Grass paths and edges spilling on to your plot? Inspections about to take place? Don't ruin your neighbours' peace with the scream of a strimmer. This pocket-sized Swiss knife sharpener will fix your sheers, secateurs, scissors (and carving knife). An allotmenteer's must-have, so just click on the link. 4 friends have already put in orders after seeing mine.
While I'm struggling to get the plot in order, I am awe-struck by the creativity of my plot neighbours. A & A have created a meandering crocus walk, feet from their veg. It may not be the Reader's Digest crocus carpet of 1.5 million crocuses at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew but it's just as magical.
Don't miss this delightful exhibition about the last 100 years of allotments and growing-your-own. I mentioned it when it opened last October and it's now the last week - closing March 7. Full of inspirational memorabilia with original booklets such as "Cloches versus Hitler - a simple guide to intensive vegetable culture" by Charles Wyse Gardner. The Museum shop and cafe pretty irresistible...
If not, don't panic. Out of season, I unexpectedly needed to photograph chitting potatoes. My spud expert mates said there was no way I'd get hold of any. Then I remembered my fav magazine, Kitchen Garden, which is essential reading for all plotholders, had recommended Jamieson Brothers some months earlier. Sure enough, at a weekend, they flew to my rescue and, a few days later, diminutive and perfectly formed spuds ready for chitting arrived in the post. My next experiment is growing them much too early in pots on the balcony. So if you haven't already ordered your Earlies and Maincrops don't panic, just click on the link: http://www.jbaseedpotatoes.co.uk/ Judging by my experience, they'll help if they can.
