We held our autumn show on the 14th of September. Although the vegetables and flowers on display were of the highest quality we failed to get many entries in the cookery flower arranging and particularly the children’s classes. We rely heavily on exhibitors from outside the village as there seems to be little enthusiasm locally for the society which is reflected in the small numbers of visitors in the afternoon. This of course calls into question whether the Society can survive after over 150 years. The Society desperately needs new members and new ideas so please if you value the Society contact us and offer support and help. Our AGM is on the 17th of October at 6:30 pm in the reading room with light refreshments provided.
Now to matters horticultural. Overwintering onions garlic and shallots should be planted in October. For onions try radar and senshyu and plant the sets with the top just visible and check regularly that birds haven’t pulled them out.
The choice for garlic is huge but always buy in varieties bred for our climate and don’t rely on cloves from shop bought bulbs as they will have been grown in warmer climes. Czechmate is a good variety specially adapted to Northern Europe. Plant to a depth equivalent to the height of the clove as garlic bulbs are produced below ground unlike onions and shallots. For shallots I go for Jermor. Keep them all weed free and they are all totally frost resistant
I leave carrots and beetroot in the ground and cover them with fleece in the colder spells and this seems to work better than lifting and storing.
Now is the time to consider hedge pruning so all is quiet for nesting birds in the early spring.
Frosts are on the way so protect or bring in tender plants.
Plant indoor bulbs for Christmas such as hyacinths and Amaryllis.
Regularly rake up fallen fruit and leaves and compost with added cardboard. Apply grease bands to fruit trees as projection against winter moth caterpillars.
Please remember us.
Good gardening.