2012 and predicting the future

Well here is 2012...so the big build up to another allotment season begins.

My take away tip = be careful planting out your tender veg till after mid-May,
Why? Read on.....

Temperatures: Predicting the future (or at least planning for them)

I always watch the weather and between now and May (5 months / 20 weeks) temperatures are very important in regard to germination and planting out. Here are some weather data tips I use to aid my planning.

We all assume the average temperatures in the UK rise from Jan 1st, but this is incorrect if you look at the average graph.

Black line = average, Blue = actual, Red = max and min, Light blue and pink = records

If you want to keep up to date on the temperature and want to see what 'could' happen in the next few weeks - see: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/hadobs/hadcet/cet_info_mean.html

Some noticeable features of this average temperature graph:

• There is a big dip in temps at the end of Feb and 2011 followed this pattern (so get the fleece ready)
•  Temps recover quickly in Mar and 2011 followed this pattern
• The best growing temps are on ave. after May, peaking by Aug and declining by mid Oct

If you are concerned about Min and Max temperatures - see:

Min = http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/hadobs/hadcet/cet_info_min.html

Max = http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/hadobs/hadcet/cet_info_max.html

As you can see from the graph there are some surprises that can catch out any allotmenteer:

• For 2011, there were at least 6 overnight cold 'events' from May to Oct, and last year we did get a rather cool summer
• Conversely, for 2011 there were 4 very warm 'events' in the Spring and Winter months that would have caused some early germinations and flowering, In fact my winter peas, broad beans and onions all started growing in Dec like it was late spring.

• In 2011 you can see some quite warm 'events' with at least 3 extreme heat waves
• The late Apr, late June and late Sept heat waves were impressive in 2011
• However, you can see there was a general pattern in the summer months (JJA) of average to cool temps., so you can't assume a 'warm' summer from a warm Spring, Autumn or Winter, or an odd heat wave or 2
• The main issue with high temps in the Summer months is drought if the Spring was dry 

Keep up to date with the weather stats and look over some previous years - see:

All data = http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/hadobs/hadcet/graphs/index.html

Historic stats = http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/hadobs/hadcet/data/download.html

Enjoy your allotment in 2012!