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

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.

Pasta with Asparagus and Courgette

Asparagus and Courgette are made for each other in this dish!

Irish Stew with Parsnips

Irish Stew with Parsnips
The Parsnips are by no means traditional in this recipe and are optional but my wife loves them so what you going to do?

Category: The Growing Season

Jobs to do in February

Time to do some groundwork

We get a glimpse of the early signs of the arrival of Spring this month. The soil begins to warm up around the middle of February and we can see for the first time this year the buds beginning to swell on fruit trees and bushes. Overwintering vegetables begin to look less sorry for themselves and they start to produce new growth.

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!

The Growing Season

The Growing Season varies in different parts of the United Kingdom, but in Hatfield Peverel we are blessed with a milder climate and enjoy a longer season than many parts of the country.

In this section of the web site I have tried to separate the season out into monthly sections to help and guide you through the most popular tasks and crops regularly grown on the allotment site, but if you would like a feature made of a particular vegetable or task, please get in touch and I will do my best to add it to the web site for you.

Welcome to HPAA

History of the HPAA

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