We're growing in north London!
Welcome to Your Allotment, the magazine that reaches the heart of the allotment community in North London.
Initially covering Barnet, Camden and Haringey, Your Allotment now reports on all the news and views across north London.
It has also switched from publishing monthly to bi-monthly - but at the same time, increased from 16 pages to a minimum 20 pages so we can bring you more local news and growing advice. In other words, we're bigger and better, but just come around less often.
In the April/May issue of Your Allotment, we report on the latest sites to agree to Barnet's self-management proposals. But all is not happy in the Barnet allotment gardens...
We also report on ...
London Orchard Project, which planted its latest 11-tree orchard in Waterlow Park, Highgate; and
How to get help for beginners from Connected Roots;
SITE OF THE MONTH
Cheyne Walk: how one site in Enfield produced no less than four prize winning growers
Most allotments have one plot-holder who regularly wins at horticultural shows, but Cheyne Walk, which sits besides Salmon's Brook between Southgate and Winchmore Hill, has four. There must be something in the soil, as the site supports one of the oldest growers in north London - 93-year-old Mike Cassidy - as well as 'blind George', who keeps the most pristine plot imaginable, despite having lost nearly all of his sight after a stroke ...
CROP OF THE MONTH
Strawberries: plant now for the essence of summer
Strawberries are one of Britain's favourite fruits - and one of the easiest crops to grow. Stick them in the ground and watch as so many runners develop, almost in front of your eyes, that if you're not careful, your plot will consist of strawberries, strawberries and...um...strawberries. But these delicious little jewels do take some care, especially when grown on London clay. Find out how to ensure you have a productive, disease-free crop in time for Wimbledon ...
HOW TO ...
... keep bees
Although not every allotment welcomes bees, for many growers, 'buzzing', as they call it, is one of the greatest pleasures about having a plot. Keeping bees isn't easy, though: you can't just let them get on with things on their own. They need feed in winter and wet summers; they need correct management to prevent disease and minimise swarms. Some of north London's beekeeping plot-holders explains how they do it, and why ...
GROWER OF THE MONTH
Anita Gracie, the country's Master Gardener for 2012
Regular readers will have heard of Anita, as she has mentored Your Allotment's editor since the magazine started. But it isn't just our editor who benefits from Anita's knowledge and enthusiasm: as a Master Gardener in Islington, she helps a number of community groups to grow-their own. And despite passing on her love of gardening to all and sundry, she still manages her own two and a bit plots at Lawrence Street in Mill Hill ...
NEW PRODUCT REVIEW
From fertilisers to forks, seeds to slug repellents
We have checked out this season's new products, aimed at helping all grow-your-owners to produce better crops with less effort. And, judging by the late spring, we will need all the help we can get. Check out the organic fertilisers and soil improvers, new tools, possibly the most effective slug repellent - and the latest seeds and plants from the UK's top suppliers ...
PLUS
Recipes, Bob's Corner, What to Grow Now and The Plot Thickens
All for just £2 at the following stockists:
Budgens, Belsize Park
Budgens, East Finchley
Capel Manor, Enfield
Clifton Nurseries, Maida Vale
Finchley Nurseries, Mill Hill
The Garden Shop, Hornsey
People's Supermarket. Bloomsbury
Peppercorns, West Hampstead
... and your local trading hut
If your favourite garden centre isn't listed, ask them to get Your Allotment for you.
Your Allotment welcomes readers' growing tips, advice and recipes and suggestions for grower of the month.