On my first allotment I was 25 years old, I was constantly badgered by and old man, "You dont want to do it like that". Why u doing THAT at this time of the year, he was a right pest and big head.
One afternoon I wandered down to his plot and My God what a mess! He did have a plot but it was very very weedy and untidy.
Hmm !!!
Of course. We all have them.
They know everything and you know nothing.
On ours (that is our allotment site) we have had just about all sorts of people who are experts and know nothing, shout a lot. And we have people who know a lot and will answer any question if asked.
The key is, to walk around and talk to every one who is there. You are making friends doing so. A lot of people will know something but it wont take long to find out a few or even one who knows what they are talking about.
RESPECT if the person has had their allotment for some time, then they are bound to know something. It wont take you too long by listening to what every one says to realise who knows what they are doing and who THINKS they know what they are doing.
It is a combination of art and science. Most people suitably equipped with both will be earning sufficient to employ someone to grow for them.
Other wise it is trial and error.
Embrace the know it all as a friend and listen.
That person will be 'trying to help'.
Then find some one who does know.
There are a few on this forum who will give you good advice
IT IS EASIER TO FIND AN ENEMY THAN A FRIEND
So, let the 'Know it all' believe you are their friend. Then check out their advice.
It has been that way for more than decades, more than centuries.
It is called diplomacy.
Aren't there so many people like that? They always assume everyone else must know nothing, and they don't think to ask questions, to find out.
I really hope I'm never like that and I bite my tongue if a newbie is enthusiastically doing something I find a bit mistaken. People like to have the chance to try it their own way.
Of course, you're right as well zigzig, you also have to smile nicely and bite your tongue when the know-it-alls are off on one! As long as they don't keep coming onto your plot too often and telling you what's wrong with it. I used to have to go in the shed when I saw some of them coming, on my last site. On this site, no really persistent know-it-alls. (lucky as I have no shed :))
Me... :-[
Since we have had problems with the alium moth we have watched people planting their onions knowing that if they don't cover them they will be ruined.
When our new plot neighbours moved in two years ago we didn't tell them cos they might think that we are" know it alls".
When we were more friendly with them they asked us why the b****y hell we hadn't told them. Its a catch 22 position. Some will appreciate the advice others will not.
Only yesterday a new friend of ours brought an onion over that she had pulled up and there it was again.
What would you do in this position. Tell them or not?
Tell them I am always gratefull for advise. I don't know much and can decide wether to take the advise or not but most of it is really helpful
x Chas
We had one, a really nasty man, always being rude, but he felt as if he was no longer welcome on the site (wonder why!?) and eventually left. And he was the coordinator! With the new team it's much friendlier and they say oh your onions look good while ignoring the big weedy bit over by the bins :D
It's tricky, I find the best way is sometimes to say, oh I do it like this... which sounds more conversational, than "you must/should do it this way". My neighbours never understood why my plot was covered in cardboard or tarps and they moaned about it. But they conceded later that they were incapable of preparing and planting their whole tenders bed in a day because that's really only possible when all the weeds have been smothered first! So soemtimes an example is a good thing!
Quote from: saddad on May 22, 2011, 23:19:04
Me... :-[
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Nah, you do know it all though, but are very 'umble! ;D
i stopped giveing advice, as no one takes any bloody notice anyway
;D
I know bugger all ;) but I love it when other lottie holders come over and give advice :) you don't need to take it, but remember that there will always be that gem of information given which you will suddenly remember when you need it.
Good advice escaping into the shed, I do find my ipod a blessing. ;D
When I first started there were a few no alls but after 5/6 seasons I get some of the oldies come and ask my advise. :o
It's all about how people say things - big difference between chatty helpful and dictatorial bossy .
It is so easy to become one on an allotment site. Simply because there are so many who come on board with no knowledge at all.
They have seen it on TV.
Rotovate the plot.
Plant out .
Wait three months, then harvest
Mind you, those with the staying power quickly learn.
The key is to listen to every bit of advice, thank the offerer for it. THEN go for a walk around and ask others for theirs.
The thing about allotments is that they are open space.
Open space can be very sociable, so it is up to individuals to walk around and introduce themselves and engage in conversation. Keep it light. Listen and learn.
No one knows everything about everything.
Two thirds of those who think they want an allotment. DONT.
Get a shed,
Get a chair.
Get a kettle
Get one of those camping stoves
and brew your self a cuppa.
My response [and it is recommended to any allotmenteer] is whenever anyone says anything about my plot or asks [in that tone of voice] I respond that's it's a trial.
No matter what, it's a trial.
Of course, all veg growing is a trial. But saying 'it's a trial' makes you look like you are part of a gang, and that you may have done additional research on the topic and if it goes wrong, you can just say 'I'll make sure I take photos to feedback'.
Problem solved.
And you don't look as if you are rude. Even if you really want to be.
Tactical thinking! It's more subtle than hiding in the shed. ;D
When I got my plot, I knew nothing about veg's etc, the two older men each side of me helped me a great deal ,and also gave me plants they had going spare, also last Christmas I fell and fracured my femour, and this year I was all behind on my plot. it was not dug and covered in weeds ,now I did my best with the weeds etc. To my surprise when I went up ti the plot one day ,all the weeds had been carted away. and a large part of the plot had been dug and ready for planting, I emailed the Chairman of the commitee, and yes he knew who had done it. but they wanted to be anon
Now what I am getting at is this people, are not know alls, they just like to help .
and the kindness shown to me will not be forgotten . a good bottle of wine will be going their way, via the Chairman
June.
Quote from: Alex133 on May 23, 2011, 17:54:09
It's all about how people say things - big difference between chatty helpful and dictatorial bossy .
I agree. There is always one in the later category though. Best just let them have their say and ignore...every now and then they'll tell you something that's actually useful or you'll be able to tell them something which they'll ignore then they might find out you were right later. Best not to make enemies though because your plot is unattended quite a lot.