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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Pesky Wabbit on March 31, 2010, 00:24:27

Title: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: Pesky Wabbit on March 31, 2010, 00:24:27
What do you put on the top of pea sticks etc., that either support or mark out, to protect you from gouging your eyes out.

I've been using 1 pint milk bottles, but the just blow off. I also find that 2ltr pop bottles become brittle and useless in one season.

Glass is out of the question. What about beer cans ?

I need something cheap and plentiful.
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: :( on March 31, 2010, 00:28:45
I use plastic ball pit balls I got off Freecyle. The little Yakult bottles also do a good job if you know someone that uses them.
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: nilly71 on March 31, 2010, 07:32:50
Do you just put the plastic bottles on top? Have you tried leaving the lid on a making a small x in it and forcing it over the pea sticks?

Another thing to think about is if you have a tennis club near you they often get rid of tennis balls after a short while especially if there are competition players there, a small hole in them should do the job if they are not to heavy.

Neil
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: manicscousers on March 31, 2010, 09:24:22
we use small bottles from my grandson, vitamin pill bottles, pro-biotic bottles, shampoo bottles from us and corks from morrisons, our secretary has just bought 2 bags of ball pit balls for us to sell to plot holders, works out 4p per ball  ;D
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: reddyreddy on March 31, 2010, 09:53:27
another vote for old tennis balls! That's what I use, they're also good for draping net over.
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: sarah on March 31, 2010, 10:27:50
if i have nothing else i pop a coloured clothes peg on just to mark it out.
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: rog_pete on March 31, 2010, 13:16:11
the OH says use corks from your old bottles of vino!

They are very plentifull!!
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: gwynnethmary on March 31, 2010, 14:24:55
Those little probiotic bottles are good- I buy the yellow Asda ones as they look better when they're all the same (and I like the taste!)
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: Pesky Wabbit on March 31, 2010, 14:56:12
Thanks for all your suggestions - all helpfull. Where do you buy plastic ball pit balls from ?

Rog-pete - thats why I wondered about beer cans.  :)
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: :( on March 31, 2010, 15:09:52
Argos have them for under a fiver or you might find one on ebay thats near you with free pickup.
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: cornykev on March 31, 2010, 16:18:29
I've recycling the small Actimal bottles thinking someone had a use for these, you have just answered my thoughts and if you want the balls ask on freecycle or freegle ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: Vinlander on April 01, 2010, 00:37:31
Quote from: rog_pete on March 31, 2010, 13:16:11
the OH says use corks from your old bottles of vino!

They are very plentifull!!

I use corks (even plastic ones) and I also use them on bamboo canes though you need to open the hole up with a drill for that.

Unfortunately they are not as plentiful as they were before screw-cap wine became the norm... and I miss the cap foils too - made great (embossed) permanent labels.
Title: Re: What do you put on the top of ...
Post by: aussiedigger on April 02, 2010, 16:20:21
I use wine corks and find them excellent.  I save up a stash then OH sets up the drill press and bores out the right size hole for the canes / sticks. 

The plastic ones work best, next faves are champagne corks (however supply is a problem - never enough  ;D) and then traditional corks. 
They usually last a couple of years before they start to stretch and fall off the tops of the canes by which time I have accumulated enough stock to replace them.