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Talkback: Annual allotments week

Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
in Talkback
Had my allotment for 12 years lovely fresh veg all year round. Best thing I ever did.
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  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I have just got my allotment this week and it is full of nettles, lots of work to do but can I use them for compost, or should I put weed killer on them?
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    We just held our Lotty Open Day against a backdrop of notice from the council that two thirds of our site is being sold off for housing. One of the plots earmarked for the bulldozer is over 100 years old and is filled with mature fruit trees, surrounded by a high privet hedge. It's an idyllic spot and to see it trashed would be unthinkable.

    Our lotty association is affiliated to NSALG and we have their legal team helping us to fight off the council.

    We want to use all means at our disposal to prevent the wanton destruction of our plots and anything anyone can do to help would be much appreciated

  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Just took on an allotment towards the end of last year. It's been hard work clearing it, but the little we've grown so far has been rewarding enough to want to continue. Enthusiasic plans for next year. Any advice readily accepted.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Joyce, I would recommend composting the nettles on your plot. not only does it mean you don't have to introduce chemicals into the soil, but they make excellant compost.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Can anyone tell me how to get rid of lots of little red flies on my compost? I dont know if they are supposed to be there to help decomposition but they are not very nice.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Joyce - I got my allotment a year ago and it was shoulder high in weeds - dragged my family into helping dig them up, then covered as much as poss with black plastic over the winter, planted spuds through the plastic in spring. Sowed broad beans in a small patch last October and reaped the benefits in May.
    Needless to say it is now payback time and all the family want the bumper crops. Planted pumpkins and courgettes through cardboard. Plot next door is still neck high in weeds and seeds, so I'm keeping mine covered as much as poss.
    Good luck
    Chris
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Oh! to be able to get my hands on an allotment...I've had my name on the waiting list here in Chorley Lancashire for THREE years...We only have one small site to serve the whole of this town and surrounding area .The council prefer to sell land for yet more 'little boxes' and are denying lots of us the opportunity to have the pleasure of growing our own.From what I can gather,other areas have loads of sites and waiting lists are unheard of?
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I have just got an allotment with my neighbour we have started the dreaded task of wedding and digging, but cant wait to start growing we have great plans.we are very excited does that sound sad?
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Gigi, Here in Blackpool there are 8 sites, each with a large waiting list. Our Council are trying to give us another large site in the North of the town. Allotments are at the forefront of the public eye now so, please, keep pestering your council and you may be lucky. Have you tried contacting the National Federation of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Association? Good luck.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I've had my allotment for a few months now on the Saintbridge site in Gloucester, it's an amazing site & i can't wait to start growing my own. So far though all i've done is combat weeds as my plot was unoccupied for 3 years prior to my tenancy but i am determined to get it right with a little help from my girlfriend Susie & our two black Labs Molly & Rosie. My biggest problem is the dreaded Bindweed & a wall of brambles. What is the best way to tackle this ever encroaching menace please? I don't want to use chemicals if i can help it so i would welcome your comments please, thankyou.
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