Tyres

[alldigging]

Do you use them? I've read much about growing potatoes in them but never tried.

There's one been left on the grass opposite here by the kids and I was thinking of tidying it up ...

I know there's a lot of debate about whether they're bad for the soil.

[PyreneesPlot]

We tried once years ago. The tyres got really hot (full sun, Devon) plus full of ants nests and slugs and snails. The crop was poor and I didn't try again.

If I had free tyres to hand I probably would give it another go and try a better location!

[Hazel at the Hill]

If you're thinking about using them on the plot, check your tenancy agreement - B'ham council banned the use of tyres a couple of years ago.

[Two_Sheds]

I used them, a few years ago. Not worth the bother really, and there's the pollution issue.

I think they're better used recycled & shredded for play park surfaces.

[Sheneval]

Hazel, any idea why? - the plot next to my daughter has a number tyres on it holding down tarp

[alldigging]

If you're thinking about using them on the plot, check your tenancy agreement - B'ham council banned the use of tyres a couple of years ago.

I've read it in Manchester's too very recently.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Hazel, any idea why? - the plot next to my daughter has a number tyres on it holding down tarp

I think because they are classed as 'hazardous' - rule 10.9 in the agreement reads: No toxic or hazardous materials or contaminated waste or tyres should be stored or brought onto the Site.

No idea why they are classed as hazardous, but I guess it's something to do with the perceived threat of leaching of chemicals?

We also have bans on carpet/underlay, sheet metal/barbed wire and "The Allotment Garden may not be used for any illegal or immoral purpose"(!).

[SarzWix]

Agreeing on a definition of 'immoral' could prove hazardous!

[Sheneval]

Looks like I'll have to see if I can find a plot in Soho then

[BUFFS]

Agreeing on a definition of 'immoral' could prove hazardous!

no playing fast and loose with the veg then?

[Florence Fennel]

I tried squash in them last year without success. They now have mint in them, but it hasn't surfaced yet. The snugs love them. How about turning that one inside out and using as a flower planter?

[taff]

I usually do squash or courgettes. Very successful. I only have three tyres though and no plans to get any more.

[Peppermint]

Had some great crops of first earlies from the ones I planted in tyres last year It doesn't get that hot up here though.

[Alison]

I have strawberries in them and they do REALLY well

[out in the cold]

You know, I have never really thought about it, as my folks and grandparents used tyres to grow spuds. I have even recommended it to another grape when asked of ways of making gardening cheaper, due to the thermal qualities that tyres have.

There appears to be a lot of chemicals and with all the trouble we tend to go to in order to be organic (as far as possible), then maybe it is a bad idea.