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Annual allotments week
What a great chance to check out what other plotters are doing nearby! Events will be going on all over the country as part of this annual allotments week so keep your eyes on the local press for details.
20 messages
Gardeners' World Web User
20/08/2007 at 21:03
Had my allotment for 12 years lovely fresh veg all year round. Best thing I ever did.
Gardeners' World Web User
30/08/2007 at 16:56
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 User
01/09/2007 at 15:49
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 User
02/09/2007 at 17:44
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 User
09/09/2007 at 20:12
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 User
17/09/2007 at 11:09
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 User
19/09/2007 at 17:53
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 User
03/10/2007 at 18:10
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 User
12/10/2007 at 21:32
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 User
12/10/2007 at 22:12
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 User
16/11/2007 at 03:54
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.
Gardeners' World Web User
16/11/2007 at 10:17
Hello Larry, there's an article on this site about dealing with bindweed. Good luck.
Gardeners' World Web User
21/01/2008 at 18:06
Simon & I have recently taken on an allotment in Hereford which has been neglected for approx 18 months. we would appreciate any suggestions for recomending any resonably priced silage sheet cover to suppress weeds so we can work on a small part at a time and not cause spread of weed for our other allotment holders.All commercial retailers seem very expensive.thanks.
Gardeners' World Web User
10/03/2008 at 03:12
we started a compost bin 8 months ago, everything seems slow in breaking down. Is it too late to use an accelerator? if not how is the best way to apply it
Gardeners' World Web User
23/03/2008 at 18:10
I have just come across this website, like minded people great. I took over my allotment last October and its been hard work but how Dick the chap who had my plot before me copes I'm amazed, he still has three plots and they are all more under control than mine. This week Dick tells me he had to give up my plot because he had a Tripple bi-pass!!!!
Gardeners' World Web User
23/05/2008 at 19:53
In the village of laceby, north lincs the local parish council has just opened a site of 50 allotment plots. All plots have been taken and the transformation of a bleak field to an allotment site has been amazing over the last eight weeks or so. It is great for any community spirit and the enjoyment of planting your own vegatables is brilliant. If anyone reading this has a chance of an allotment grab it with both hands its great.
Gardeners' World Web User
06/06/2008 at 22:13
I am 16 and love gardening even though my parents are not really interested (but supportive).

My godparents have a great allotment and have helped me with our house garden :) I'm also influencing my younger sisters which is super because they like to help me with the weeding and other bits and bobs. Long live allotments.

Gardeners' World Web User
03/08/2008 at 15:23
can I put privet clippings in the compost?
Gardeners' World Web User
11/08/2008 at 11:22
I am growing pumpkins for the first time, they have lots of flowers and small(ball sized) fruits. Should I remove some to promote larger pumpkins.
Gardeners' World Web User
28/11/2011 at 18:29
We have had our allotment since April this year. It has changed our lives. My husband has never really been interested in gardening. now he is the Veg King! We are going to the annual BBQ, held this Sunday on our site.We have made lots of new friends and it is great to be with like-minded people.We all share tips and produce. I Love it!
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