Harvesting Cauliflower

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History of the HPAA

The Hatfield Peverel Allotment Association has been around for over a hundred years, below is an article written by David Goodey and makes good reading!

Rhubarb & Custard Cocktail

Rhubarb & custard cocktail
An elegant vodka-based drink that'll wow your guests - it's made with creamy advocaat iqueur and homemade fruit syrup

History of the HPAA

The Hatfield Peverel Allotment Association has been around for over a hundred years, below is an article written by David Goodey and makes good reading!

Harvesting Cauliflower

Needs to be harvested on time otherwise the curds (White heads) will turn brown and rot. What a shame considering all the work you've put in! The image above show an over ripe head alongside one that is perfect.

If you planted a number of cauliflower it's best to start harvesting some of the small ones while you're waiting for the rest to mature. This is because they will all be ready at the same time and don't store well. It the florets begin to separate then you've waited too long.

Cut the cauliflower head at the base of the plant. It's a good idea to keep the leaf wrapping intact to prevent the curd from damage. The best time to pick is in the early morning when there's still dew on the plant, if it's frosty you're better off waiting till midday.

If you wish to store the cauliflower for 2 or 3 weeks lift the whole plant including the roots, shake off any excess soil and hang upside down in a cool shed. Spray the head occasionally with water to prevent drying out.

Category: Recipes

Oca or Potato Homity Pie Recipe

Homity Pie

Homity pie is a traditional British open vegetable pie. The pastry case traditionally contains a filling of potatoes and an onion and leek mixture, which is then covered with cheese. It has a history that dates back to the efforts of the Land girls of the Second World War and the restrictions imposed by wartime rationing.

Aubergine Parmigiana

This simple aubergine parmigiana recipe from Italy makes a cosy mid-week meal. Serve this cheese, tomato and aubergine bake as a vegetarian main dish, with some wholewheat garlic bread or a peppery rocket salad, or you can also make it as a hearty side for for a meat dish.!

Fagiolini in Umido

This is a great dish to use some of the abundant Green Beans that should be available in the summer months Fagiolini in Umido is an Italian dside dish simply means Green Beans cooked in Tomato.

Category: The Growing Season

Jobs to do in October

October is the month when it feels like the season is about to turn, the days start to shorten and the sun appears lower in the sky, the leaves change colour and fall to the ground and temperatures drop. The first frost are likely too, which will be the end of many of your crops out in the open so if you still haven’t harvested frost sensitive crops now is the time before Jack Frost gets them!

Jobs to do in April

Spring should be here but watch out for frosts!

Sow seed outdoors
Vegetable growing really takes off this month. Chit and plant out second early potatoes in the first half of the month, maincrop potatoes in the second half. It's also time to sow seed outdoors in well-prepared soil.

Jobs to do in March

Spring is starting and the new season is here

Hopefully by now we are now standing on the threshold of Spring and the new gardening season. The days are beginning to lengthen and although it may not feel like it at times the temperatures are slowly increasing day by day. More importantly the longer days are the real trigger to new growth and you will find that with the help of a little protection you can really go for those early sowings

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