A New Year on the Allotment
A New Year on the Allotment
It is the start of the New Year, and with it comes the onset of another annual cycle on the allotment. When first arriving at the plot in the cold and damp, you are greeted with an abundance of weeds and creepers and a shed full of spiders webs, dead flies, dust and mouse nests - this may be the down-side, but it is easily sorted with a little effort.
The allotment is a place where you can escape from the traffic and everyday pressures and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature and its just a short distance from urbanity. It is impossible not to notice the sights and sounds of the countryside. Circling high above, making their strange and eerie catcalls are the buzzards, on the lookout for prey, and there is also the merry chirruping of the resident robin, perching nearby, eagerly anticipating that juicy worm in the freshly turned soil. In the distance can be heard the neighing of horses, calling to each other over the hedges.
The first task of the year is to decide where the individual crops are to be placed, taking account of the need for crop rotation and this is followed by the more arduous task of digging, weeding and preparing the soil ready for the planting of the early potatoes and onions. Once these are set, you are well into Spring and with it the more leisurely tasks of preparing and sowing of the subsequent crops. Regular watering, weeding, hoeing and general maintenance is necessary throughout the Summer and Autumn, but this all part of the pleasure of just being there.
Mistakes and failures are made, particularly by the novice gardeners, and it is an ongoing learning process, but advice is always readily available from more knowledgeable fellow allotment- holders. After all the healthy exercise, preparation, setting and nurturing of the crops, the pleasure and pride which comes from the raising of fresh, healthy produce cannot be over-stated. It is a marvellous feeling to see a flourishing crop, to pick and then eat the rewards of your labour. Then comes another New Year, and the cycle begins again !
I would encourage anyone with an interest in gardening, whether novice or expert to consider applying for an allotment, and to become a member of this growing fraternity.
