Guidance

Guidance for new and existing plot holders

Keeping an allotment can be extremely rewarding and productive but it takes some hard work and commitment.

As a newly formed group we want all plots to succeed, everyone to enjoy their visits and ensure our works or actions do not negatively affect others.

The following guidelines may help in getting the best out of your plot but if you need help or advice ask someone or if you have other suggestions than raise it at the monthly meeting.

We would like all to observe them rather than enforce them!

Main gate:

Please keep locked at all times

If trespassers enter the site without restriction it can take several days to evict them

Parking:

Please park considerately to maximise the space

If parking on the internal roads please limit your time to loading or unloading only so not to block access

Toilet:

This is a luxury even though it perhaps doesn’t look very luxurious!

Please leave it in a condition you would like to find it

Please note that the water is turned off during the winter months so manual flushing required

Health & Safety:

Drive at a sensible speed be mindful there sometimes there are children on site

Children are welcome but please ensure they stick to paths and be aware other people’s plots may not be as safe as your own

Pesticides if you choose to use pesticides they need to be approved and you should store them securely at home. Go to Health & Safety executive use the Mapp number on the side of the packet to see if your product is still cleared for use. Surplus chemicals can be safely disposed of at Smallmead Recycling Centre

Spray in still conditions to avoid drift onto neighbouring plots. If you are spraying insecticides avoid the warmest parts of the day when insect activity is highest

Horticultural glass is thin and tends to break into knife like structures if shattered so be careful where you site greenhouses

Secure tools when not in use

Gardening gloves are a good idea especially in cold conditions and worth trying different types if you found them difficult to work with in the past

A pair of work boots, especially those with steel toe caps are also a good investment

Extreme heat can kill make sure you work sensibly in hot conditions drink lots of water, wear a hat use sun block. Have a garden chair on you plot and take regular breaks preferably in the shade

It is possible to pick up soil borne bacteria which can lead to upset stomachs or more serious infections so wash hands before eating or smoking and cover any open wounds

If you bring your dog be mindful that not everyone likes dogs so please keep yours under control and on your plot

If using machinery use hearing and eye protection. You can do permanent hearing damage in a relatively short period of time. The older you are the worst the affect and the quicker the damage will occur. Think about battery alternatives

It is possible to pick up legionella from sitting water and bagged compost but this is rare

See https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/health-and-wellbeing/minimising-health-risks-in-the-garden

Security

Don’t leave anything too valuable on site, thefts are uncommon but do occur

Perhaps have an allotment set of tools and transport your high value items when you need them

It is not acceptable to pick from other plots unless you have the permission of the plot holder

It is not acceptable to remove items from other plots without the permission of the plot holder

Waste:

Although home waste can often be upcycled for your plot do not bring items you are never going to use

We no longer have waste collection from RBC. If it is compostable then add it to your compost heap if it is not compostable then take it home and put it in your appropriate domestic wheelie bin or take it directly to Smallmead Recycling Centre

Fires apparently OK between October and March but would encourage plot holders to use as a last resort for wood or woody pruning’s only but be mindful of other people’s poly tunnels and make sure it is extinguished before leaving site. Fire will cause damage to your soil structure all be it at the fire site only.

Old Carpet: If you do not have any on your plot do not bring it Carpets degrade over time, especially foam backed, and will leave debris within your soil. For those plot holders that are using carpet we would suggest a phasing out of use by 31/12/25 this will allow you time to arrange appropriate disposal

Your Plot:

Please clearly number your plot the more artistic your sign the better!

Please maintain the paths that surround your plot for all to use. This may require some communication with your neighbour to agree what will work best. It is important that you do not create a drop adjacent to paths especially if the edge of the path is not clear.

Please keep on top of the weed control, little and often is the best approach especially if you pull the largest weeds and hoe the remaining. Many weed species have developed strategies to spread seed as far as possible so it’s not just your plot which be affected. One Dandelion flower can produce between 150 and 200 seeds and one plant can produce 2000 “One years seed is seven years weed” says gardening folklore

Soil:

The world’s most valuable resource do not treat it like dirt!

Avoid working wet or frozen soils

Avoid stripping the top soil while removing weeds use a fork and shake out as much as possible

Consider no or minimal dig cultivation a digging hoe is much easier than a spade

Consider splitting the plot up into beds so there is no need to walk on the areas you cultivate

If you most walk on your soil use boards or create temporary walkways

Produce as much compost as you can which is best spread as a mulch

Consider growing Green Manures

If you buy in bulk bags of green waste or manures ask for information about the product Green waste compost is normally produced to PAS 100 standard. Avoid using manures which have a strong small of ammonia without composting it first

Be a little careful about using “wonder” soil enhancement products most have little effect some can supress germination so would recommend trying on a small area only

Feed only when you need to soil test kits give a useful indication if there are low nutrient levels. Fertilisers are expensive and have a huge carbon foot print in their manufacture.

Liquid and folia feeds are useful

Watering

We are really lucky to have mains water on site but it is not drinkable without boiling first

Please read your tenancy agreement regarding what is acceptable use

Do not tamper with the plumbing and report any leaks in a timely fashion

Please make sure the water troughs remain accessible to all

Better to give a weekly soak rather than a daily spray and concentrate on newly transplanted plants or seedlings

Water early or late in the day if possible much will evaporate if you water in the heat of the day flagging plants generally recover later in the day

Mulches are excellent at reducing evaporation from the soil and make watering easier by reducing run off

Shade netting or temporary windbreaks will reduce transpiration