Mike has compiled the latest wildlife report and there are some great pictures, notably of a garden tiger moth. Sadly there is no picture of the red cinnabar moth, Norma saw on her plot, if you google it you will see it’s a beauty.
If you capture any wildlife photos please share them. In the meantime enjoy the report compiled by Michael Anderson
There was a great response from plotholders, to John McKinlay’s email about Empty Kitchens. It resulted in a variety of around 20 different vegetables, fruit and herbs and gives a good example of what is being grown on the site.
Empty Kitchens use surplus food to provide cooked meals for those in need and were delighted with the donation.
John says we are planning to do it again at the end of the month to catch the apple harvest.
Thanks to John for this picture
I’m no Monty Don and if there was an award for weeds I’d win, but I’m still amazed that my allotment keeps giving. I was especially proud of my cauliflower and of course, I harvested it when the allotment was deserted, and had no one to show it to.
It would be great to see what everyone else is growing, especially if its unusual or your first real success at growing something. Please send photos to me at joanpisanek@hotmail.com and I’ll share them on the website
There are some people for whom the term less is more just doesn’t apply, and when it comes to flowers Rod is definitely one of them ! I I love walking along the path and seeing what he has blooming,
Michael Anderson has been conducting wildlife surveys on the site, and it’s great to see so much activity
There are Great Tits flying with food into George’s nest box, so presumably young are being fed and there have been sightings of a Lesser Black-backed Gull as well as Mute Swans. I am not a wildlife expert but there have certainly been plenty of bees and ladybirds around. The full report, can be downloaded below
I was chatting to John Maule at the gates to Craigentinny recently and he told me he has had his plot for 50 years !!!! Either he arrived as a baby with his parents or allotments really do keep you young. If you go to allotment tales on the website there is a great post all about the plot and some of the activities that went on in the 1970s
It has been a while since we posted anything on the allotment website, but things have not stood still at Craigentinny, with lots of new plot holders, wildlife reports and plant news. We have not been able to have any in person meetings, but hopefully that will change soon as the weather hots up and restrictions are gradually being lifted
Updates will be appearing regularly and as always if you have any news or information please pass it on.
Joan
If you’re not already sick of rhubarb, now is the time to stop pulling stalks. Stopping now gives the plant time to build up good stores for next year. It’s worth putting a little pelleted fertiliser around the plant and then just clear the leaves as they die back.
We’re forecast to have some really hot weather, so while you’re watering the crops, check the compost heap, if it’s too dry it won’t compost as well.
Don’t try growing dwarf lupins in them
