There is still time to Create a Flowered Bonnet, Hat, Crown or Tiara and enter the VPA Spring Competition on Saturday 10th April. For details Contact Blewbury Post Office or Maggie Maytham in Upton (850126) or email vpa.in.bl.up@gmail.com or call Eileen on 0777 518 5322
I’m sure everyone has been getting to grips with the weeds, cutting the grass and planning what is going into the veggie plot this year. Here’s some food for thought on how to go about preparing your vegetable plot.
Five reasons not to dig – 1 Digging encourages soil-living creatures like worms to do the spadework for you. 2 It reduces the loss of moisture. 3 It protects the soil structure. 4 It prevents weed seeds being brought to the surface. 5 It’s easier on the back.
Five Reasons to dig – 1 Digging breaks up heavily compacted soil, allowing it to breathe. 2 It kills surface weeds. 3 It exposes pests to predators and the cold. 4 If you don’t, you’ll need a lot more mulch to grow potatoes as you will not be ‘earthing up’. 5 It’s good exercise for those who want it.
I’ve actually tried a semi-no-dig method this year. I’ve hoed the plots and have gone down about four inches. This has loosened the soil and weeded it at the same time I can then go a bit deeper when I start planting, I hope this works –watch this space!
We are hoping that the VPA will be able to hold the Summer Show this year on the 10th JULY – it will depend on what Covid restrictions are still in place. We will keep you informed through the Bulletin.
DID YOU KNOW –Peppers contain up to five times as much vitamin C as oranges. The highest levels are found when the peppers are in the early green stage of ripening.
Eileen