Allotment at 27 Jun 2025

 

Epsom salt spray

Epsom salt adds magnesium, which helps plants grow strong and green.

How to make it:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with  1 gal = 3.785 L  of water.
• Spray the mixture on your plants’ leaves or pour it into the soil.

Where-to-buy-seeds-for-less

https://www.muchmorewithless.co.uk/where-to-buy-seeds-for-less/

Perennial Vegetables: Babington Leek/ wild leek, Welsh leek.

 Babington's Leek (Allium ampeloprasum babingtonii) is available for purchase in the UK from various suppliers:

• Adaptive Seeds: Offers organic Babington's Leek bulbils for sale. Orders containing Babington's Leek and garlic or shallots will ship by late September.

• Otter Farm: Provides Babington's leek bulbils for sale. Available in packets of 5 pips suitable for sowing in modules or small pots.

• Kore Wild Fruit Nursery: Sells young Babington leek plants grown in 7 cm pots, available for mail-order.

• Growild Nursery: Offers Babington's Leek bulbils for UK customers only.

• Incredible Vegetables: Sells Babington perennial leek bulbils in packs of 20 with a special offer of 50% extra free.

Soil conditions, location, and cultivation

Will grow well in a wide range of garden soils, including clay ones – but does less well in especially gravelly soils. 

Will grow in semi-shade or full sun. 

Tolerant of wind.

Plant the bulbs or bulbils at any time of year, about 20cm apart, about 5-7.5cm deep. 

Shoots will emerge in late winter or early spring. 

Flower stalks do not usually emerge in the first year after planting, but in subsequent years, they appear in late spring/early summer and produce a head of bulbils (tiny bulbs) with a few sterile flowers.

Good Companion Plants for Leeks:

• Carrots: Leeks can help deter carrot root fly, and they share similar growth requirements. 
• Celery: Both plants benefit from being planted together. 
• Onions: Onions can help repel pests that may harm leeks, and they share similar growth conditions. 
• Spinach: Spinach is a good companion plant for leeks. 

Container gardening

 Container gardening is an excellent way to grow vegetables and herbs in small spaces, such as balconies or patios. The key is choosing the right pot size for each plant. Here’s a quick guide:

Choosing the Right Pot Size

5L Pots: Lettuce, Chard, Parsley, Basil, Chives

10L Pots: Radish, Celery, Turnip, Carrot, Kale

15L Pots: Cabbage, Beet, Garlic, Brussels Sprouts, Chillies

20L Pots: Tomato, Broccoli, Pepper, Chícharo (peas), Cauliflower

40L Pots: Cucumber, Potatoes, Watermelon, Zucchini, Melon

Quick Tips for Success

Use Quality Soil: Nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix.

Sunlight: At least 6-8 hours daily.

Water Consistently: Pots dry out faster than ground soil.

Fertilise: Use organic or liquid fertilisers as needed.

Drainage: Ensure pots have drainage holes.

Support Climbing Plants: Use trellises or stakes.

Final Thoughts

With the right pot size and care, container gardening is an easy and effective way to grow fresh produce at home.

They are easy to grow from seeds.

 Sow directly into the ground in spring and your garden will sparkle with bright colors in summer!

Lavatera
Godetia
Eschscholzia/California Poppy
Nasturtium
Cosmos
Sunflower
Zinnia
Marigolds
Nigela
Gaillardia