what to do?

[raine]

Hi all,i have recently got a new allotment but am in a quandary. I moved a few yrs ago but kept my original allotment and travelled to it while i was on the waiting list for a local one. Trouble is i have just had my first full day on the new one and it is absolutely waterlogged. Standing puddles are everywhere, full of stagnant water. Your spade makes squelching noises whenever you put it in and the soil absolutely stinks,plus there is an oily sheen on some of the puddles! Thing is, i dont know if this is just an effect of the rain weve had recently or whether this is permanant. We havent the time to keep two so dont know whether to keep old one and travel or persevere- what do you think?

[alldigging]

What are neighbouring plots like?
I'd chat to the new neighbours and find out what he knw.

If its been raining a lot then that might causing waterlogging n badly drains site..
But oily sheen doesn't sound good.
Perhaps someone spilt petrol from their rtavator on it?

[WendyC]

Perhaps you need to wait a bit. We've had so much rain that just about everywhere is water logged. If it's not been dug recently then the chances are it is a bit compacted for the rain to drain away. As Alldigging suggested have a wander around, what are the other plots like, try to find a bit of history of the plot especially re oil on the plot.
I can remember seeing a stagnant pond with my dad when I was a child. It had a oily sheen on it but it was just from the leaves fallen in to it and rotting producing methane, which he lit with a lighter! Only mention it as it wasn't from an oil spill or anything suspicious.
Could be worth keeping current plot for the rest of this season and see how this one shapes up over the next few months or so.

[rustylady]

Everywhere is squelchy at the moment. I've never known my plot so wet but yours sounds really bad. As Alldigging says try to have a chat to some of your plot neighbours and find out whether this is the norm or whether it is something new.

[donnakebab]

Don't forget the weather has been unusually wet. Take into consideration the cost and carbon footprint of travelling to your original plot. Is that something you want to continue?

With time you can improve the drainage on your new plot but it's definitely worth looking at your neighbouring plots.

If you are worried about the oily sheen why not lay sheets of newspaper over the top to soak it up. Then bag it up and dispose of it. Does it smell? Does it feel oily?

Let us know what you decide.

[ladylottie]

My gut reaction is that I would be thinking twice about keeping the new plot. I know we've had some awful weather but even the low-lying plots on my site aren't as bad as yours sounds. Oily slicks? Mmm, don't like the sound of that either
Are any of the other plots flooded the same as yours? If so it could be something that happens a lot and do you want to spend time installing better drainage?
You have to weigh up the travelling time to your "old" plot and how productive that one is with sorting out a potentially difficult flooding problem on the new plot. Only you can decide that really.

[Snadger]

I like to grow stuff all year round. If your new plots as bad as you say, any crops in it now would die. If your old plots ok, stick with it, I would say.
I would also have a look at other plots around your waterlogged site and ask locals if this is a regular event.

[raine]

The whole allotment is on a slope and we are about a third of fhe way down. It is a very small site,only about20 half plots and the only 2that are used at the mo are the top two.in the past i have seen most of the lower plots under water. The smell is what worries me-is that normal? Like you suggested, the oily sheen could have come from a rotavator as thet were done before we got the site so i can live with that. If it is bad drainage,what can i do and is there anything that i could plant now that would survive?

[Two_Sheds]

i have seen most of the lower plots under water. The smell is what worries me

The smell is down to anaerobic decomposition: not good for veg plants, no way.

[di]

How far do you have to travel to your old plot?

A challenge is all well and good when it's just overgrown weeds or poor soil, what you've described sounds like an unwinnable challenge

You say that only two plots are taken, have you been given an opportunity to look at one further up the slope?

[rustylady]

Makes me wonder why so few plots being worked. Sounds as if the whole site is below par. I would think seriously before taking on a plot with so many problems. Might be better to keep your old one.

[alldigging]

You could pass on your concerns bout possibly contamination of soil ... But what have the other plot holds said?

[Bigmallly]

You say that only two plots are taken, have you been given an opportunity to look at one further up the slope?

You may be right di but I read it that only 2 plots are in use due to the waterlogged conditions........Personally, I wouldn't have it on my mind.

[ladylottie]

You may be right di but I read it that only 2 plots are in use due to the waterlogged conditions........Personally, I wouldn't have it on my mind.

Yes, I read it the same - there are only two workable plots and those are at the top of the slope. Both of which are already taken.
I stand by my initial gut reaction - don't touch it with a barge pole - carry on with your "old" plot.

[raine]

Thanks for all the advice. The two plots have been worked for a long while. The other plots have just recently been made available and have been offered to all the people on the waiting list. I was at the top so have picked the highest one! Have never seen the two other plot holders so not been able to talk to them yet-perhaps theyre off building an ark! Went down to the old plot today and the soil is so much dryer-it was not even comparable! Dont like to give up without a fight though ... but must admit that im veering towards keeping the old one, mainly because im at a loss at where to start with drainage etc- so if youve got any suggestions!