Leeds Horticultural Society

David Allison of The National Vegetable Society – 4th May 2010

Posted on May 26, 2010 by Head Gardener

Talk & Slide Show by David Allison of The National Vegetable Society who is the National Magazine Editor and has previously been the Secretary of the NVS.

David gave a talk titled ‘Back to Basics’ about growing vegetables for Showing and for the kitchen.

–He started by telling us that people are now more interested in growing their own vegetables in gardens and allotments.   Seed companies in 2008 & 2009 actually sold more vegetable seeds than flower seeds!!

His slide show opened with images of displays that NVS had done for the Harrogate Flower Show. A work of art involving magnificent displays of caulis, tomatoes, leeks, onions and many other fantastic vegetables.  So good that a Trophy and Best In Show was awarded.

We saw shots of the allotment garden at Geoff Hamiltons ‘Barnsdale’. And also fantastic images of Pat Leas Garden with its vast range of vegetables .

David explained growing techniques, soil types, water tables, height above sea level etc. Poly tunnels, cold frames & greenhouses. He showed us Peter Clarkes amazing prize winning long carrots grown in specially constructed raised beds with  7’ growing depth and even vegetables grown in dustbins. Similarly prize winning Parsnips grown in 45 gallon plastic drums! He told us how to grow the best Beetroots using a sandy soil to stop the skins from becoming coarse. Leggy tomatoes need nipping out at top and you can plant that up to start off another plant. Brassicas like a firm soil which has been limed the year before.

So many vegetables to talk about and so little time !

David managed to get through such a lot supported by a splendid slide show .

It was a very informative evening and the audience was very appreciative!

June’s  meeting is a Bring & Buy and Demonstration- an opportunity to bring along any Plants suplus to your needs. (Raffle tea & coffee as usual.)