Liz’s Allotment Life: Preparing for a holiday

Going away can be an anxious time for gardeners. For the allotmenteer, especially one with trays of young

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed.

Watering

Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It starts with the seed coat absorbing water, expanding and splitting, which allows oxygen and water into the seed so its food reserves can be broken down and used by the embryo for growth. The first root (called the radicle) pushes into the soil to anchor the new plant in place and start absorbing water and nutrients. The first shoot (called the plumule) then grows upwards, out of the soil, towards the light.

germinating

A soft, fibrous, translucent material laid over or around plants hastening their growth and protecting them against weather and pests. Heavier grades of fleece give about 2°C of protection from frost. It is usually used without supporting hoops.

fleece

Young cucumber seedlings grouped and kept moist to help them cope during a short absence

• Water thoroughly rather than little and often – a light sprinkling on the surface will not encourage deep roots
• If time is limited, prioritise young seedlings and newly sown areas
• Don’t forget newly planted trees and shrubs, which remain vulnerable to drought for their first few years
• Water when you can. Morning is ideal, before temperatures rise and moisture is lost to evaporation, and it helps prevent plants from sitting damp overnight, which can encourage slugs and fungal diseases. That said, it’s always better to water at an imperfect time than not at all – I was out in the blazing sun the other afternoon because it was the only opportunity I had.

Watering direct-sown lettuce – keeping the soil surface consistently moist helps ensure even germination of direct-sown lettuce

Before you go

There are a few other quick jobs that make a big difference:

• Plant out anything that’s ready, so it can benefit from any rainfall while you’re away. My seedlings are still a little small, and it’s too early for tender crops, but where possible, this is always worthwhile.
• Quickly run a hoe over the plot to knock back any weeds, helping keep things manageable for when you return.
• Harvest anything that’s close to its best. I picked a few salads that looked like they were starting to flower, and in any case, I always like to take some home-grown veggies on holiday.

A sunny day of watering on the allotment

Crop of the week: Lettuce

Pulling out some of the seedlings, usually along a row, so the remaining seedlings are spaced further apart. It reduces overcrowded, which can hinder their growth.

thinning

• The direct-sown lettuces went in during early April, while the first full heads were started indoors in late February. 

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A mature head of lettuce, harvested before leaving to avoid it going over while away

Coming Up on the Plot