Bells Hill Allotment Blog

Jan 2025 Edition - Garden tasks to do in Autumn/Winter with allottees Mel and Andy

Hey fellow Allotees! Welcome to Bells Hill Allotment's blog! Here, we aim to share valuable information, news, and insightful interviews with plot-holders, committee members, and volunteers. We hope to provide you with tips on caring for your gardens, making your allotment experience even more rewarding. If you're interested in sharing your own journey or experiences, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

It’s that magical time of year again, as golden, crispy leaves blanket the ground, that signaled the arrival of Autumn while gradually transitioning into Winter. While we bid farewell to the bright, colourful flowers of last summer, there’s still plenty of exciting work to do in our gardens. And let’s have a little chuckle—thanks to the colder weather, we can also enjoy a brief pause from our little slug and snail friends! One advantage of this damp season is the softening of the soil, which makes uprooting weeds much easier. So, let’s take a closer look at how we can make the most of this time of the year to prepare our gardens for the upcoming planting season! To provide us with some insights, we caught up with experienced allottees Melvin (or simply Mel) and Andy, who have been diligently working on their plots and are eager to share their autumn and winter tasks with all.

Mel's Garden Tasks

Orchard Maintenance

For Mel, the orchard filled with fruit trees such as plums , apples , cherries, etc has been a particular focus since last October. Mel has taken the time to prune the trees to remove any diseased wood or branches, ensuring the trees remain healthy and vibrant. This proactive step not only maintains the tree's overall health but also prepares it for the incoming spring season. With budding shoots in spring, Mel plans to do additional pruning. This timing allows him to distinguish between flowers and branches, ensuring optimal light and air flow throughout the tree. Healthy trees lead to greater productivity and a compact shape that is both beautiful and efficient.

Perennial Flowers Care

When it comes to his perennial flowers, including Gloudi Aolia and Dahlias, Mel emphasizes the importance of weeding during this time. Keeping the area weed-free allows these plants to aerate naturally while they lie in hibernation. More roots can grow with less competition from weeds, allowing for better nutrient absorption when they awaken in the warmer months. It’s a simple yet proactive way to ensure the flowers bounce back stronger in spring.

Giant Squash Harvesting

Lastly, let’s take a moment to admire the giant squashes Mel harvested recently (seriously, you have to see the pictures!). His dedication and hard work clearly pay off, reminding us of the rewards that come from careful garden planning and maintenance.

Andy's Autumn Endeavors

Fruit Tree Pruning

Now, let’s move over to Andy, who has also been busy tending to his fruit trees— cherries, apples, thornless blackberries, amongst others. Andy has completed his pruning, which helps to promote healthy growth and ensures a thriving yield come spring. Pruning is essential for fruitful trees, preparing them for the next growing season and helping to prevent disease.

Continued Vegetable Harvest

Meanwhile, Andy's beetroot and celery bed is still showing signs of life, allowing him to harvest these crops as they continue to grow. This is one of the joys of autumn gardening—you can still enjoy fresh produce while preparing for the colder months ahead.

Onion Sowing

In addition to his impressive vegetable selection, Andy did sow some onions last October, covering them with a cage for protection from pests like pigeons. At the seedling stage, young onions can be particularly vulnerable. Andy's proactive protection keeps his future onion crops safe, ensuring they thrive.

Composting Success

Lastly, Andy has been hard at work on his composting efforts. With the attached pictures showing his progress, it’s clear he’s committed to creating rich, nutritious compost. This practice not only benefits his garden but also exemplifies a sustainable approach to allotment gardening—using what you grow to feed your plot. Andy plays down the hard work he puts into his plot, but it’s evident he’s doing a fantastic job of managing everything and staying on top of all tasks. He explains he had the best season this year, and we wish him many more successful seasons to come!

Whether you find joy in pruning, weeding, sowing, or harvesting, each task you tackle now is an investment in the future of your garden. As the leaves fall and the critters curl up for winter, let’s celebrate the beautiful transitions in our growing journeys together. Happy gardening, fellow allottees!

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