News from Upchurch Horticultural Society

Happy New Year to all Upchurch gardeners. Sadly the first announcement is to say goodbye to our Chairman Mick Johnson who passed away on 13th November after a period of illness. Mick had an immense impact on the local horticultural scene and is quite simply irreplaceable. We will miss him greatly and our sympathies to his family and friends. The Society carries on, though, and our AGM will be held on Wed 1st Feb 17 at Peter Boakes house at 97 Chaffes Lane starting at 7:30pm.

Although a quiet time of year there is still plenty to do. Sheds and greenhouses need tidying and tools can do with a clean and blades sharpened. There is still time to prune apples and with established trees concentrate on opening up the centre to allow plenty of air to circulate, be gentle with the outer leaders and laterals.

For those who want to get off to a good start, sow onion and leek seeds in trays and find a warm light place to encourage early growth. Trimming the length of leeks encourages them to thicken up and work on the maxim of at least 40 weeks from sow to show, alternatively, just eat them when they are ready. Also broad beans can go in and one of the best varieties for winter planting is Aquadulce Claudia which will be ready in May/June. They are at their best while the ligament connecting the bean to the pod is still green and can be added raw to salads. Eventually this will turn black and the bean hardens and will need cooking.

Please note that we are always looking for new members and try to encourage a fun attitude towards friendly competition. So if you want to grow your own fruit, vegetables and flowers or even enter any of the 3 shows we hold each year, then please get in touch, we would be happy to hear from you.

If you are interested in becoming a new member, (all ages are welcome), please contact Rosey on: 01634 377812 (evenings) or Email: rosemary@ringwoodaccounting.co.uk

Sponsored by Upchurch River Valley Golf Club - www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk

Sean Barry - Upchurch Horticultural Society

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