Allotment (From Oxford Mail)

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Allotment

10:36am Wednesday 24th September 2008

By Roots Rocker »

I am starting to wonder whether a ‘hands off’ approach to the allotment is the best way forward.

At the weekend I met a cheery fellow plot holder who this year had also embarked on this ridiculous charade for the first time.

He admitted to having neglected his patch for five weeks while holiday and work took priority. Things had overgrown somewhat.

But, beneath of the thicket were bulging courgettes, corn on the cob that look like it had been genetically modified by NASA and chunky potatoes.

The generous soul bunged us some veg, but I begun to think leaving the ground littered with weeds could actually encourage the vegetables to fight back.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not lazy, but springing into action every time a prickly shoot peeks out of the mud is perhaps unnecessary.

Some tips would be useful. Allotment holders may also need to start thinking about vegetables that are hardy to wet conditions.

I have barely had to water the plot this year and there have been many weekends when I couldn’t venture onto the waterlogged soil.

The real test, I think, will be trying to deal with the paddy field conditions if this climate is to stick.

Comments (1)

8:20am Mon 27 Oct 08

Zimmer says...

Ah! You need a 'hut'to contain an ole armchair, a primus stove and a few bottles of beer (or wine if you prefer)and of course a few tools.Pick up a copy of 'The Sun' or 'Mirror' on the way to the plot( not 'The Times' or 'Telegraph' as you may give the wrong impression to fellow allotees).If there is anyone about when you arrive, studiously walk around the plot occasional bending down to examine ficticious crops or seedlings that are emerging. If you are alone settle straight away down in the armchair with the beer, wine or brew and scan the papers. If anyone arrives whilst you are doing this they will think you are having 'Elevenses'. As more people arrive, get the hoe from the shed and hoe around the plot occasionally leaning on it to gaze at others working their socks off on their plots. If your neighbouring plot holders are about engage them in conversation with subjects such as natural pest control or which type of manure, seeking advice here and there. If the conversation becomes to deep for you say something like "must get on". Get the spade or fork from the shed and turn over a bit of rough plot. When you've had enough of that and feel that the 'local' is calling, say to your neighbour 'is that the time all ready' and start packing your stuff back in the hut. Lock up and say in passing, the missus will kill me I was only going to be half an hour. Slip away shouting Cheerio's to all and sundry. They'll all think your a good 'Jolly me Lad' sort of fellow.