Dear Member,
After the long, hot summer, we may soon be experiencing some cold nights and perhaps even the first frost. Make sure any crops that are not suited to colder weather are harvested and stored before they are damaged by the changing temperatures.
Now is also the time to plant onion sets, shallot sets and garlic. If you intend to overwinter peas or broad beans, prepare the ground now and get them sown soon.
Don’t forget to sow your sweet peas for next year. Use root trainers or soil-filled cardboard tubes and keep them in a cool, bright location such as an unheated greenhouse, cold frame or bright windowsill. Avoid excessive heat, as this can lead to weak growth.
🕒 Hut Opening Hours
As most members know, we move to Saturday-only opening during November and December.
October
✅ Saturday 17 October and Sunday 18 October
Open 9:30am to 12 noon
✅ Saturday 24 October and Sunday 25 October
Open 9:30am to 12 noon
Then the schedule changes…
✅ Saturday 31 October
Open 9:30am to 12 noon
❌ Sunday 1 November
Closed
✅ Saturdays 7, 14, 21 and 28 November
Open 9:30am to 12 noon
✅ Saturdays 5 and 12 December
Open 9:30am to 12 noon
🔒 After Saturday 12 December, The Hut will be closed for the winter.
🎉 We reopen on Saturday 9 January 2027, returning to our normal Saturday and Sunday opening schedule. Opening hours will be 9:30am to 12 noon until 30 May 2027.
🌿 Thinking About Going No-Dig?
Adopting a no-dig gardening approach helps preserve soil structure by avoiding unnecessary disturbance.
Benefits include:
🌱 Better soil structure
💧 Improved moisture retention
🪱 Protection for worms and other soil organisms
🍄 Support for beneficial mycorrhizal fungi
🌍 A healthier and more sustainable growing environment
I have recently set aside an area of my own plot to trial the no-dig method and see how it works for me.
🎊 Celebrate No Dig Day – Tuesday 3 November
Why not give it a try on part of your plot and see what results you get?
🏡 In the Greenhouse
As you clear your greenhouse, it is a good opportunity to carry out any repairs and give it a thorough clean, including washing the glass.
🧽 Clean glass admits more light.
🔧 Check for damaged panes, clips and vents.
🫧 It may seem a little early to think about insulation, but now is the perfect time to make sure you have bubble wrap ready for installation when the colder weather arrives in November.
🥦 Brassicas
If you are growing cauliflowers, protect the heads from cold nights by:
🌿 Tying the outer leaves over the curd with string, or
🛡️ Using a cloche or horticultural fleece.
For Brussels sprouts, remove any yellowing leaves to help reduce the risk of disease and keep plants healthy.
🚜 Digging the Plot
For areas of the vegetable plot that are not being protected with mulch or green manure, it is worth turning over the soil if you are able to do so.
By turning over the soil:
🌧️ Rainwater can penetrate more easily.
❄️ Winter frosts can naturally break down heavy clods.
🌱 The ground is often left in good condition for spring cultivation.
That is, of course, assuming we get both rain and frost!
🎁 Gift Vouchers Coming Soon
Many members have asked whether we offer gift vouchers and, until now, the answer has been no.
We’re pleased to announce that this is about to change.
💷 Soon, members will be able to purchase £10 gift vouchers.
🎁 Vouchers can be given to fellow members, family or friends.
🛒 They can be redeemed against purchases from The Hut.
More details will follow shortly.
🐦 Bird Care & Wildlife Offer
10% OFF FROM OCTOBER TO DECEMBER
Take advantage of our seasonal wildlife promotion:
🐦 Bird Feeders
🌻 Bird Food
🦔 Hedgehog Food
All available with a 10% discount until the end of December.
🌻 Happy Gardening
Whether you’re planting garlic, preparing for winter, experimenting with no-dig methods or simply tidying the greenhouse, there’s still plenty to keep gardeners busy over the coming weeks.
Wishing you all a productive and enjoyable autumn on the plots.
Mick Goodman
Membership Secretary
