If ‘talking about the weather’ was an Olympic sport, us Brits would win gold every time. This week, whole TV schedules were given over to weather reporters, all intimidating us with updates on ‘Snowmeggedon’, while social media ran amok with snapshots of snow angels and clips of puppies diving into snowdrifts. Meanwhile, Twitter highlighted the dangerous fact that the British public were actually having fun. These were dark times indeed.
But now, the temperatures are beginning to rise and the snow is melting. Normality returns. The white blanket of snow has been snatched away, revealing signs of life once more, as spring bulbs resume their upward journey, piercing through the hardened soil.
But before you grab your trusty spade and head for the allotment, remember that digging your soil while the ground is still frozen could do more harm than good. Damaging the soil structure, so close to a new growing season, is not what you want to be doing right now. Turning your soil, and exposing those vital yet fragile micro-organisms, fungi, and earth worms (that work so hard to keep your soil fertile) to the harsh elements, could leave your soil starved of nutrients in the months to come.
For now, resist the urge. I know, the allotment looks messy, and things need to be done before spring kicks in, but fret not, the soil will thank you in the summer months, with a bounty of fresh veg and beautiful blooms.
However, there are plenty of other jobs you can be doing right now. And for those of you who lack the inclination to face the elements and make a start on the garden, fear not, for Agent Ade is here to limber you up, and get you in the mood for the growing season ahead!
With the snow gone, and the sun shining (I know sunshine, who would have thought it), Agent Ade braved the elements to put together a spanking new gardening video.
So don those wellies, break out the lycra, and let’s get those gardening muscles warmed up.
Happy gardening!
AGENTS OF FIELD 
Ade, just loving your passion. David
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Many thanks David! 🙂
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What a joyous inspiration you are, Ade. Jenny K
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Thanks Jenny, very kind of you to say. x
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Happy gardening, indeed!
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ummm . . . no. I do fine at my own pace.
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There is that word again though. ‘Allotment’. If it is attached to the home, is it just like a home garden? Are allotments just the rented parcels away from home?
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Hey Tony,
Allotments are a really important part of British heritage. As we’re a small island, people often don’t have the space to grow anything at home, particularly in urban areas. So, according to a British law that goes all the way back to 1908, local councils have to provide land for people to grow their own food. This land is divided into plots which local people can rent: these are allotments. We’re lucky enough to have had our little allotment plot for four years, it’s only a five minute walk away from our house, and there was no waiting list when we applied, but this is incredibly unusual in the London area; allotments are very much in demand and you can often be stuck on a waiting list for years. They’re also quite a controversial topic as more and more councils are selling off allotment land for more profitable ventures. We campaigned against the closure of a nearby historic allotment site, Farm Terrace Allotments, a few years ago (it’s now empty and destined to become a car park), and you can read Sophie’s impassioned post about allotment closures here: https://agentsoffield.com/2015/02/04/allotments-we-need-them-now-more-than-ever/
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I think that I understand what a rented allotment is; but if it is in your front yard, is it just a front garden, and not an allotment?
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That’s just a front garden. 😀
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Okay, that makes sense. Thank you. I just keep hearing the term ‘allotment’ for a variety of gardens.
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I just love these vids. Think I’ll wait until y garden isn’t a soggy mess before I venture outside but I’m now looking forward to it!
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Thanks Jenna! Let’s hope the garden clears and you can get out there soon 🙂
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