A friend of mine has just been offered an allotment. It has an end to end slope on it (though not too steep) and is still overgrown and grassed over at present. It appears to be waterlogged at one end. I have suggested he takes off the grass top at the waterlogged end and dig it a little to see whether it is waterlogging or whether it is compaction due to the site not being worked for so.
Also, it appears to be a strip at one end a couple of metres wide, are there are veg/fruits which will cope with these sort of conditions. I have suggested that he keeps his compost and manure at the waterlogged end, but that may just prevent the water draining from the rest of the plot.
Any ideas anyone? If there is anyone from Bath the site is in Larkhall not far from Marshfield Way, Fairfield Park.
Thanks
He could try draining it, or digging a ditch above it to divert water. Or use a raised bed on it. Otherwise I think there are a few things that like their feet wet, blueberries?
Jeremy
If the ground is water logged and there is no means of draining then how about growing your own bean poles and netting supports by planting and coppicing willow or hazel or make a feature of it by creating a wildlife area including a boggy pond, just a thought ;D
Part of my plot had water sitting on it when I took it over, but once it was dug over (difficult digging sticky mud) things seem to have improved. I'm hoping it was just the compaction you mentioned. I chucked some autumn leaves in there too to try to improve the soil structure a little.