All images: Barry Cuff
At the end of December, Val and I had had our allotment for 36 years. We originally took on 90 square meters back in 1989, increasing this to 270 square meters in 1990 plus a further 60 a few years later – enabling us to be more or less self-sufficient in vegetables and some fruit. In 1989, many of the plots on the site were unused and in a bad condition, with weeds, grass and brambles – and there was no water on the site.
As we enter 2025, it thankfully looks very different: there is a waiting list for plots, two sources of water, a discounted seed buying scheme, a yearly manure delivery and also an annual inspection managed by the Allotment Association.
December is a quiet month on the plot, so I thought it would be good to look back and review the whole of 2024. It was probably one of our best years for yields and crop quality – with one or two exceptions.
There were very few frosts of a damaging nature last year, and we had below average sunshine with well above average rainfall – more than 40 inches.
Beetroot – Successional sowings ensured roots for six months.
Broad beans – Good yields from both Masterpiece Green Longpod and Witkiem Manita. Less blackfly than usual.
Brussels sprouts (Brendan) – we started harvesting at the end of November, and the nine plants will supply us until the end of February.
Cabbage – The last head of the Red Drumhead was cut at the end of November: it stood well, with no caterpillar damage.
The Savoy is filling out well for the spring.
Calabrese – We have had excellent yields of both Ironman and Atlantis, with good heads followed by side shoots.
Cauliflower – We had average curds of both Cheesy and White Step, and we are cutting good heads of Cendis now. Medallion and Snow March should be ready in February and March. No damage this year from Swede Midge.
Carrot – Once again we only grew Early Nantes and we made about ten sowings over a long period. We’re digging excellent roots now, and we have enough in the ground to last until the beginning of March.
Celeriac – This was grown next to the celery and also developed Septoria – the roots were smaller than usual.
Celery – Not a good year for our celery – leaves were attacked by Septoria leaf spot, probably helped by high rainfall.
Chicory (Witloof) – We had a good yield of roots, which were lifted in November. First chicons harvested on 20th December.
Courgette – We had good yields of both Defender and Astia
Dwarf French bean – Good yields of Safari and Nautica over a long period.
Leek – We are currently lifting as required. This year’s crop are slightly smaller than usual, but we have many left in the ground for 2025. No Leek Moth damage this year!
Lettuce – (Little Gem) We’ve had good tight heads from monthly sowings.
Mangetout – We had average yields from both Carouby De Massaune and Purple Magnolia.Onion – Our yields were down compared with the previous year due to White Rot. Those harvested have stored well, however, and they should keep in good condition until March.
Parsnip – These are yielding well and we have plenty left in the ground for 2025.
Pea – We had very poor establishment down to either seed weevils, mice or birds … but we have ideas for 2025!
Potatoes – Probably our best year ever for yields! We lifted before the blight set in, and they are all stored in paper sacks and keeping well.
Runner beans – Good yields of both red and white flowered over a long period.
Salad crops (autumn/winter) – All looking well on the allotment.
During January we will make our first sowing of sweet peppers, and also buy our seed potatoes.
Squash – Both Butterfly and Crown Prince gave us good yields and are still keeping well in store.
Sweetcorn – (Swift) This is a variety we have grown for many years: we grew about 70 plants this time, and they did well despite the weather.
