Author Archives: badas

OCTOBER

  • Continue to harvest.
  • Protect carrots with insect mesh as carrot flies cause most damage in late summer and autumn.
  • Pick squashes and “cure” in a warm dry place for 10-14 days then, store in a cool, light place until required.
  • Plant overwintering garlic and onion sets -onions just peeping above the surface and garlic, 11/2–2 inches deep spaced 7 inches apart.
  • Plant overwintering peas and broad beans .
  • Plant out spring cabbage.
  • Keep weeding.
  • Begin to add well-rotted manure to empty beds where you intend to plant brassicas next year (but not where you intend to plant carrots and parsnips next season as it may cause them to fork).
  • Continue to harvest apples and pears as they ripen. Store, only perfect fruit, in a cool, well ventilated pace.
  • Lift and divide rhubarb that has been in place for 5 years or more. Discard the centre and replant the outer crown sections.
  • Take hardwood cuttings from gooseberries and currants. Below is a link to show you how to do it for blackcurrants-the technique for gooseberries is much the same.
    https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-take-hardwood-cuttings-of-blackcurrant-plants/
  • Clear away strawberry foliage to prevent the build up of pests and diseases.
  • Compost pea and bean foliage but leave the roots in the ground as they contain nitrogen.
  • Sow green manures.

BRIDPORT TOWN COUNCIL GENERAL CONDITIONS OF LETTING

  1. Conditions of Head Lease. The Tenant shall observe and carry out all conditions and covenants contained in the Lease (if any) under which the Council holds the allotment lands. The Tenant shall not, without the written consent of the Council, take, sell or carry away any mineral, gravel, sand or clay, or plant any tree except fruit trees and fruit bushes.
  2. Use of allotment. The Tenant shall use the allotment garden as an allotment garden and for no other purpose.
  3. Cultivation. The tenant shall keep their allotment free from weeds and well manured, and otherwise maintain it in a proper state of cultivation to the satisfaction of the Council and so leave it at the termination of their tenancy. The Council reserve the right to recharge the former Tenant the cost of cleaning and tidying up the allotment so that it is fit to let to the new Tenant.
  4. Hedges, Ditches, Fences and Paths. The Tenant shall keep every hedge forming part of the allotment properly cut and trimmed, keep all ditches properly cleansed and maintain and keep in repair any fences or gates on his allotment land. Plots must not be fenced off unless agreed by the Council. The use of barbed wire is forbidden. Paths or roads must not be obstructed. All paths must be maintained by adjacent plot holders and grass kept cut.
  5. Fruit Trees. Fruit trees or bushes must not be allowed to overhang and/or cause an obstruction to the roads or paths or an adjoining allotment.
  6. Buildings and Wells. The Tenant shall not place any buildings, sheds or other erections on the allotment without the written consent of the Council and then only in accordance with plans which have been approved by the Council. Wells or water holes must be protected to the satisfaction of the Council and it is the responsibility of the Tenant to ensure that they do not represent a danger or hazard to other allotment holders.
  7. Preservation. The Tenant shall observe and perform any other special condition(s), which the Council considers necessary to preserve the allotment from deterioration and of which notice is given.
  8. Sub-Letting. Tenants shall not sub-let their allotment or any part thereof to any other person.
  9. Encroachment, Trespass and Damage. No encroachment or trespass shall be made by the Tenant on any neighbouring allotment and no damage shall be done by the Tenant to the fences, gates or gateposts or to the cropping on any of the allotments. If in default, any damage is caused either by the Tenant or person accompanying them, such damage shall be assessed by the Council and the offender shall be liable to pay such a sum to the person suffering the damage or to the Council as may be determined.
  10. Nuisances. The Tenant shall not cause any nuisance or annoyance to the occupier of any other allotment or to the neighbourhood. No poultry, pigs, pigeons or other animals or birds shall be kept on the allotment without the Council’s written consent. Dogs are not permitted on the allotments unless on a leash.
  11. Right of Entry. The Council or its accredited representatives or workmen, acting on instructions, shall be entitled at any time to enter and inspect the allotment and to carry out any work or repairs required by the Council. The Council shall have the right to refuse admission to the allotment of any person other than the Tenant.
  12. Changes of Tenancy. The Council may agree to release the Tenant if he/she desires to give up his/her allotment at a shorter notice than is required under this Agreement providing there is another approved applicant available who is willing to take over the allotment.
  13. Tenants unable to work. The Council may arrange for the care of the allotment of any Tenant whom through ill-health or other cause, is unable to work it; alternatively, the Council may arrange to re-let the plot. In such a case, suitable adjustments will be made between the parties.
  14. Termination of Tenancy. The Tenancy may be terminated by either the Council or the Tenant giving to the other of them not less than six calendar month’s notice in writing expiring on or before the sixth day of April or, on or before the twenty ninth day of September in any year of the tenancy. The tenancy may also be terminated by the Council on re-entry after one month’s notice in writing.

(a) if the rent is in arrears for not less than forty days; or
(b) if the Tenant is not duly observing the rules affecting the allotment or any other term or condition of his tenancy, or if the tenant becomes bankrupt or compounds with his creditors.

PROVIDED NEVERTHELESS that if the Council requires the allotment for purposes for which it was acquired or held by them, then the tenancy may be terminated by the Council, giving not less than three calendar month’s notice to the Tenant.

In the event of a Tenant’s death, the tenancy of an allotment, unless otherwise agreed between the Council and the deceased’s representatives, shall terminate on the Quarter Day next after such death.

The tenancy shall also terminate if and whenever the chief tenancy or right of occupation of the Council to the allotment land ceases.

  1. Removal of Crops. No Tenant in arrears with his rent shall be allowed to remove from his allotment, any crops growing thereon, implements, stock or other property whatsoever until full payment has been made.
  2. Disputes. Any case of dispute between Tenants affecting the allotments shall be referred to the Council, whose decision shall be final.
  3. Service of Notices. Any notice may be served on a Tenant either personally or by leaving it at his/her last known place or abode, or by registered letter so addressed or by fixing the same in some conspicuous manner on the allotment land.
  4. Protection of the Environment.

(a) Tenants are encouraged to use organic based pesticides, fungicides, fertilisers and other such products wherever possible and practicable to do so.

(b) The Tenant shall undertake not to sow or plant any Genetically Modified seeds or use any Genetically Modified Products.

BTC Charges 31/03/20 – 31/03/21

Bridport Town Council Fees for Allotments 01/04/22 – 31/03/23

Whole £26.00
Half  £13.00
Water – whole £10.00
Water – half £5.00
Double fees apply to residents outside the parish. Half charges for partial year invoiced April to June. No charge July to September

A full list of Bridport Town Council charges may be found here

Burton Bradstock

Burton Bradstock Allotments are owned and managed by Burton Bradstock Parish Council, to whom application should be made (Click here!)

There is a local allotment society which is affiliated to BADAS and the details may be found here

Priory Gardens

Palmer’s

There are 19 plots at Palmers Allotments, Gundry Lane, Bridport.
Details are available from Palmers.

Palmers

 

 

 

 

 

St. Cecilia’s,

West Allington

Community Orchard

Walditch

PENNARD PLANTS

From our Victorian Walled Garden, in the heart of rural Somerset we offer one of the largest selections of edible plants, fruit trees and bushes and herbs to be found in the UK. In addition, we offer an amazing array of Heritage and Heirloom seeds and a few modern varieties we consider worthy of growing.
https://www.pennardplants.com/

Skilling


William James & Co

Quality garden equipment & accessories since 1954!
The company became part of Bridport Gundry plc, then the largest net maker in the world.
In 1996 a management buyout saw William James & Co become a division of Edwards Sports Products Ltd. William James can offer 10% off fruit cages and netting using the code BADAS10 
Click here to visit  their website which has some good tips for new Allotmenteers, choosing a fruit cage plus growing tips. William James & Co, Gore Cross Business Park, Corbin Way, Bridport Dorset DT6 3UX
0800 103 2800 & 01308 425 100 https://www.wmjames.co.uk/

LEEK and BUTTER BEAN BAKE

2 Tins of butter beans (drained and rinsed )
3 Leeks (cleaned and thinly sliced )
2 Large cloves of garlic (chopped)
1 Knob of butter
1 Tbsp oil
140ml. Cream
1 Big handful of grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Sweat the leeks and garlic in the oil and butter
adding salt and pepper to taste
Stir in the butter beans and add the cream
Put into a shallow, buttered dish and sprinkle with
Parmesan
Bake in a hot oven (230c/gas 8) for 10-15 minutes
until golden
If using dried beans-soak 340g/12oz overnight, rinse, cover with water and bring to the boil. Turn
down to a simmer and cook for about 1 1/2 hours until tender then drain.
Adapted from a Jamie Oliver recipe

To download this recipe click here: Download

Flaxhayes

 

VANDALISM REPORT 10TH FEB 2021

Just a note to inform you that we have received a report of some vandalism to a poly tunnel and a theft from a shed at the Skilling site. Please be alert and report anything suspicious to the Police, Town Council and the Allotment Society.

LEEK, BROCCOLI & BLUE CHEESE PIE

 

  • LEEKS
  • BROCCOLI
  • PIE!

 

 Serves 6

  • 500g puff pastry (can use shortcrust too)
  • 2 broccoli heads cut into florets – can also use PSB – about 700 g
  • 25g butter
  • 3 – 4 leeks washed, trimmed and sliced thinly
  • 150 ml double cream
  • 15g each chopped chives and tarragon (or other more seasonal herbs – parsley/chervil/sage)
  • 3 tbsps. grainy mustard
  • Salt and pepper
  • 200g blue cheese (Blue Vinney for example) cut into chunks
  • 1 egg, beaten

Preheat the oven to 200 C

Roll out two thirds of the pastry into a 2 mm thick circle large enough to line a 25 cm loose-bottomed tart tin.  Line the tin and trim off any excess.  Roll the remaining pastry into a thinner disc large enough to cover the pie, and lay it on a plate.  Place both base and lid in the freezer for 10 mins.

Line the pastry base with greaseproof paper, fill it with baking beans and bake blind for 15 – 20 mins, until light brown.  Remove the paper and beans, and return to the oven until the base is golden – about 5 mins.  Leave to cool.

While the tart is cooking, prepare the filling.  Cook the broccoli in a large pan of boiling water for 2 mins or until tender but still firm.  Drain in a colander, refresh in cold water and leave to dry.

Melt the butter in a pan over a low heat and gently fry the leeks for 10 – 15 mins, until soft but not coloured.  Add the cream, herbs, mustard, salt and pepper.  Stir and remove from the heat.

Spread the leek mixture on the bottom of the cooked pastry base, scatter the broccoli on top and dot blue cheese around and about.  Brush the rim of the tart with the beaten egg and lay the lid over the filling.  Glaze the lid with beaten egg, then bake for 30 mins, until the pastry is golden brown.  Allow to cool a little before serving.

Delicious with a tomato and red onion salad.

Thanks to Yotam Ottolenghi for this recipe.

DOWNLOAD THE RECIPE HERE!:

 

NOVEMBER

  • Dig and store any remaining potatoes (see Septembers Tips),
  • Keep harvesting as needed.
  • Plant overwintering onion sets, garlic peas and broad beans if not already done.
  • Cut down Autumn-fruiting raspberries to the ground once they have finished.
  • Fruit tree and bush prunings should be disposed of away from your allotment to prevent the spread of disease and pests.
  • Gather up fallen leaves from fruit trees and bushes and dispose of them as they too may contain pests and diseases. Other leaves can be turned into leaf mould by putting them into sacks for a year.Leave some areas of leaf litter and wood piles for wildlife to use.
  • NOTE:-Blackcurrants,redcurrants and gooseberries can be pruned up until the end of February but hardwood cuttings should be taken by the end of this month.
  • Order bare-rooted fruit trees for delivery this month onward.
  • Check stored apples and pears and discard any rotten fruit.
  • Rough dig the ground (unless using a no-dig method) weeding as you go.
  • If you get a delivery of manure, cover the pile with something waterproof to prevent the winter rain from leaching out the nutrients.

ORGANIC VEG NUTRITION

In 2014 An important study by the University of Necastle found that organically grown vegetables have higher nutrient values and lower concentrations of cadmium and pesticides.Click here to gain access to the original article, published by the British Journal of Nutrition / Volume 112 / Issue 05 / September 2014, pp 794-811Copyright © The Authors 2014 The online version of this article is published within an Open Access environment subject to the conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution licence http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007114514001366 (About DOI). Published online: 26 June 2014 OPEN ACCESS

THE NATIONAL ALLOTMENT SOCIETY

The National Allotment Society (NSALG) is the National Allotment Societyleading national organisation upholding the interests and rights of the allotment community across the UK. They work with government at national and local levels, other organisations and landlords to provide, promote and preserve allotments for all. They offer support, guidance and advice to their members and those with an interest in allotment gardening.