Allotments 4 All

Hi Ya, we are experiencing similar problems on our site. You don't have lay a deposit or anything. The onus is usually on the person vacating the plot. The one next to me was given up 4 months ago and though the council have people interested in taking a plot on the weed problem is horrendous. I can see why some people have looked at it but so far no takers. I can't blame them as it's a mess and is affecting me as with the weather problems they weeds are seeding and flowering readily all over and growing huge. They could give new clients a 6 months free period to get it round. On the site there is strawberries, comfry, that is a big pain in the backside, aparagus, and I have witnessed people helping themselves, apple and plum trees, they have been there 20 years I noe, also red and white grapes. 2 compost bins full. The sheds have been removed do no sheds. I don't understand but the council seem to have their hands tied somewhat in order to carry on. It's not the only plot as further up the site there are more plots the same. I think people take them on then find they need time and hard graft. I was always under the impression that who gave them up would be liable to leaving them in a stable condition. Still I have my plot and it keeps me active and happy. Take care all.

New plotholders have to pay a deposit on our council sites which is returned when they give up the plot if the plot is left in good order. It is currently £25 which does not cover the council's costs by a long way in most cases.

What amount do other sites charge? What might be reasonable - the council is suggesting £150 or even £250. This would affect new plotholders only, so it may be more a question of whether anyone would be put off and there is a small waiting list currently.

Thanks

Count me in!

I've taken on another plot at the allotment as I had too many things to grow! I'm not sure another round of Seed Circle will help... I might need a field in a few years time 

I can't wait to see how the season progresses. Happy growing everyone!

Hi everyone!

The sun is shining and the beans are sprouting - count me in!

Thanks for this interesting and useful information, Vinlander. I haven’t quite understood the full implications. You’re saying that the whole plant will die, including roots? So your method for removing roots is simply to clear the ground ready for planting something else?

I believe you’re also saying that all Phyllostachys nigra will flower, whatever their age. A fascinating phenomenon if so, weird as you say. I shall inspect mine with interest.

Presumably the flowering and seed-setting will take some weeks or months. I’m not too keen on an explosion of rats and I’m wondering whether it’s possible to keep removing any flowers and whether that would keep the plant alive indefinitely. No mean task; mine is well above my height.