Author Topic: Empty Plots  (Read 3073 times)

Digeroo

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Empty Plots
« on: August 15, 2017, 06:31:07 »
We have quite a few empty plots, and this is frustrating because the weeds blow all over the place.

One of the problems is that people who give up tend to have been unsuccessful, and then spread the rumour that you cannot grow anything.

One guy told me he was giving up because nothing will grow. 

We have a huge pile of manure available free and yet very few people actually use any.  Some people throw all their weeds in a large pile by the hedge.  And then they blame the plot for not producing anything.  They do not seem to question their technique and amend their procedures. 

Our soil is very free draining so the nutrients tend to leach out. 


Plot 18

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Re: Empty Plots
« Reply #1 on: August 15, 2017, 08:49:46 »
Perhaps people are worried about using the manure because of possible Aminopyralid contamination. I am very reluctant to use it now tbh, but do try to make a lot of compost, and use green manures and chop and drop composting in an effort to maintain the soil in good condition.

On the free-draining soil here, we have to fertilise often to grow good crops - if no one explains that to newbies then they won't get good results tbh. Most people respond to advice as long as it is not of the 'thou shall do it my way or else' sort, all too common from old-style plot holders.


Bill Door

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Re: Empty Plots
« Reply #2 on: August 15, 2017, 12:40:28 »
I think that a lot of people see Gardeners World and Beechgrove and assume that the garden fairies come along and look after the plot whilst they are having a cream tea or a G&T.  As we all know, having an allotment means commitment and hard work.  It also means using the eyes and ears twice as much as the gob!  With some people you can dress it all up in fine words but it will always end up that they will fail.  The thing to concentrate on is getting more new people in to "give it a go" and hope that gradually more will be successful and enjoy the outdoor life both in the sunshine and the rain.  I like frosty mornings but I draw the line at snow.  I have noticed that slugs, snails and pigeons seem to hate snow as well.

So smile, offer advice if asked and enjoy your produce. 

Bill

okra

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Re: Empty Plots
« Reply #3 on: August 15, 2017, 14:46:41 »
I think that a lot of people see Gardeners World and Beechgrove and assume that the garden fairies come along and look after the plot whilst they are having a cream tea or a G&T.  As we all know, having an allotment means commitment and hard work.  It also means using the eyes and ears twice as much as the gob!  With some people you can dress it all up in fine words but it will always end up that they will fail.  The thing to concentrate on is getting more new people in to "give it a go" and hope that gradually more will be successful and enjoy the outdoor life both in the sunshine and the rain.  I like frosty mornings but I draw the line at snow.  I have noticed that slugs, snails and pigeons seem to hate snow as well.

So smile, offer advice if asked and enjoy your produce. 
Bill

Totally agree our site was largely empty for many years and it has taken around 10 years to gradually, with a huge turnover of tenants, to fill the site.  Individuals who enjoy the hard work are hard to find and many of the the ones who do now have 2 plots.
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Digeroo

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Re: Empty Plots
« Reply #4 on: August 15, 2017, 15:48:59 »
I have given up giving advice unless is it asked for. 

I am also still very wary of contamination in the manure.  I no longer bury it and I make sure it has no direct contact with roots.  If it is on the surface, then if there is a problem I can rake it off.   However at the moment things are good.   Also the pile is currently warm and steams a little, I do not think the contaminated stuff ever heated up.

But I am sure that quite a lot of people use no fertiliser at all.  A well fed fat hen plant is a good six feet tall, if is it flowering at six to nine inches then it is seriously short of nutrients.   

Monty often shows his compost bin on Gardeners World.  Yet quite a few people have no bins or use them to store tools and odd bits of wood and plastic pipes.   

We even have it in our contracts that we should manure the plot and still many do not do it.   

One said he did not want to use it because of the smell.  But it does not smell.  Its well past that stage.   

How can I persuade people to feed their crops?

Tee Gee

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Re: Empty Plots
« Reply #5 on: August 15, 2017, 16:29:05 »
Quote
I have given up giving advice unless is it asked for. 

Snap!

This is one of the reasons I do not visit the plots at the weekends as I get nothing done due to helping others.

I wouldn't mind so much  but most of them don't heed what I say and do their own thing anyway, then they wonder why I get the crops I do and they can't.

Its the same with the weed situation I give them advice on how to control them but again because it entails what appears to be a menial task they don't like, they fail to keep on top of them.

Then there are those who have an allotment because it is the "in thing" but they still want to jet of to their second home in Spain for a month or more and asking others to look after their stuff while they are away.

Others are trying to juggle a career, keep a home and family and wonder why their plots are getting on top of them.

I think the mind set of these people is much of the reason why I am cutting back in the time I spend on the plots, currently I only visit the plots on Monday & Friday morning to water,feed and harvest!

That's another thing that seems to upset them and that is how do I get the crops I do considering I spend so little time on the plots.

Its what I always tell them:

The output from a plot is usually equal to the input in! and many a time they do not want to inject this input hence the output they get!

I could say a lot more but it just that I do not want to let you all suffer the thoughts of a "Grumpy Old Man"as that is what I have become in the last few years, simply because I am missing the banter and camaraderie there once was on the plots!

My visits to the plots are now a chore instead of the pleasure I once had, and I have always said that when

my plots become a chore I will give it up.

I have made a start I am giving up one of my plots at the end of the year.


Sorry folks but that is how I feel!  :BangHead:




johhnyco15

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Re: Empty Plots
« Reply #6 on: August 15, 2017, 16:43:20 »
we have this season for the first time an empty plot and because of the age of our current  plot holders I've been told a few more will be going down to half plots next year so with people working longer hours and further away from their homes leisure time is a premium so in my wisdom (ha ha) I've decided that one of full plots  i will turn into 3 small garden plots they will be around 20mts by 5mts and come with a sentry  type shed all for the princely sum of £18 per year if my project works as well as the last where we had 4 plots together i split them into 8 half's with shed for £32 a year and they have been a great success  with all of them let since the beginning anyway if the garden plot scheme works the adjacent plot which i think the couple will be giving up next year will also be set out as garden plots only time will tell as our life styles become more hectic retiring  age is extending maybe we as custodians  of allotments must think of other ways to get the general public involved  and smaller may be the answer only time will tell
johhnyc015  may the plot be with you

ancellsfarmer

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Re: Empty Plots
« Reply #7 on: August 15, 2017, 18:50:53 »
It is widely the case that many 'newcomers' fall by the wayside, quitting after a season or two, generally through disillusionment it seems. It occurs to me that the Adult Education people are missing out on this.
An afternoon class for up to 10 ,part 'theory', part 'practical' hands -in experience would enable the basics to be presented and , generally tutors can expect £18-£25 pounds per hour. Councils and committees could find this a way to renovate a derelict plot, generate new tenants who are equipped to succeed, and satisfy a need. My vision would be that this might also enable some of society's' less capeable to feed their brood from their own efforts. Comments please.
Freelance cultivator qualified within the University of Life.

Bill Door

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Re: Empty Plots
« Reply #8 on: August 15, 2017, 19:08:37 »
Ancellsfarmer I promise not to say anything if you don't!  Big suck in of breath.  That is too much like a workable plan and you know how much "authority" hates workable plans.  "They" will say you have been reading too many "win win" books.  It is not suitable for the socialists as the "tutors" make too much money and the capitalists will be upset because it is taking profit away from the struggling vegetable growers.  Now wash your mouth out and put that pen down and hang your head in shame!

Bill
P.S. nice thinking but it will go nowhere!!

ancellsfarmer

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Re: Empty Plots
« Reply #9 on: August 15, 2017, 19:15:56 »
Ancellsfarmer I promise not to say anything if you don't!  Big suck in of breath.  That is too much like a workable plan and you know how much "authority" hates workable plans.  "They" will say you have been reading too many "win win" books.  It is not suitable for the socialists as the "tutors" make too much money and the capitalists will be upset because it is taking profit away from the struggling vegetable growers.  Now wash your mouth out and put that pen down and hang your head in shame!

Bill
P.S. nice thinking but it will go nowhere!!
Bill, It will travel, it just needs you to lead.
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Pescador

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Re: Empty Plots
« Reply #10 on: August 15, 2017, 20:27:47 »
I know the feeling. I mentioned the referendum in a post a few days ago..... whoops!!!
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