September and October Activities
at Mudlarks 2008

 

Spring Bulbs

Many bulbs can be planted at this time. Most will benefit from a handful of grit at the bottom of the hole to help stop rotting. Tulips should be planted in late October or November.
Shrubs, perennials, climbers, pot grown treees
Still a good time to establish new plants as some root growth is possible until November or even later.
Hardwood cuttings
A very good time of the year to take cuttings, pot up and place in the cold frame to over-winter.
Scarify and Aerate lawns
Perhaps not aplicable to Mudlarks yet but the process of removing excess thatch and moss and spiking and then filling the holes with sharp sand, really improves the durability and grass content of the lawn over winter. Do not be suprised how much debris you generate. All excellent material for the compost heap.
Harvest
Potaotoes, marrows, courgettes, apples, pears and late raspberries. Pumpkins to be left until a few days before Halloween, then harvested and left to dry.
Planting and sowing
See the vegetable, herb and fruit planners accessed from our Plants page.
Bird Boxes
Patrick, a volunteer new to Mudlarks, will be constructing bird boxes from recycled material and our Trainees will be learning from his experience. Patrick and Mike have made a variety of bird boxes, bat boxes, hedgehog houses, and bug boxes. If you have a desire for a particular type please let us know and we wil be happy to take your order.
Leaves
Already some leaves are falling. As the Autumn progresses the fall will be heavier. If the number of leaves are small it is perfectly alright to add them to the general compost bins but if heavier contemplate building a leaf container. A wooden stake at each corner and wire mesh on three sides. The resultant 'leaf mould' is a good constituent of potting compost.

 

 

Building a
Cold Frame

 

"A cold frame is a very useful structure for nurturing seeds and young plants in early spring, acting as a mini-hot house in summer, and a suitable store for perennial cuttings and potted alpine plants in autumn and winter.

The portability of the cold frame is a particularly good feature as is the ability to moderate temperature by slightly opening or removing the lid.

The frame pictured was very easy to construct(1) and probably only took an hour to make and another two half hours to coat in preservative.

There are a number of factors which determine the dimensions of the frame; the desire to house hardwood cuttings and using a shower glass(3) panel as the lid dictated the size of mine.

The wood used was not recycled but the ones I will prefabricate for Mudlarks will be. Trainees will assemble the frames and paint them once I bring them to the allotments. When we have a suitable work shed the Trainees will be able to become involved in all parts of the process, including designing the frame and cutting and assembling the sides and lid."

Mike Donoghue
September 2008

(1) The boards are held in place by vertical batons. The back panel is 5 boards high, the front 3 boards. The two sides were made as one, eight boards high and then cut in half.

(2) Never use house or greenhouse glass, always use safety glass. The possibility of serious injury by falling in or dropping something through the lid is too risky.

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