It's the best time of year to join in a food growing project. If you sow seeds now, there's a good chance they'll germinate quickly and reward you with food in next to no time.
Down at the Lost Plot at Southern Allotments, Chorlton, we've already got plenty of salads - three types of rocket and some very spicey mustard greens - and there's loads of chard and spinach to harvest too.
Best of all, there's a polytunnel, so we're putting in tomatoes and cucumbers and waiting for the sunshine to do its work.
But there's lots of time to think about sowing seeds for later in the summer and for overwintering too. So, whatever you like eating, there's probably enough time to start sowing.
If you can't do weekends, we've got a Thursday evening sessions from 6pm, or else we meet Sundays from 1pm. Don't be shy, come and give us a try!
Everyone's welcome, no previous growing experience necessary. We're actively seeking new volunteers, so get in touch or just come down and shout over the fence.
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Chorlton's Big Green Happening Saturday 26 April
Just a reminder that it's the Chorlton Big Green Happening this Saturday 26 April 1 - 5pm at St Clement's.
Action for Sustainable Living are taking a stall and the Lost Plot will be joining in.
Come and along and say hello if you're wanting to get started on growing your own food, getting involved in an allotment or being part of a community garden project. We're actively looking for new members, so you'll be welcomed with open arms.
More details at http://chorltonbiggreenhappening.wordpress.com/
Things are hotting up down at the Lost Plot. A Community Commitment day saw Southway Housing sorting out a gate on the pond and a door to the fruit cage, as well as building a pergola.
Taking full advantage of the sunshine and days off over Easter, we've been preparing beds, spreading manure and sorting out the polytunnel. The rocket is delicious and there's more spinach and chard than we know what to do with...
Now is the time to start sowing whatever you want to eat later in the year. Sarah is all set on green beans of any variety and I've stocked the propagator with tomato seeds. Fingers crossed for good germination and a bumper crop.
Anyone interested in joining us, just give me a call. As well as Sundays, we'll be starting Thursday evenings at 6pm from the first week in May. Come along and have a taste of the fresh rocket - you'll be hooked!
We've got a work day on Sunday 4th May, when we're wanting extra help so that we can open up the remaining beds. If you can spare an hour or two to help us get the site looking ship shape, there'll be rewards in heaven - or perhaps a slice of homemade cake!
Action for Sustainable Living are taking a stall and the Lost Plot will be joining in.
Come and along and say hello if you're wanting to get started on growing your own food, getting involved in an allotment or being part of a community garden project. We're actively looking for new members, so you'll be welcomed with open arms.
More details at http://chorltonbiggreenhappening.wordpress.com/
Things are hotting up down at the Lost Plot. A Community Commitment day saw Southway Housing sorting out a gate on the pond and a door to the fruit cage, as well as building a pergola.
Taking full advantage of the sunshine and days off over Easter, we've been preparing beds, spreading manure and sorting out the polytunnel. The rocket is delicious and there's more spinach and chard than we know what to do with...
Now is the time to start sowing whatever you want to eat later in the year. Sarah is all set on green beans of any variety and I've stocked the propagator with tomato seeds. Fingers crossed for good germination and a bumper crop.
Anyone interested in joining us, just give me a call. As well as Sundays, we'll be starting Thursday evenings at 6pm from the first week in May. Come along and have a taste of the fresh rocket - you'll be hooked!
We've got a work day on Sunday 4th May, when we're wanting extra help so that we can open up the remaining beds. If you can spare an hour or two to help us get the site looking ship shape, there'll be rewards in heaven - or perhaps a slice of homemade cake!
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Spring is in the air
Spring is nearly here - you can feel it! Snowdrops nodding, aconites spreading and it's positively warm in the polytunnel when the sun is shining.
So, if you're thinking of getting involved in a bit of food growing but don't know where to start, why not come down to the Lost Plot, one of Chorlton's community allotments?
We're actively seeking new members, because we need to get a head start and plan what we're going to grow for the coming season.
You can do as little or as much as you want, come every week, come occasionally, come with friends or come on your own. There's plenty to do and always someone to have a chat to if you're a complete beginner.
This year, we'd still like to create a permanent asparagus bed, there's loads of salads to start off in the polytunnel and we're very keen to get cracking on the strawberry patch.
All welcome - either give us a call or just drop by on Sundays from 1pm. There's often someone there on Saturdays too!
Here comes the sun...I can feel it!
So, if you're thinking of getting involved in a bit of food growing but don't know where to start, why not come down to the Lost Plot, one of Chorlton's community allotments?
We're actively seeking new members, because we need to get a head start and plan what we're going to grow for the coming season.
You can do as little or as much as you want, come every week, come occasionally, come with friends or come on your own. There's plenty to do and always someone to have a chat to if you're a complete beginner.
This year, we'd still like to create a permanent asparagus bed, there's loads of salads to start off in the polytunnel and we're very keen to get cracking on the strawberry patch.
All welcome - either give us a call or just drop by on Sundays from 1pm. There's often someone there on Saturdays too!
Here comes the sun...I can feel it!
Saturday, 11 January 2014
NEW YEAR NEW MEMBERS WANTED!
Happy New Year!
Despite the weather we'll be down at the Lost Plot on the Southern Allotments site this Sunday and every Sunday from 1pm - 4pm.
If you've been wanting to create a peaceful oasis, get back to nature or just grow a few veggies but think it's all going to be a bit much on your own, then why not come down to the Lost Plot and share the work with a few like-minded allotment gardeners?
The Lost Plot is actively looking for new members, so now's your chance to plan the future fruit and veg crops that you would like to eat.
Or, if you're on the waiting list for your own allotment, then why not keep your hand in and get some practice at the Lost Plot in the meantime?
There's plenty of jobs to be going on with, and a little gentle exercise is what's needed to jump-start the New Year and shed those Christmas pounds.
Despite the weather we'll be down at the Lost Plot on the Southern Allotments site this Sunday and every Sunday from 1pm - 4pm.
If you've been wanting to create a peaceful oasis, get back to nature or just grow a few veggies but think it's all going to be a bit much on your own, then why not come down to the Lost Plot and share the work with a few like-minded allotment gardeners?
The Lost Plot is actively looking for new members, so now's your chance to plan the future fruit and veg crops that you would like to eat.
Or, if you're on the waiting list for your own allotment, then why not keep your hand in and get some practice at the Lost Plot in the meantime?
There's plenty of jobs to be going on with, and a little gentle exercise is what's needed to jump-start the New Year and shed those Christmas pounds.
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Very Social Annual General Meeting
Annual General Meeting
Thursday 24 October 2013
Buckthorne House, Buckthorne Close, off Nell Lane, Chorlton
7pm - 8.30pm
Your chance to have your say and find out more about the community allotment, The Lost Plot.
We garden every Sunday from 1pm and new members are always welcome. We've got two plots, a pond, polytunnel, greenhouse and sheds plus a self-built clay oven! We garden together and all produce is shared. Whatever you want to eat, you can plant.
Why not come along to our AGM and meet the team.
For more info contact Clare on 07595 873221
Thursday 24 October 2013
Buckthorne House, Buckthorne Close, off Nell Lane, Chorlton
7pm - 8.30pm
Your chance to have your say and find out more about the community allotment, The Lost Plot.
We garden every Sunday from 1pm and new members are always welcome. We've got two plots, a pond, polytunnel, greenhouse and sheds plus a self-built clay oven! We garden together and all produce is shared. Whatever you want to eat, you can plant.
Why not come along to our AGM and meet the team.
For more info contact Clare on 07595 873221
Friday, 7 June 2013
PRE-SUMMER TIDY UP
Oh dear
A little sunshine, lots of rain, two weeks of sunshine and a Bank Holiday and what do you get? That's right,weeds springing up everywhere and grass that's grown a foot. So, a big plea to anyone with any time on their hands to come and put a couple of hours in down at the Lost Plot on Sunday.
Polytunnel is looking good with tomatoes, cucumbers, chillies and salads growing. One raised bed is full and the other needs planting out.
There's still some manure to shift from the road, so anyone in need of exercise can kill two birds with one stone. I did my share last week and weeded and manured three beds - I'm still waiting for the gold clock...
Some more work needs to be done on the permanent beds - I'm determined to make the asparagus bed this year!!
Anything you want to eat, come down and sow in modules or plant direct and plan ahead for the winter months.
Will be keeping my eye on the extra potatoes and saving some to put in the polytunnel for a winter bonus.
Don't forget every Sunday from 1pm, come down and enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise and some nice food.
A little sunshine, lots of rain, two weeks of sunshine and a Bank Holiday and what do you get? That's right,weeds springing up everywhere and grass that's grown a foot. So, a big plea to anyone with any time on their hands to come and put a couple of hours in down at the Lost Plot on Sunday.
Polytunnel is looking good with tomatoes, cucumbers, chillies and salads growing. One raised bed is full and the other needs planting out.
There's still some manure to shift from the road, so anyone in need of exercise can kill two birds with one stone. I did my share last week and weeded and manured three beds - I'm still waiting for the gold clock...
Some more work needs to be done on the permanent beds - I'm determined to make the asparagus bed this year!!
Anything you want to eat, come down and sow in modules or plant direct and plan ahead for the winter months.
Will be keeping my eye on the extra potatoes and saving some to put in the polytunnel for a winter bonus.
Don't forget every Sunday from 1pm, come down and enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise and some nice food.
Monday, 29 April 2013
OPEN MEETING CHANGE OF DATE
DATE: THURSDAY 2ND MAY
VENUE: DULCIMER, WILBRAHAM ROAD, CHORLTON
TIME:7.30PM
All welcome. Come along and find out a bit more about The Lost Plot and meet those of us already involved.
Sunday is our normal meeting day, but from now on, there should be someone down at the Plot on Thursday evenings too.
Anything you want to grow? Don't have a polytunnel or greenhouse? Then why not come and join us at the Lost Plot and you can grow things uncover to your heart's content...
VENUE: DULCIMER, WILBRAHAM ROAD, CHORLTON
TIME:7.30PM
All welcome. Come along and find out a bit more about The Lost Plot and meet those of us already involved.
Sunday is our normal meeting day, but from now on, there should be someone down at the Plot on Thursday evenings too.
Anything you want to grow? Don't have a polytunnel or greenhouse? Then why not come and join us at the Lost Plot and you can grow things uncover to your heart's content...
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Sunshine at last!
Fabulous day at the allotment. The heat inside the polytunnel was tremendous and the salads are really coming on.
First go at planting the potatoes - first earlies and salad blue have gone in, but there's plenty more for next week, including the gorgeous pink fir apples.
The Plot is looking very neat and tidy in parts, but we still need to get to grips with the permanent asparagus bed. I've been saying it for ages - years? - but this year I'm determined, let's get it prepped and cleared and put those crowns in. Thereafter, glorious asparagus tips year on year on year...
Sorry drifted off.
OPEN MEETING
THURSDAY 25 APRIL
7.30PM
DULCIMER
WILBRAHAM ROAD, CHORLTON
Come along and hear what we get up to and see if you'd like to join our Community Allotment.
First go at planting the potatoes - first earlies and salad blue have gone in, but there's plenty more for next week, including the gorgeous pink fir apples.
The Plot is looking very neat and tidy in parts, but we still need to get to grips with the permanent asparagus bed. I've been saying it for ages - years? - but this year I'm determined, let's get it prepped and cleared and put those crowns in. Thereafter, glorious asparagus tips year on year on year...
Sorry drifted off.
OPEN MEETING
THURSDAY 25 APRIL
7.30PM
DULCIMER
WILBRAHAM ROAD, CHORLTON
Come along and hear what we get up to and see if you'd like to join our Community Allotment.
Saturday, 6 April 2013
Spring is a-coming!
Another glorious day. Perhaps Spring really is coming.
Easter weekend provided an opportunity for two of us to get some fresh air and exercise and get some more beds turned over.
No matter how many times we dig, we're still finding jerusalem artichokes: lovely pink round ones and longer thinner ones, like pink fir apple potatoes. A lovely addition to a veg soup or broth, but we need more people to eat them, not just admire them.
Polytunnel is earning its keep providing gorgeously fresh winter in snow leaves, parsley and the first rocket!
It's also doing the job of helping warmth loving seeds germinate and bringing some seedlings on.
Tomorrow is another chance to come along and have a dig and get sorted for the new growing year. On the menu will be putting in potatoes, more digging over of beds and creating an asparagus bed. Herb spiral still needs attention and the pond could do with a clean.
See you down at the Lost Plot from 1pm onwards. We need to have a meeting to sort out who's doing what this year and new members are always welcome.
Monday, 14 January 2013
ANOTHER GROWING YEAR!
Welcome to 2013 and here's hoping that everything we want to grow will flourish this year.
Lessons learnt from last year are all well and good, but sometimes the days just run away with themselves.
So, with that in mind, this Sunday we're trying to get ahead of the game. Turning over beds and letting the frost do its work, sorting seeds and still harvesting potatoes.
Leeks are looking good and the purple sprouting broccoli is coming on nicely. Green Broccoli is still good for picking and the salads in the polytunnel are just what you need to bring a bit of zing to the taste buds after the excesses of Christmas.
Working in the wintery sunshine was really invigorating, and we're all up for the challenges of a new year's growing.
Some of the seeds are looking the worst for wear, so sorting storage is the number one priority, alongside composting, clearing the pond, weeding the herb spiral, sorting the sheds, cleaning the outside of the polytunnel and sharpening the tools...
Come down and meet us, every Sunday from 1pm at the Lost Plot, Southern Allotments, Chorlton.
Lessons learnt from last year are all well and good, but sometimes the days just run away with themselves.
So, with that in mind, this Sunday we're trying to get ahead of the game. Turning over beds and letting the frost do its work, sorting seeds and still harvesting potatoes.
Leeks are looking good and the purple sprouting broccoli is coming on nicely. Green Broccoli is still good for picking and the salads in the polytunnel are just what you need to bring a bit of zing to the taste buds after the excesses of Christmas.
Working in the wintery sunshine was really invigorating, and we're all up for the challenges of a new year's growing.
Some of the seeds are looking the worst for wear, so sorting storage is the number one priority, alongside composting, clearing the pond, weeding the herb spiral, sorting the sheds, cleaning the outside of the polytunnel and sharpening the tools...
Come down and meet us, every Sunday from 1pm at the Lost Plot, Southern Allotments, Chorlton.
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Sunny Days Are Here Again
Wow, two Sundays on the trot and sunshine!
Last week it was too hot to work in the polytunnel with coats on, so some of us chose to work outside!!
Plenty of clearing still to do, so we'll be busy for the next few weeks at least.
Parsley and rocket, peas and nasturtiums still coming on nicely in the polytunnel, so think we'll be leaving them in there for the moment.
Winter salads planted, last of the onions and garlic transferred and brassicas now safely netted to stop the pigeons feasting on them before we do.
Still quite a lot of digging and preparation for next year, so plenty of time to come along and join us.
Thursday, 1 November 2012
BONFIRE NIGHT BECKONS
No, unfortunately there's not going to be any fireworks this year, but hopefully we'll have a little celebration in the not-too-distant future.
Polytunnel clearing and cleaning time at the Lost Plot. The last of the cucumbers have been harvested, but the parsley and rocket are still going strong.
Managed to put in some winter salads last week and will be doing more of the same this weekend.
We've got some spent hops to nourish the soil over winter, so the polytunnel smells like a brewery. I'm happy with that, but it's not to everyone's taste, as Jess will attest!
More clearing, planting and soil enrichment this weekend.
So, why not come along and visit if you've not been for a while? Looking forward to seeing people this Sunday 4th November from 1pm onwards.
Polytunnel clearing and cleaning time at the Lost Plot. The last of the cucumbers have been harvested, but the parsley and rocket are still going strong.
Managed to put in some winter salads last week and will be doing more of the same this weekend.
We've got some spent hops to nourish the soil over winter, so the polytunnel smells like a brewery. I'm happy with that, but it's not to everyone's taste, as Jess will attest!
More clearing, planting and soil enrichment this weekend.
So, why not come along and visit if you've not been for a while? Looking forward to seeing people this Sunday 4th November from 1pm onwards.
Monday, 8 October 2012
Lost Plot Swelters
Wow, what a Sunday. The perfect day for being down the allotment, albeit rather warmer than we've been used to recently.
Got a note from the Allotment Society thanking The Lost Plot for clearing up the site - in particular the road. We will have to make sure it stays that way.
Some old familiars who've not been down for a while joined us and had fun weeding the bath, ready for the overwintering salads.
We finally took out the old broccoli and prepared the bed for the overwintering onions. However, sunshine - and lack of sleep in one case! - took over and we decided to leave it til next week to give it a good going over. Onions are no fans of competition.
Just shows what a little bit of warmth and sunshine can do. There's at least half a dozen cucumbers that have put on a show since last week and the nasturtiums are bursting out all over.
Runner beans have almost finished and the final tomatoes are ripening. Raspberries are still putting on a show, but not sure how much longer they've got to go. Courgettes both indoor and out are still flowering, so fingers crossed for a few more yet.
Plenty of stuff to go in the ground next week and if it's as nice as last weekend, we'll have to get the sunblock out.
Newcomers welcome - any Sunday 1 - 4pm.
Got a note from the Allotment Society thanking The Lost Plot for clearing up the site - in particular the road. We will have to make sure it stays that way.
Some old familiars who've not been down for a while joined us and had fun weeding the bath, ready for the overwintering salads.
We finally took out the old broccoli and prepared the bed for the overwintering onions. However, sunshine - and lack of sleep in one case! - took over and we decided to leave it til next week to give it a good going over. Onions are no fans of competition.
Just shows what a little bit of warmth and sunshine can do. There's at least half a dozen cucumbers that have put on a show since last week and the nasturtiums are bursting out all over.
Runner beans have almost finished and the final tomatoes are ripening. Raspberries are still putting on a show, but not sure how much longer they've got to go. Courgettes both indoor and out are still flowering, so fingers crossed for a few more yet.
Plenty of stuff to go in the ground next week and if it's as nice as last weekend, we'll have to get the sunblock out.
Newcomers welcome - any Sunday 1 - 4pm.
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
SOUTHWAY HOUSING COMES UP TRUMPS
Southway Housing chose The Lost Plot as one of their projects for the Community Commitment Day on 20 September.
Despite the less-than-perfect weather conditions, Southway Housing staff turned up bright and early to help transform The Lost Plot.
Tasks included, clearing the road, building a fruit cage, cleaning the pond, strimming the grass and cleaning out the greenhouse. Together with some Lost Plot volunteers, everyone set to and got cracking.
Sue kept everyone fed and watered and by lunchtime, real progress had been made. Despite a hiccup with lunch and the odd downpour or two, most of the jobs were completed by close of play. The fruit cage will be standing for years to come and the greenhouse has never been cleaner.
Many thanks to all those who got involved. You're all welcome back anytime and I know we've made some converts with the rocket, nasturtium flowers and leaves and vine tomatoes all growing in the polytunnel.
Anyone interested in coming down to see what the transformation is like, just come along on Sunday from 1 - 4pm. Don't worry, there's still more clearing, cleaning and digging to do, that's if the rain stops...
Sunday, 16 September 2012
FUN AND FOOD AT THE LOST PLOT
SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER
Today is the day of the Southern Allotments' BBQ. We just bring along our veggie burgers/dogs etc and they provide the rest!! Meat and veg bbqs are separate and there's always lots of lovely chutneys and sauces to try.
All this is just a ruse to get people along and The Lost Plot is happy to use the same ploy.
If you'd like a bit of exercise, some fresh air and feeling of job satisfaction then come along and join us. New volunteers are always welcome and this week there'll be salads, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, rocket, chillis and raspberries to share at the end of the session.
Last week we managed to get some more winter veg in and there's more to plant today. So if you like digging, planting, weeding or just cutting the grass, there's always a job to do.
Plus there's a bonfire to light if anyone is desperate to light a fire. Burning weeds and clearing debris is very therapeutic!
See you soon...
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