South Harpenden Allotments & Gardens Society

25/06/2026

🐝 Pollinators work hard for our harvests.

As Pollinator Week continues, it's a good time to recognise the vital role that pollinators play on our allotments.

Bees, hoverflies, butterflies, moths and other insects move pollen between flowers, helping many of the crops we grow to produce fruits, seeds and higher yields. Strawberries, raspberries, courgettes, runner beans, broad beans and many other allotment favourites all benefit from their hard work.

Without pollinators, many of our harvests would be smaller and less productive.

The good news is that allotments can be fantastic places for pollinators. Flowering herbs, edible flowers, fruit bushes and even a few plants left to flower can provide valuable food throughout the growing season.

This Pollinator Week, take a moment to watch the insects visiting your plot. Those busy visitors are doing more than gathering nectar – they're helping to put food on our tables.

🐝 Nature at work.

24/06/2026

🐝Pollinators need water too.

When we think about helping pollinators, we often focus on flowers. But bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other beneficial insects also need access to water, particularly during warm summer weather.

A shallow dish, plant saucer or old container filled with water and a few stones or pebbles can provide a safe place for insects to drink without the risk of drowning.

It's a simple addition to any allotment plot and can make a real difference during dry spells.

This Pollinator Week, why not take a few minutes to create a wildlife-friendly watering station alongside your flowers and crops?

💧 Pollinators get thirsty too

23/06/2026

🐝 Pollinators work hard.

Every time a bee, hoverfly, butterfly or other pollinator visits a flower, it is helping many of the crops we grow on our allotments.

Strawberries, courgettes, beans, raspberries, currants and many other fruits and vegetables benefit from pollination. Without these busy visitors, harvests can be smaller and fruits less plentiful.

While we enjoy the rewards, pollinators are quietly working from flower to flower throughout the season.

This Pollinator Week, take a moment to watch what's happening on your plot. You might be surprised by just how many insects are helping your crops thrive.

🌸 Nature at work.

22/06/2026

22/06/2026

Tending Tuesday – Pinch Out Your Tomatoes! 🍅

If you're growing cordon (indeterminate) tomatoes, now is the perfect time to pinch out those side shoots.

Side shoots grow in the angle between the main stem and a leaf branch. While they may look harmless, they compete with the plant for energy. Removing them helps your tomato plant focus on producing bigger, healthier fruits rather than excessive leafy growth.

✅ Improves air circulation
✅ Reduces the risk of disease
✅ Makes plants easier to support and manage
✅ Encourages better fruit production

The best time to remove side shoots is when they're small enough to pinch out with your fingers. A quick weekly check can make a big difference throughout the growing season.

Have you checked your tomatoes this week? Share a photo of your plants in the comments! 📸👇

21/06/2026

I think there are some excellent ideas here for leaves - mmmm - tomato leaf sauce/pesto.