Overgrown Why???????????

[Rooster]

Why are all allotments so overgrown when people take them over? With the waiting lists so long surely someone not using their plot should be kicked off before they get in such a state. Maybe we only see pics of the bad ones, or are they all like the rough ground I've seen so many times on here?

[gardenplot]

I have often wonder the same, just the rundown over grown allotments seem to be the only ones available, think its so everyone as to start from scratch with over grown plots.

[Paul Wagland]

I have been given three overgrown plots and one neatly mowed one in my time as an allotmenteer. Oddly, the mowed one has been the hardest to control as it was laced with couch grass, while the others were so far gone that no one species of weed had a firm grip!

[Rooster]

I was just wondering why they're allowed to get like that when so many people would look after it.

[Paul Wagland]

Three words: Council inefficiency.

That's only two, but the first word is unrepeatable.

[Seahorse]

I think a lot of it is a cumulative problem. Because there's no way to vet who is genuinely keen and who isn't, plots are (rightly) given to allcomers. If someone is given a mildly overgrown one and finds they don't have the time or inclination to clear it, it's likely to be at least a year before they're asked to shape up or move on, by which time said plot is still more overgrown and more likely to be offputting to a newcomer. And so on and so on!

[esrikandan]

Here in Slough, the council will clear (by Rotovating) any vacant plots (which may be a good or a bad thing).

But the plots that are being rented but unused are WAY overgrown. In spite of the terms of the rental agreement, if looks like if people pay the rent then the plot remains "taken", plus council Bureaucracy probably means it takes ages to free the plots up.

[Sue]

Yup council inefficiency, although on our allotments someone this year is going to get an immaculate plot as one of the old boys is giving up. I am surrounded by unused plots. One side a couple pay up each year, plant a few potatoes and are keeping it for their retirement (next year but they're going round the world first!) the other side is mature fruit trees growing in long grass and lots of weeds which of course all blow my way. The other side, a large patch of couch grass which in my time (3 years) I have seen taken over, bits cleared, someone else rotivated it, someone else did a bit of digging, planted some potatoes and we never saw them again, now it's in new hands, seen them once last November, they pegged down a big sheet of clear plastic and that was the last we saw of them. The plot immediately inside the front gate, activity in the last year, 2 spade worths of earth turned and a courgette plant inserted and that was that.
I could go on.
Usually on a Sunday afternoon I am often the only person there and besides nearest the gate and there is nearly always someone looking round desperate for a plot, the council has announced a waiting list for the borough of 32 people.

Rents are due in April and they realised around October which plots are free to cultivate. So the people take over and it's winter, not the best motivating circumstance for beginners, only the dedicated tough it out, why can't they be allocated earlier and a summer growing season would at least enthuse new growers.

There are no inspections and nobody is cautioned over uncultivated land. I just feel very lucky that I applied at the right time - late September and just before the current allotment craze gained momentum so not only did I get a plot right away, once I'd got the bug I was able to get the next door one too.
Sue

[Snadger]

I have a theory that USUALLY the tidiness of a plot is directly proportional to the amount of time the allotmenteer spends on it.

Hence the saying "The best fertiliser is the gardeners shadow"

There are exceptions and tidiness is in the eyes of the beholder I suppose!

We have retired gentlemen who could be classed as 'weed watchers' who I am siure sit inside, usually in woodburning stove heated greenhouses, waiting for a weed to emerge before attacking it with a hoe. Unfortunately for nine months of the year there allotments are bare soil!

And so we are left with the two extremes, a brown desert, or a weed infested wilderness!

[pigletwillie]

Three words: Council inefficiency.

That's only two, but the first word is unrepeatable.

I concur but its not always the councils fault. Most of the council owned sites in Leicester are self managed and its weak leadership in the individual allotment societies where the blame lies, not with the council.

However in areas where councils do manage the sites, that is indeed where the blame lies.

[Norm]

As a former councillor "May I answer you by saying this" or should I say "The fact of the matter is" the person they have in charge of allotments doesn't know a cabbage from a cowslip and has absolutely no interest as long as the rents come in. There is no easy solution. All you can hope for is a good plot and considerate neighbours.

[bluemoon]

Our first allotment was immaculate as the old boy who'd had it sadly died (next to the onions, apparently ) It's layout had obviously made a lot of sense to him, but it was meaningless to us and we spent the next several years with crops dotted all over the place attempting to follow his illogical crop rotation. We then gave it up due to work commitments, but later were able to once again apply for a plot. The second one was a mess, the thicket of brambles though rather cleverly disguised the several tons of scrap metal beneath. It took us three seasons to clear completely, but at least now everything follows a neat and logical (to me, at least) four course rotation. We have planted fruit bushes in certain exposed areas which act as wind breaks and give is lovely berries in the process and we have a seating area that is protected from the worst of the sun during the day, but catches the last rays at night. Sheer bliss. So taking on a perfect plot isn't always the best option.

[Two_Sheds]

All my allotments have been horribly overgrown. The plot next to me in Suffolk has not been properly cultivated in at least 8 years ... a lot of newbies come along all eager after watching Jamie, don't really know what to do and don't want to take any advice or offers of help (!). They find it hard, slow work, and give up - sadly, they don't think to let the Rep know they aren't coming back, so the plot is left all year neglected, and the weeds take over.

Our site is now, for the first time, 100% occupied. Several plots had never been cultivated and were covered in trees, not just brambles. Our Brilliant Rep Annette and some keen helpers got them cleared with industrial equipment.

What would also help I feel is half-plots instead of full ones, but Reps seem reluctant to offer them, I don't know why. It would shorten the waiting lists, and would be more manageable for people with less time on their hands.

[muckdiva]

What would also help I feel is half-plots instead of full ones, but Reps seem reluctant to offer them, I don't know why. It would shorten the waiting lists, and would be more manageable for people with less time on their hands.

Definitely agree with that Two Sheds. A whole allotment can become a daunting prospect after the initial enthusiasm has worn off for someone new to growing veg (actually anyone, if the plot needs loads of clearing. )

On a programme I saw a while back, one allotment society had an 'intro' day or morning for newbies, explaining how to get a plot under control and fit management into a busy lifestyle. Good for getting to know people, and learning stuff too.

[lozza_9]

On our plot there are loads of plots empty. Our fees where due in Jan and all plots have been taken, well if you look at some you know people have not touched them. I know its not growing season BUT I have loads of things to do, general tidying and loads of digging.

I can really see why the old boys get upset when they see people once and thats it for the year, people dont realise the hard work involved. I have 2 plots near me not used for 2 years, they now have someone working on them but I will wait to see if they work out