The latest newsletter has been published. Click here to read the latest news.
Potato ordering
This year we are once again running a pre-ordering service for members so they can place orders online for seed potatoes. Orders are placed on a ‘click and collect’ basis and are dealt with in the order they are received.
Once you have made your order, a committee member will reply within 3 days with the amount you owe. Payment is made on collection from the members’ shop or BACS before collection. Please specify the date you wish to collect your order in the order form below and it will be picked and bagged ready for you on that date.
All stock is subject to availability and stock levels are updated weekly. We are currently sold out of Calendonian Pearl, Casablanca and Foremost. If you are a new plotholder, it can be difficult to choose your varieties, so please see more information below to help you make your decision!
Note: BALGA reserves the right to put back into stock any items not collected within 7 days of the specified collection date.
Once you have chosen your varieties, don’t forget to select a collection date before clicking ‘Submit’. A copy of your order will be emailed to you. Please print off a copy and bring it with you when you come to collect your order.
Prices are as follows:
Seed potatoes – £1.50 per kilo
Taster Pack – £4.00 (for 5 seed potatoes, 200g of potato fertiliser and 45l planter bag)
Onion sets – £0.70 per 200g
Shallots – £1.00 per 250g
AGM 2025
We had our Annual General Meeting on 20 January 2025 at the Community Centre in Baldock. Along with the formal business, we heard reports from various committee members about the work we completed last year and the plans for 2025.
The winners of the Best Kept Allotment Competition were awarded their certificate and trophy. Please see the pictures below of the tenants receiving their certificate, trophy and gift voucher for the Members’ Shop.
Kemjira was the Best Newcomer at Clothall Road and winner of the Frank Conway cup.
Fencing for new plots
We’re thrilled to share that the fencing for the 30 brand-new allotment plots at our North Road allotment site is nearly complete! This marks a huge step forward in creating a vibrant space for gardeners of all experience levels to grow their own fresh produce, flowers, and more.
With the fencing work wrapping up, we’ll soon begin defining and preparing the individual plots, getting them ready for eager tenants to start planting.
📢 Interested in a Plot?
Don’t miss this opportunity—click here to apply for a plot today.
Christmas Gingerbread
Look at this amazing gingerbread house with an allotment garden made by one of our tenants.
Land ready for new plots
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re making room for 30 brand-new allotment plots at our North Road allotment site! This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your journey with plants, to enjoy growing your own fresh produce, flowers, and more.
What’s Happening Now?
- The area has been cleared and is now ready for transformation.
- Fencing work will begin soon to define the plots and ensure the space is secure.
Keep an eye on this space! We’ll be sharing updates on the fencing process. Click here if you’re interested in applying for a plot.
Successful Working Party at CR Clears Communal Plot
The working party on Sunday 24 November at Clothall Road allotment site proved to be a great success! Starting promptly at 10am, a team of ten enthusiastic volunteers worked together to clear the communal plot. Their combined efforts ensured the task was completed in just 90 minutes, leaving plenty of time for a warm-up and a well-deserved thank-you coffee at Tapps Garden Centre.
Photos captured the impressive transformation, showing the plot’s condition before and three large piles of rubbish collected during the cleanup. One particularly noteworthy pile consisted entirely of broken glass, which filled over a barrow load on its own!
Ross (Trading Secretary) has already arranged for the metal pile to be collected and hopes the combustible materials can be burned early this week, ahead of work by Mark Oakley. The remaining pile, largely plastic, will require a skip for disposal.
A big thank-you to everyone who contributed their time and energy to this effort. Your hard work is greatly appreciated!
BALGA Quiz Night 2024
BALGA invites you to our Annual Quiz Night on Friday, November 22nd, 2024, at the Baldock Community Centre. Doors open at 7:00 pm, with the quiz starting at 7:30 pm. This year’s quiz will be hosted by our new Publicity Officer, Sarah Bassett, along with Chris Bassett.
Everyone is welcome to join—teams of up to 6 people can compete for just £5 per person. Invite friends, family, or neighbours for a relaxed evening open to all, whether you’re a BALGA member or not. If you don’t have a full team, we can arrange groups on the night.
What to Expect:
- Quiz Competition – Fun, engaging questions for everyone
- Raffle – A chance to win great prizes
- Bar – Drinks available for purchase at the Community Centre bar
Tickets are available at the Baldock Community Centre or the Allotment Shop on Football Close, open Sundays from 10 am to 12 noon. We look forward to seeing you there!
Best Kept Allotment Competition
Two independent judges scored the 20 shortlisted plots for Best Plot Overall and the 6 shortlisted plots for Best Newcomer 2024. The judges had a difficult task this year as it was a closely fought contest.
Adam H. (CR47B) scored the most points at Clothall Road and is the Best Plot at Clothall Road. Dave K. (NR49B/50B) scored the most points at North Road
and is the Best Plot at North Road. Congratulations to Adam H., who scored the most points overall and will be awarded the Basil Bryant Cup. Winners will receive a £25 voucher to use at the Members’ Shop. Presentations will be made at the 2025 AGM.
Here are the results for the newcomers: Kemjira S. (CR14A) scored the most points at Clothall Road and is the Best Newcomer at Clothall Road. Colin M.
(NR60A) scored the most points at North Road and is the Best Newcomer at North Road. Kemjira will be awarded the Frank Conway Cup and Colin will be
awarded the John Gray Cup at the 2025 AGM. In addition, the Best Newcomers will receive a £10 gift.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists! Pictures of the winning plots can be found in this article. Hopefully, this will give you some inspiration for next year!
BALGA Open Day 2024
We are excited to invite you to our Open Day 2024 in celebration of National Allotments Week.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, 17th August 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Tapps Garden Centre, Wallington Road (opposite the Clothall Road allotment site)
Come and join BALGA, your local community-run allotment and leisure gardeners’ Association. Benefits include:
🍈 Access to discounted prices at our members’ shop
🫑 An annual flower and vegetable show with the Baldock Horticultural Society
🍐 A discounted seed scheme via Kings Seeds and the National Allotment
Association
🥬 A bi-monthly newsletter to keep you up-to-date
Come and speak with us to find out about getting an allotment or becoming an Associate Member. Learn about Seed Saving.
Refreshments are available at Tapps Garden Centre.
