THE YEAR AHEAD

CHILLI PEPPERS

I thought I had the hottest chilli pepper in the world, the Bhut Jolokia, growing in my polytunnel. It seems that as of March 1st, 2011 the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T has topped the records reaching 1463700 Scolville units. Dammit!

Scolville units aside, I have also planted Hungarian Wax, Cayenne and Scotch Bonnets. For more contained plants, I have used 15 to 20 cm pots to constrain the roots, and encourage fruit production by using a general feed followed by a tomato feed when peppers appear.

Last years’ crop, which was planted in the ground, produced massive plants with too many chillies: I threaded them through the stem and hung them in a well ventilated place to dry. They can be used as you would fresh chillies or crush them in a pepper mill or coffee grinder to make chilli flakes or powder.

QUID PRO QUO

I might have learnt next to nothing about growing food or being more self-sufficient: some you win and some you loose as they say around here when it comes to crops. One thing I have noticed in these last few years is that you give to the soil and the soil gives back to you; there is a reciprocal relationship. A rich in manure medium will produce the fattest of cabbages, while nutrient depleted grounds will be insufficient even for one serving. If a patch of ground is planted year after year to exhaustion, crops will diminish progressively. This is applicable to all things: our relationship to other plot-holders and neighbours, our participation in work weekends and events, attendance to meetings and AGMs, the site and the allotments in general, just to mention a few. I sometimes remember the kindness of someone leaving tomatoes for all at the gate or the wildflowers on the path that we planted together during a work weekend and all is saved.

TO GROW AND HARVEST

The plots are in full swing at the moment. Gluts of runner beans sweet corn and cauliflower are being blanched and frozen. The beds where new potatoes grew are now full of dwarf french beans for a later crop. Brassicas are planted in succession for winter greens and an early crop next year. Pumpkins can now be seen dotted around gaining weight for the October competition. Tomatoes are ripe and peppers and chillies are on their way.

MARK’S TIPS NO.1

One of the best ways to conserve water is to collect rain on a day like today in your water butt; but hot and humid weather encourages algae formation on the surface.

Mark’s solution to this problem is to place a length of copper pipe in the tank to get rid of it. The copper  is used for this purpose much like the pennies from way back when (copper content of 95%) placed in aquariums and the shop-bought copper sulphate for ponds and swimming pools.

I will give it a go.

By the way, mosquitoes will find the micro-climate of the water butt perfect for inhabitation too. An organic washing-up liquid will form a fine film on the water surface, which prevents them from laying eggs or larvae from emerging for oxygen.

COMPOSTING TOILET ARRIVES ON SITE

To see all of it’s eco-friendly features go to http://www.natsol.co.uk/

RAIN (AT LAST)

ALLOTMENT ENVY

Despite the dry weather, the allotments are gradually turning lush green. Loads of seedlings are now planted and the later crops are in the making. More and more people are showing up with the spell of good weather and ripe strawberries and salads,

…The first radishes, as planted by Robert among the rows of potatoes and the last of Mark’s over-wintering cauliflower (great aloo gobi) are ready to harvest. With this weather and a bit more rain a great season awaits.

PATH UPDATE

Along the newly cleared path, the native hedge between allotment and houses is being planted. Our friends from Transition Brockley have shared with us their bee friendly meadow seeds, which were planted on the path borders: thanks Fran.

WORKS

As the last of the slow worms is salvaged from the site by “the reptile lady” as she was known to plot holders, the machines start to clear-up the site from years and years of rubbish and fly-tipping.

Some of the crushed concrete is laid onto what will be the communal area and new entrance. Parts for the future composting toilet are arriving this week!