Perimeter Etiquette

[Two_Sheds]

I'm feeling like a right meany now, they are all really nice people

really nice people who steal

You need to either put up some sign of ownership (nets, signs: 'this plot observes Sharia law') or shrug it off so as not to cause offence
Or, get up early and pick them all first.

[Glutton4...]

If you're not brave enough to tackle them face to face, I would put up a sign.

These are MY Blackberries. If you wish to pick them, please ask first, and be prepared to offer me some of your produce in return. Thank you.

[VirginVegGrower]

really nice people who steal

You need to either put up some sign of ownership (nets, signs: 'this plot observes Sharia law') or shrug it off so as not to cause offence
Or, get up early and pick them all first.

Which hand shall I chop first?!

[jackie j]

If they are on your plot then they are yours. If someone picks anything on our plots and are caught its automatic you are kicked off the site and have to give up your plot. We have a public small orchard and the apples have nigh on all gone, not shared with everyone but one or two people have picked the lot.

[Shadylane]

It's completely out of order, but putting up a sign might cause a rift/bad feeling - if you want to remain on good terms with them you might have to try something more jovial. Something like "Oh, are you enjoying my blackberries?" a sarcastic "oh help yourself ..."(make sure you emphasize the sarcasm) or something of the like.

It's a tricky one because they obviously are assuming they don't belong to you otherwise they wouldn't be so blatant. Maybe you could explain by saying, "I don't mind you having a few but I am growing them for a reason." If you do go for a sign I'd make it light hearted if possible. Failing that some kind of siren or alarm that deafens them as soon as they touch the bush

[VirginVegGrower]

Some people are just plain greedy. There's a chap over the plot from me, Keith and he's lovely. I give him stuff and he gives me stuff...simples. Helping yourself is stealing - end of. I gave some brassicas to a 15 year old lad who was just taking on an allotment and he was really grateful - this is how allotmenting should be. Avaricious attitudes just don't fit.

[VirginVegGrower]

It's completely out of order but putting up a sign might cause a rift/bad feeling - if you want to remain on good terms with them you might have try something more jovial. Something like "Oh, are you enjoying my blackberries?" a sarcastic "oh help yourself ..."(make sure you emphasize the sarcasm) or something of the like. It's a tricky one because they obviously are assuming they don't belong to you otherwise they wouldn't be so blatant. Maybe you could explain by saying, "I don't mind you having a few but I am growing them for a reason." If youy do go for a sighn I'd make it light hearted if possible. Failing that some kind of siren or alarm that deafens them as soon as they touch the bush

But some folks are so brass necked they would ignore the sarcasm. Nets are the only answer I think here, that way you don't have to say anything. Or report theft to the allotment association asking them to put a note out. I think any sign should read " a punch on the nose often offends...pick at your peril!"

[taff]

they probably don't think you're growing them, they probably think you're just using them as a divider, not as a crop.

[Shadylane]

I think any sign should read " a punch on the nose often offends...pick at your peril!"

Yes. Do this!

[Florence Fennel]

I think the net idea is best. It declares your ownership and that you are cultivating them for the crop. I'm sure they wouldn't help themselves then. Failing that if you decide on a sign, couldn't it read

"PICK YOUR OWN DECEMBER TO MARCH

[Florence Fennel]

Or what about "Pick Your Own - Not Mine"

[VirginVegGrower]

Loving both Ms Fennel x

[VirginVegGrower]

Or Pick your own nose and not my blackberries (stamps foot for effect)

[Piggle]

there seems to be a lot of theiving threads at the moment - we've got a tealeaf too on our plot. Maybe it is a sign of the times!

[Aisles]

If they are overhanging the public type bit of the pathway then gleaning is acceptable as long as they are not going onto your plot. Same as if they are overhanging your neighbour's plot then they can glean only those Just as if they were overhanging into your garden.

I would put up a poles and line's with netting making sure my brambles weren't overhanging any public area or neighouring plots.