sow your spaghetti squash seeds indoors the best practice is to plant one seed per small plant pot that way when they grow you won’t need to transplant them to bigger pots before planting them out. When sowing the squash seeds sow them on their sides.
Once you have sown your squash seeds in a plant pot water it and put it somewhere light and warm to help the seed germinate.
If you are sowing your spaghetti squash seeds outdoors sow them in May as they need temperatures of around 21 degrees.
How to transplant Spaghetti Squash plants
When thinking about growing Spaghetti Squash plants outside you need to look at where you are going to be growing them as they can take up a lot of space. They create a vine which can grow for meters and the leaves will cover the garden.
You don’t really want to be planting your squash plants outdoors until the beginning of June or the end of May when the cold frosty mornings have gone.
Before planting out your Spaghetti squash you will need to harden the plants off by fetching them outside for a week and taking them back in. This will let the plants get used to the temperature and will not shock the plants when you plant them out.
To plant out your squash create a hole and add some compost and some fertiliser then you can plant the plant. When spacing them out make sure they are around 1.5 meters apart as they can spread really far.
How to look after Spaghetti Squash Plants
To get the best out of your squash plants keep the soil moist as they will need the water to grow fantastic squash. The best way is to plant a plant pot at the side and water into that then the water will go directly into the roots. Do not water round the plant as this can cause the stem to rot and break off killing your plant.
When you see the fruits on your spaghetti squash plants start to swell you can feed them every 2 weeks with a high potash feed. This will help the plant produce better crops and bigger fruits.
Do not let the fruit sit directly on the soil as this can cause the fruit to rot. Place a tile underneath it so it’s not touching the soil.
How to Harvest Spaghetti Squash
To harvest spaghetti squash is different to summer squash, you need to let the fruit mature on the plant and pick them before the first frost comes. Summer squash you pick when they are quite small.
Welcome to the world of allotments near you, where the joy of gardening meets the convenience of proximity. If you’re searching for “allotments to rent near me,” you’re on the right path to discovering a local oasis where you can cultivate, grow, and harvest your own piece of nature. Allotments provide not just a space for gardening but a community hub, a place to connect with fellow enthusiasts, and a haven for sustainable living.
In this introduction, we’ll guide you through the benefits of renting an allotment nearby, the joys of local gardening, and how these communal spaces can become your personal sanctuary for green-thumb adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your horticultural journey, the allure of allotments near you awaits, promising a fulfilling and rewarding experience right in your local community.
Allotments are used to be extremely popular years ago and then they seemed to drop off the radar for quite a few years. However, the interest in growing your own vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers has taken off again with a bang. Everyone is wanting to try growing their own pumpkins, lettuce, carrots plus lots more. The waiting lists for allotments started to back up when the coronavirus hit as people were wanting to take up this hobby. Allotments are also popular as most new houses don’t have big gardens so they don’t have the space to grow their own produce. Here you will be able to find allotments to rent around the UK and near you.
Around the UK there are thousands of allotment sites available to rent from your local council or you can rent one from a private association.
Over the coming months, we will be adding all the allotments around the UK on this site and a way or means that you can contact them.
If your allotment site is not on here you can send me an email at [email protected].
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Gardening With Ben Podcasts
Did you know that I am an award-winning podcaster winning the award for best Gardening Podcast in the Grow your Own Magazine Awards 2021. You can listen to our regular gardening podcasts on any platform Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Alexa plus lots more – search Gardening with Ben and you will find my podcasts. You can listen to my latest podcast below:-
Council Allotments:-
Council allotments are designated pieces of land provided by local authorities for individuals or communities to cultivate and grow their own plants, fruits, and vegetables. These allotments are typically leased to residents or gardening enthusiasts who seek to engage in sustainable and organic gardening practices.
Key features of council allotments include:
Community Spaces: Council allotments serve as communal spaces where people from the community come together to garden and share their passion for cultivating plants.
Gardening Opportunities: Individuals or groups can lease a plot of land to grow a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Sustainable Practices: Council allotments often encourage sustainable and eco-friendly gardening methods, such as composting, water conservation, and organic cultivation.
Health and Well-being: Gardening is known to have numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, physical activity, and fostering a connection with nature. Council allotments provide a therapeutic and outdoor space for individuals to enjoy these benefits.
Community Engagement: These allotments create opportunities for community members to engage with one another, share gardening tips, and build a sense of camaraderie.
Local Authority Support: Local councils typically manage and oversee these allotments, ensuring that the plots are allocated fairly, rules are followed, and the spaces are well-maintained.
Educational Opportunities: Council allotments may also serve as educational hubs where workshops, gardening classes, and events are organized to promote gardening knowledge and skills.
Environmental Impact: By promoting green spaces within urban areas, council allotments contribute to biodiversity, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance the overall environmental quality of the community.
Council allotments play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community, promoting sustainable living, and providing individuals with the opportunity to connect with nature through hands-on gardening experiences.
Private allotments are exclusive parcels of land designated for personal cultivation and gardening. These individual plots are typically owned or leased by individuals, families, or gardening enthusiasts who seek a private space to grow a variety of plants, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Unlike communal or council allotments, private allotments provide a more personalized and secluded gardening experience.
Key features of private allotments include:
Personal Gardening Spaces: Private allotments offer individuals the opportunity to have their own dedicated piece of land for gardening. This allows for a personalized approach to cultivation and landscaping.
Exclusive Ownership: Unlike communal or council-managed allotments, private allotments are often owned or leased by individuals. This provides a sense of ownership and control over the gardening space.
Versatile Cultivation: Gardeners on private allotments have the freedom to cultivate a wide range of plants based on personal preferences. This may include growing organic vegetables, cultivating flowers, or experimenting with different gardening techniques.
Privacy and Tranquility: Private allotments provide a more secluded and tranquil environment compared to communal spaces. This allows individuals to enjoy a peaceful and private gardening experience.
Customized Land Use: Gardeners can customize their private allotments to suit their gardening goals. This may involve creating themed gardens, installing structures like sheds or greenhouses, or experimenting with various landscaping designs.
Family Gardening: Private allotments are ideal for families looking to engage in gardening activities together. Children can learn about cultivation, nature, and sustainable living in a private and secure environment.
Freedom to Experiment: Gardeners on private allotments have the freedom to experiment with different gardening methods, techniques, and plant varieties without the constraints of communal rules.
Educational Opportunities: Private allotments provide a learning environment where individuals can enhance their gardening skills, learn about sustainable practices, and share knowledge with other private plot owners.
Social Connection: While private allotments offer solitude, some communities organize events or gatherings where private plot owners can come together, fostering a sense of community and shared interests.
Private allotments cater to individuals seeking a more intimate and tailored gardening experience, allowing them to create a personal oasis where they can connect with nature and enjoy the fruits of their labor in a secluded setting.
Do you need tips on how to start an allotment from scratch? Here we have all the tips for starting your first plot. Find out here!
Conclusion
As we conclude this exploration of allotments near you, we hope the prospect of renting a plot has sparked excitement about the possibilities that lie just around the corner. Allotments are not just about cultivating plants; they are about fostering a connection with your community, enjoying the therapeutic benefits of gardening, and contributing to a sustainable and local way of life.
Whether you envision growing your favorite vegetables, cultivating vibrant flowers, or simply immersing yourself in the natural rhythm of your local allotment, the possibilities are boundless. Allotments near you offer a sanctuary where you can escape the hustle and bustle, dig into the soil, and cultivate a sense of belonging within your community.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a green journey right in your neighborhood, renting an allotment near you is a fantastic way to reap the rewards of local gardening. Dive into the world of community, growth, and sustainable living that awaits you in the shared green spaces just a stone’s throw away. Happy gardening!
Top 10 Questions and Answers
Q: How can I find available allotments for rent near me?
A: You can inquire with your local council, visit their website, or contact community gardening groups to get information on available allotments in your area.
Q: What is the typical process for renting an allotment plot?
A: The process often involves contacting the local council or allotment association, completing an application, and, if there’s availability, being assigned a plot.
Q: Are there specific qualifications or criteria for renting an allotment?
A: Qualifications vary by location, but generally, anyone with an interest in gardening can rent an allotment. Some areas may prioritize residents or have specific eligibility criteria.
Q: What is the average cost of renting an allotment in my area?
A: Costs vary widely, and they depend on factors such as location, plot size, and local policies. Contact your local council or allotment association for specific pricing details.
Q: Are there waiting lists for allotments, and how long is the typical wait time?
A: Many allotment sites have waiting lists. Wait times can range from a few months to several years, depending on demand and plot availability.
Q: Can I visit the allotment site before renting to assess conditions and the community atmosphere?
A: Yes, visiting the site is often encouraged. It allows you to see the conditions, meet other plot holders, and assess if the allotment community aligns with your preferences.
Q: What are the community rules or guidelines for renting an allotment plot?
A: Each allotment site may have its own set of rules and guidelines. These often include guidelines on cultivation practices, maintenance, and communal areas.
Q: Is there a governing body overseeing allotment rentals, and how can I get in touch with them?
A: The local council or an allotment association typically oversees allotment rentals. Contact your local council office or search online for the relevant association’s contact information.
Q: Are there additional resources or local groups providing information about allotments for rent?
A: Community gardening groups, local gardening clubs, and online platforms often share information about allotment rentals. Joining these groups can be a valuable resource.
Q: Can I request a specific allotment plot or location when renting?
A: It depends on the policies of the local council or allotment association. Some may allow preferences, while others allocate plots based on availability and a fair distribution system.
These questions and answers can help individuals navigate the process of renting an allotment and understand the key factors involved in securing a plot.
