Allotments 4 All
Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: GRACELAND on June 29, 2010, 16:57:53
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its been used for 3 years and is still used
why is it like this
the people are fit and well
(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv277/GRACELAND_01/smiths2.jpg)
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erm, is it 'cos the site secretary/committee write to folk about lack of cultivation?
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erm, is it 'cos the site secretary/committee write to folk about lack of cultivation?
or because they perhaps don't on your site? if this has been like this for 3 yrs the people running your site need shooting IMO
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There seems to be one on every site and I just wish they would cover the part they cant do. At least that would stop the weeds spreading.
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If they have not done it by now they never will. Somebody needs a kick up the ass and the plot needs a new tenant. Newbies are given 3 month probation on our site. If the plot is not fully cleared in that time they do not get the tenancy.
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If this is 3 years work kick them off......., there are loads of people who want plots that is a waste.
The secretary needs a talking too, were's the committee in all this?
Good luck
Auntie
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We have several plot like that on our site. I think the problem is that folks take on more than they can handle. They are keen at the start but when they realise that the weeds grow again and again they give up cultivating but they want to keep what is in their name for as long as possible.
The problem that the secretary has is the protocol that has to be used for getting folks to knuckle down or get off. By the time the letters have been sent out and replied to or ignored the plot looks like that photo at the start of the thread. Then they say that they will try to get it sorted. Hence the whole process starts again. An allotment site in Birmingham has plots available for newbies to work just to see if they like gardening and can cope with the hard work. If by the end of a certain period they prove to be consistent then they wll get aplot if one is available. I think its a good idea and would stop people from taking on plots that they cant keep cultivated
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no need for it to be like that, the committee should do something about it !!
mine was like that but its now cleared, dug over and planted !! :D
want to borrow a lighter ?? ;) ;D
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people who like the idea of having a lottie and like to tell people that they grow their own more than the desire to do any actual work ( heaven forfend)
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There seems to be one on every site and I just wish they would cover the part they cant do. At least that would stop the weeds spreading.
Only ONE!
We have several and letters about lack of cultivation exist but whether they're ever sent out is another matter >:(
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I think that with waiting lists people should not be allowed to continue or should have a smaller plot.
The the weeds can set in very fast. My allotment neighbour had a month off and it was amazing just how fast the weeds took over. It has also been a surprise at just how fast he has now managed to get it sorted and there is now only one small bit to do.
We have a field next to our site and it was full of dandelion clocks and now they are little seedlings with about 3-4 little leaves. Walking about the site it is amazing just how many people have left thousands of them to grow and then will have a major problem next year. Hoeing has gone out of fashion.
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Heavens and I thought my few thistles and the horrible bindweed was bad! But even as a newbie with very little time, I have never let my plot get like that! At this time of the year of you can't do that much work, the best idea is hack down the weed, and plant loads of squash, mulching with straw. takes about an hour and after a week or two, the pumpkins will take it all over.
They should be asked to either clear the plot or give it up.
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I'd down grade them to half a plot, then possibly a quarter, depending on how they cope with a half.
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the plot next to mine is like that. I cultivate just enough of it so the guy won't get chucked off, but i'm never sure if i'm doing the right thing. He knows what he's doing, but he has a difficult time of things. I just worry if and when things change and he could really do with it, it won't be there for him
on the other hand if I was on a waiting list and saw it, i'd be on the phone to the council first thing every Monday morning
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:)
I think you need to visit the plot a few times a week at least in the growing season
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It didn't belong to Joe Swift did it?
Could this be his latest wild garden design destined for Chelse next year 8) ::)
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After three years there really is no excuse either by him for leaving it like that or the council for not doing anything to resolve the problem.
Sadly it seems to be an all too common sight, and problem, on many sites including mine!
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Yup, we have several plots like that. It's tardy site management. There's no excuse for plots to stand like that while allotments are so popular, and if there isn't anyone on the waiting list then the management should be advertising.
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After being at our allotment today I would say the we have at least 10 plots that look worse than the one in the photo. Some folks reckon that they have a meadow to attract wildlife and that seems to be a cop out.
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Joe Swift's ex plot has been split into 3, and the lovely lady next to me that had to give up due to poor eye sight and age has been split, two plots are pefect, one is still overgrown and it is next to mine. Thought mine was bad, the grass paths are getting bigger but some people are just having a laugh. I do realise that the Council have to send eviction notices and it takes time. I got my plot, then they said I couldn't have it, as the paper work had not been done, so I suppose it is a legal thing and unless you have reason can't just kick people off. My lovely Nick, who has had the plot for years, he is over 80, I think, has had a operation of his leg/knee, but other people on the site have been doing a bit of work on it, would hate him to lose it. It never was a problem in the past as not so many people wanted allotments and it was good for the bees/wild life to have a bit of a wilderness, but nowadays I think it is better to split plots into three and not let people have two or three plots, which they put in their partners/ relatives name and keep them all for themselves. When mine gets too much for me and too overgrown I will give it up (with good grace, I hope).
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The plot next to mine is worse than that, as it's all perennial weeds. The same thing keeps happening; we go through the process, and when the Council are on the point of evicting the tenant, he reappears, does enough to stop the eviction, and disappears. We then have to start from the beginning all over again.
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we go through the process, and when the Council are on the point of evicting the tenant, he reappears, does enough to stop the eviction, and disappears. We then have to start from the beginning all over again.
He should have 2 strikes then out. No more warnings. There is clearly nothing wrong with this tenant if he can miraculously appear after receiving a warning letter. Speak to the council to see if they will send a final letter stating if it happens again he will be evicted without reprieve. They should have a history of letters sent
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There is a plot on our site which is causing me concern. It isn't overgrown.....yet...... but it is neglected and unloved. I feel that a Letter of Concern should be sent now rather than when it does become overgrown, which it will do as the tenant has no interest in gardening.
Our site policy is that 2 committee members should agree before the L o C is sent out and so far, I am the only one who wants to do it.
It looks like my only alternative is to give the tenant a boll***ing and hope that he suddenly becomes passionate about gardening ::) or that I frighten him so much that he leaves.
Neither of these is likely, I am not that scary.
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There are loads of overgrown plots at my allotment site. There are also plots available to rent. It is very frustating with all the weed seeds being blown round but i understand the allotment commitee as if they get the rent money for the plots they can tell the council the land is still being used (we don't want the council selling more of the land to builders).
I'm not sure why we seem to be the only allotment site in England without a waiting list?
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The questions is why do people who are simply not that interested continue to have plots. I would be concerned that though they do not have any crops it still gives them access to the site.
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Our site now has a couple of plots that have finally become available for renting. I am just hoping that they don't mind a bit of a graft cos they have some hard work on their hands whoever takes them on. If not then it will be merry go round time again, ie warnings, letters and so on.
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He should have 2 strikes then out. No more warnings. There is clearly nothing wrong with this tenant if he can miraculously appear after receiving a warning letter. Speak to the council to see if they will send a final letter stating if it happens again he will be evicted without reprieve. They should have a history of letters sent
I agree they can be pretty lax. They do get there in the end though, after several years of it.
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ive spent an hour this morning printing,filling in and posting 4 notices to quit,i hate this part of the job,made worse by the fact we really like the plotholders involved. :(
slightly cheered up by the fact that hopefully we will get 4 new and enthusiastic plotholders :)
we are starting a 3 month probation period too,so that will hopefully improve things. best possible outcome is that these plotholders get their acts together,of course
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Elvis, S.1 Allotment Act 1922 makes probationary periods tricky. How do you do it?
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Elvis, S.1 Allotment Act 1922 makes probationary periods tricky. How do you do it?
I'd like to know more about that too.
When I asked our Allotments Officer if we could do probationary periods he said we couldn't.
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The allotments on both sides of mine are in good nick except for at the edges.Both sides of me are full of weeds, nettles and bindweed. I am constantly pulling it out from under the fences. I have put wood, windows and old doors to try to block it out,but it still creeps through. I wish they would try to keep the perimiters weed free. We don't have a comittee or anything. I would not want to complain as I value my lottie neighbours as friends. ???
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Elvis, S.1 Allotment Act 1922 makes probationary periods tricky. How do you do it?
i was told to give them a 3 month probation,and if they do well,then and only then give them a tenancy agreement,i guess thats how i am able to do it?
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Ours is a council owned site but self managed.
When we let a new plot they have to sign the council agreement and abide by the terms of that agreement unless at an AGM some of the rules have been voted on and updated by our society.
Waiting a year before we could get the plot back, was a bit much especially when others are waiting for a plot, so we approached the council with a draft agreement from the society giving new tenants 4 months to show the society that they were going to work the plot. The council accepted the society's agreement on the understanding that it was made clear to the new tenant that they were bound by the councils tenancy agreement other them anything the society had changed at the AGM's.
It's worked well so far, I am just about to let the same plot for the third time this year.
I have let plots for a few years now and still I can't tell who is going to be a good plot holder and who isn't going to work it. The things they say like, I have always wanted an allotment, I used to have a large garden and now I haven't room to grow veg, My kids will love it I want to teach them to grow I'm sure then they'll eat it. My Dad used to have an allotment and I was always there with him as a kid. I want to grown organic you don't know what you're eating these days. I've just retired and thought it would do me good to get out of the house. Or, this is cheaper than going to the gym , I will get plenty of exercise and fresh air too..................and on the reasons go, and they all seem genuinely excited at the thought of having a plot and I get just as excited for them, then some you never ever see again................. I find it really strange
Squash after the first month I usually write if nothing has been done asking if everything is alright as we have noticed they haven't been to their plot and if there is anything we can do to help.
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Sorry, I've taken this off-topic a little. I'll start a new thread to talk about probationary tenancies.
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ive spent an hour this morning printing,filling in and posting 4 notices to quit,i hate this part of the job,made worse by the fact we really like the plotholders involved. :(
slightly cheered up by the fact that hopefully we will get 4 new and enthusiastic plotholders :)
we are starting a 3 month probation period too,so that will hopefully improve things. best possible outcome is that these plotholders get their acts together,of course
im new to my lottie im on 3 months probation thought it was the norm!
shocking how some people keep plots on when they cant be bothered !
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A formal probationary period would be difficult legally, but what we do is to give them the first three months free, with no money changing hands, and no agreement signed. If they make a go of it, we then make it a formal tenancy.
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A formal probationary period would be difficult legally, but what we do is to give them the first three months free, with no money changing hands, and no agreement signed. If they make a go of it, we then make it a formal tenancy.
Robert, hope you don't mind of I answer this in the Probationary Period thread (http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,61361.0.html).
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A formal probationary period would be difficult legally, but what we do is to give them the first three months free, with no money changing hands, and no agreement signed. If they make a go of it, we then make it a formal tenancy.
Whats the implication if they squat on the plot tho ? With no tenancy agreement, and no 'breaking and entering' you might have a problem getting rid.
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this is the plot next to mine, underneath the first half are raised beds!!
aparently its used, the holders are also fit and well and have (apparently) been up there a few weeks back to look at it!
not sure if you can tell but the weeds are now around 5ft high!
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/ellieyusuf/c4c0dc57.jpg)
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/ellieyusuf/e80f37f8.jpg)
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A formal probationary period would be difficult legally, but what we do is to give them the first three months free, with no money changing hands, and no agreement signed. If they make a go of it, we then make it a formal tenancy.
Whats the implication if they squat on the plot tho ? With no tenancy agreement, and no 'breaking and entering' you might have a problem getting rid.
If someone doesn't choose to leave when you ask them it's a bother whether they're tenants or sqatters and the process is the same - apply to the court for a possession order. But Robert's newbies aren't squatters, they're there with his council's consent, they just aren't paying rent and don't have a written agreement. In the circumstances the court may well say that the council's intention was to create a tenancy at will which would allow them to terminate the tenancy without notice, except S.1 Allotments Act 1922 imposes a statutory requirement on the landlord to give a minimum 12 months notice so the court would likely refuse to evict.
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After my post about being terminated from my plot, I was dreading opening this post in case it was my old plot on show. I have to say mine was nowhere near as bad as the ones pictured (thank goodness).
Becky
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shirl ur making my ears burn! Im getting there with mine albeit slowly!
i cant afford to spray 2 kill the couch and after establishing that digging the surface off doesnt work im now using black plastic, it doesnt look very good but its doing the job, i just need a bit o time which i was told i had when i took it on and had a choice of plots i completely understand that theres a waiting list n mines easy 2 chop up but there are far far worse plots than mine and i havent the funds as i said to breeze in spray clear rotivate cover and fill with fancy things as some do only then to leave it to go to weeds??? i dont get the 3 chaps next to me and have cut the grass path that dave used 2 keep strimmed, dont kno if its mine or not but i do know ill get the blame :( havent been down yet since sat as ellie has a high temp and im praying 4 rain as im fretting about my plants, my green babies! lol im learning as i go along tho..
anyhoo how do u legislate 4 the skint ones who do all by hand ie the time consuming hard way? im still slowly adding to my tool etc kit n have 2 say wow i love my hoe!! lol! but it could take a person a few months just 2 cultivate a small patch (think time 2 germinate seeds after youve cleared and planted) i was told to clear plant and then care for a bit at a time till id worked my way thru the lot? better to do it properly than rush and make life hard? (hides) im trying....
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Loopyloulou - I think the way you're doing it is fine. I haven't got enough money or time to do quick dramatic makeovers either. But if you work on it consistently, it will get there.
Gardening doesn't have to be one more consumer activity, it's about hard work and patience. And if you haven't got money, it makes you more resourceful, re-using old things which would go to landfill. And it makes you share with others, lend and borrow. So I think that's great.
It does take time to get a plot looking really good. As long as you're moving forward not back, then you don't need to worry. And we all know a garden is never finished - they always keep changing year after year. That's what's so fascinating about gardening.
Having said that - the sort of plots we're grumbling about are those which are moving backwards not forwards!
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Loopy - it's not about dosh but enthusiasm. It is always very obvious those plotholders who are working gradually and those who just come and talk to the weeds. :o
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The man next door to me doesn't even talk to his weeds. Maybe that's why they're always trying to move into my plot for some company ;D
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lol @ pigeonseed ;D i trampled mine 2day in a frantic watering effort while the bubs helped me with the raspberrys, she ate em quicker than i could pick em!! :P
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:)
Update on start of this post the picture
its still the same ;D
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Same on either side of me - except it's getting worse of course! I keep getting nettled when I walk down the path. Makes me swear!
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Loopyloulou.So pleased that I saw you yesterday and was able to tell you that It wasn't your plot that I was on about.
Hope you got the raspberry stains off the babby.
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I am the site secretary for our site but I also deal with plot letting.We had a problem like this with people taking on plots that they didn`t have time to manage. So instead of giving them a large plot (5 rods) I now give them a 2 1/2 rod plot and when they can manage this then after 12 months they move onto a 5 rod plot when one becomes available.Some plot holders are very happy staying on small plots because of the time factor.
When I have had plot holders that have let their plots go, I have managed to persuade them to take up a smaller up together plot or give up their plot completely and put them back on the waiting list (currently 6yrs long) for when they have more time to manage a plot. This has worked well and we have a full site of 91 plots being fully worked and a long waiting list.
I also offer a buddy service whereby people on the waiting list are matched with plot holders that are struggling with their plots due to varying reasons. This means the people on the waiting list get experience and friendship from the plot holder and the plot holder gets some help managing to maintain their plot, friendship and a chance to share their experience of growing. This in turn cuts down the number of new plot holders abandoning or neglecting their plots because they have gained experience, developed friendships on the site and are excited about getting their plots by the time they are offered one.
All that said, you need a good committee or council to deal with abandoned plots quickly and efficiently.
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One can only dream Fuchsia.Where exactly is your site?
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For the same reason, we started a scheme last autumn of small Starter Plots - two raised beds each about 4' by 12', plus a small cold frame.
We've got 6 of these, and have just let the last one. But one plot-holder has already taken on a full-size plot, and another couple have just asked. (Six months ago, they didn't even know how to plant a potato!)
And at our open day on Sunday, everyone stopped to look at the Starter Plots because they were so beautiful!
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We do a plot inspection every month for the 'plot of the month' whilst doing it we can identify any plots not being done and the 3 strikes swings into action!
We have the 3 month prob now after amending the rules at the AGM and the contract they sign has a warning that they are 3 months prob and if after that time little or no work has been done they are evicted with no further questions, they are all made aware of this before they sign and a month after they take their plot on they are invited to a mentoring session and they are told if they have any problems to speak to a committee member and get help ! Its worked really well and we have far less new members taking on plots and not doing anything, after a year they can move to a bigger plot if they have done well, it makes it so much easier.
Yes we do have problems on older member plots but nothing that is to bad, even myself and hubby had a problem due to health and we had help to keep us going and we are back on top of it all now, sometimes there are reasons but there is no excuse not to ask for help !
Being self managed works if you have a good committee who work for the site and not themselves :)
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Hi Shirlton
Our site is in Christchurch, Dorset. It has taken nearly 3 years to iron out these problems.
And I still have a couple of miserable B******S that do just enough to make it look like they are working their plot but are still a mass of weeds !!! lol.
You can lead a horse to water but you can`t make it drink *!"? lol.
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Well done Fuchsia.Funny how you always get a couple of miserable b*****ds whichever allotment site you are. ;D ;D ;D. Don't think I could hang around for 3 years until it got sorted. Take me hat off to you.
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One rather angry plotholder showed me round his plot a while ago; he'd planted two pumpkins, strimmed some of it, and got some black plastic (he showed me the roll). He didn't understand why he'd had a phone call. He hasn't been back since, and the plastic is still rolled up in his shed. Some people will never get it.
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One rather angry plotholder showed me round his plot a while ago; he'd planted two pumpkins, strimmed some of it, and got some black plastic (he showed me the roll). He didn't understand why he'd had a phone call. He hasn't been back since, and the plastic is still rolled up in his shed. Some people will never get it.
It makes you wonder why people want a plot ???
Could it be so they can impress their friends when they say "on my allotment "..... >:(
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oh its mac mac,a mate of mine had a plot on our site,did nothing to it except pop up occassionally to sunbathe,and yet his facebook status would read *there is nothing like home grown veg* or *phew another hard days work at the allotment* me and the OH would howl with laughter! In the end he took great exception to my friendly warnings,then letters and we now dont speak!
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Hi all,
When the half plot next to mine was empty I wrote to the council and told them I would strim it to prevent weeds from spreading and take down structures that were falling into my plot. I took their lack of response as permission and did just that.
I also accidentally dropped a few king edwards into holes on the plot. ;D
Eventually they offered it to me and now its my pumpkin patch plot.
Now I strim up to a metre into any empty or unworked plot adjacent to one of mine
to keep the weeds and slugs at bay.
Col
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Good for you! I must admit after seeing this thread, I'm half hoping no one takes the plots next to mine, so one day I can expand the empire!
I can't face cutting them down though - I've only got shears. I'd like a petrol strimmer but they seem very expensive.
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I'd like a petrol strimmer but they seem very expensive.
I`m very fortunate because it was a gift, surplus to someone elses requirements. A chap on our site picked one up on ebay for £50.00
On my site those with strimmers help out those without.
Col
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That's nice - I've had people offer to help, but we never bump into each other after that. It does make sense to share the larger, more expensive equipment like that. But hard to organise. Our site sec is talking about starting a facebook group and that would be a good way to coordinate that sort of thing.
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Ok now the picture i put on here at the start
is not on my site lucky ain't i
But it is a Family relative
i strimmed it all for him burnt the rubbish to get him started then said carry on
this is after a bout 3 years
i think he will give up
I think people think its easy :)
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Think these people have given up, and left their tools. Very honest lot we are.
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And this is Joe Swifts ex-allotment, which was split into three, but this one will have to be re-let. Makes mine lot quite good. Doesn't take long for the mares/horse tail to grow back.