Welcome to the new website.

Welcome to the new website for Tring Allotments.  It’s a work in progress but I hope you like it.

My name is Jamie Arnold and me and my wife Charlotte are the new keepers of plot 85a at Duckmore Lane.  I volunteered to give the website a refresh.

I wanted to make it  a little more about the community so you’re views and active involvement are encouraged. Every news story published on the site will allow you to comment and contribute so feel free to add your own thoughts – but no dissing my potatoes.

We’re trying out something new called Ask Ken which I hope will be a bit of fun. Ken Seabrook has been at the allotment for thirty years and is a neighbour of mine. He spends a lot of time up at the allotment so I asked him whether he’d be willing to answer questions from you lot on all matters organic. The deal is, you ask the questions and I’ll knock on his door and do a short video with the answer and post it on here. If you see a Ronnie Corbett look-a-likee roaming with the allotment filming people it’s me.

For those of you on Facebook then there is a page over there so go and add us to your feed. We’ll post all the latest news and any events or socials and please, please upload any photos or post any advice.  For those hipsters amongst you, we’ve started a Twitter feed too. Twitter will allow you to follow the latest happenings without needing to give away your inside leg measurement.

If you fancy posting something on the site (it’s dead easy! if you can use Word you can use this site), or want to share your growing diary then get in touch via email.  It’d be good to have other people add stuff.

Ken answers your questions and shares some allotment tips for March

This month we’ve had questions from Cliff on Plot 84 on clematis, a couple of questions from Gary and Rachel on Plot 81b and a question from Di on Plot 77a.   Topics include potatoes, raspberry canes, and Ken shares a hot tip about WD-40 – the mice apparently hate it.

March is all about potatoes, broad beans and parsnips.

Ken is loving it, so keep the questions coming.

Again, apologies about the camera work and the sound quality.  We’re working on it.

Free alpaca manure

Liz Barlow of Nash’s Farm in Aston Abbotts has some very well rotted alpaca manure and compost available – free of charge, but needs to be collected.

It can be by the bag or if someone has a trailer they have several trailer loads. It has been mixed with straw or hay but then burnt to ensure that there are no “nasties” in it.

If any one wants some then you need to phone before you make the journey. Call or email Liz Barlow (01296 682605, liz@livanti-alpacas.com)

Livanti Alpacas
1, Nash’s Farm
Aston Abbotts
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP22 4NT (map)

Horse manure

If you want some well rotted horse manure from straw beds (2 -3 years old) then call Sarah Gough (01494 758078). It’s £1.25 for a 74X48cm bag and she can deliver

First recruit for Ask Ken: Cliff, plot 84

Yesterday I met Cliff at the allotment. We discussed the merits of raised beds, manure, the trouble he’s had with carrots, his mastery of parsnips and lots, lots more.  He is going to be useful person to know!

I explained I was updating the website and he offered up our first bonafide question for Ken:
I’ve not done very well with Clematis. What might I be doing wrong?

I’ll ask Ken, see what he has to say and good to meet you Cliff.

What to plant in February

This is the first test of our Ask Ken series.  The talent is let down by atrocious camera work so apologies about that.  Next time…