In February you can start preparing your beds for an early sowing. You can warm up the soil by using polythene sheeting or cloches, doing this will mean that you could sow seed earlier. Your seed potatoes should be chitting now, but they will need checking as you may find that the shoots are growing better on the end that you put downwards. Also keep checking the onion and shallot sets if you put them in the garage (or shed) in case the mice have found them. 

Whilst we stock a range of fertilisers in prepacked boxes and tubs which are designed for adding to the soil to give nutrients for your plants, we also have some that are bagged in 2.5Kg and 5Kg sizes and following on from last week’s listing here are another three popular ones.

Growmore: 

This is a popular, balanced (NPK 7-7-7) general-purpose granular fertiliser for all garden plants, promoting strong growth, flowers, and heavy fruit/vegetable crops, applied by forking into soil before planting or as a top dressing every 8-10 weeks, often watered in.

Volcanic Rock Dust: 

Something you may not have considered. Volcanic rock dust is a natural soil amendment, rich in trace minerals, used to improve soil health, boost plant vigour, and increase crop yields by slowly releasing nutrients, enhancing water retention, and improving soil structure. It acts as a slow-release fertiliser, improves composting, adds beneficial microbes, and helps plants resist pests and drought, making it suitable for gardens, pots, and wormeries

Lime: 

Lime is an important source of calcium for plants and ensures strong growth and fruit and leaf quality. Liming garden soil neutralises the pH of the garden soil which reduces the occurrence of Clubroot. It encourages greener foliage, improves nutrient uptake strengthening plant roots and stems and helps break down heavy soils. Ideal for your brassicas.

We have a range of fertilisers in 2.5Kg or 5Kg bags and for the month of February we have reduced the price by 10% making it a good time to stock up.

Things to do during February:

Everything depends on the weather! If you grow deciduous grasses then once you see the first signs of green growth it is time to cut the old stems back. Tidy up the borders by cutting back old stems on perennials that you left for winter structure or to give food to the wildlife. Improve the whole look of the garden by trimming back the lawn edges.

Container growing: 

As well as growing vegetables on your allotments what about a few growing at home to save that visit to the plot? Using containers of any sort means that you can nip out to the garden and pick something fresh for the plate anytime. Over the coming weeks I will be listing some options that are ideal for growing in containers.

Members prize draw: 

We continue to pick three lucky numbers each weekend so if you want to claim your £10 voucher you need to pop into The Hut to see if you have been lucky. We now have 11 unclaimed prizes with another three to be drawn this weekend. If you do not want to claim your £10 voucher, then maybe you would like to donate it to the Willen Hospice.

Prepare for your Brassica beds: 

Very soon I will be spreading a good amount of lime on the allotment where I intend to grow my brassicas. Brassicas, including cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, thrive in slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5-7.5) and benefit greatly from lime, especially to combat clubroot disease common in acidic conditions. Lime also improves nutrient availability (like phosphorus, calcium, potassium) for brassicas, enhances soil structure, and provides calcium, all vital for healthy growth. 

50^th Anniversary: 

Please make a note in your diary! On Sunday 12^th April 2026 The Hut will be open between 10am and 2pm and we are hoping that the mayor will be in attendance as well as a representative from the Willen Hospice to receive our donations we have received to date. There will also be some extra special offers for members, and more details will follow as they are confirmed.

For the month of February, the 10% off offer is.

We have reduced the price of all 2.5Kg and 5Kg WHGAA Bagged fertilisers as well as the 25Kg bags.

Happy Gardening

Mick Goodman

Membership Secretary