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Worthing and District Allotments and Gardens AssociationAffiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society and the National Vegetable SocietyRAMBLINGSMatters of general gardening concern are aired here. You too can make your mark if you wish. Just send in your comments and observations and if they're reasonably polite we'll probably publish them right here. However, the editor does reserve the right to omit or edit items should it be deemed necessary (surely not!?).We'd
be happy to hear about anything of interest you've come across.
It might be an impending event, something happening you'd like
to share with us, an exciting web page you think we should have
a link to or a story you'd like to tell.
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Recipe for Cucumber Relish
How's your cucumbers doing? If you've got a few and wondering what to do with them here's a handy recipe - from Peggy in Norfolk!
Ingredients
| 1 kg yellow apple cucumbers | 310g can corn kernels, drained | 2 tbsp salt |
| 2 small cucumbers | 1 onion, chopped | 1 cup whitevinegar |
| 1 red capsicum | 2 tsp celery seeds | 1½ cups sugar |
| 1 green capsicum | 2 tsp brown mustard seeds |
Method
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Slice cucumbers thinly. Place in a large bowl, sprinkle with salt, cover with a dry cloth and stand overnight.
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Dice capsicums and onion and chop finely.
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Drain cucumbers, rinse in cold water then drain again.
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Place all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to boil. Simmer for an hour or until the mixture is thick, stirring occasionally.
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Remove from heat then spoon into sterilised jars and seal.
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Recipe for Tomato Pickle
Another seasonal recipe from Norfolk Peggy
Ingredients
| 2 kg green tomatoes | ¾ cup salt | 1 tsp curry powder |
| 1 kg onions | 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar | ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper |
| 1 medium cucumber | 1½ tsp dry mustard | ½ cup plain flour |
| 2 litres water | 2 tsp turmeric | 2 cups malt vinegar |
Method
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Chop tomatoes. Peel and chop onions and cucumber. Place vegetables in a large bowl, add water and sprinkle with salt. Stand overnight.
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Place vegetables and brine in a large saucepan. Bring to boil and boil for 3 minutes. Drain.
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Return vegetables to saucepan. Add sugar, mustard, turmeric, curry powder and pepper.
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Blend flour with vinegar then add to pan. Bring to boil and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Remove from heat. Pour into warm, sterilised jars and seal.
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Nursery
Tours and Cream Teas 
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Culberry Nursery in Angmering is offering group tours of their nursery and a herb talk (lasting around an hour) by Martin Jarvis, the owner of the nursery, finishing off with a home-made cream tea in the Herb Garden. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions about the plants at the nursery and any other horticultural concerns. The nursery has been expanded this year, and along with an apothecary's
garden we now have a small but beautiful kitchen garden situated
next to our new gazebo with a sedum roof - a wonderful place to
relax with a cream tea. We are suggesting groups of ten to twenty. Any afternoon, around
1-2pm, (this is flexible), although week days are best. It is
necessary to book, but fine to pay on the day. Many Thanks, If you think you would like to get a group together through the Association click here. |
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I really like 'Hapil' strawberries. They are long lived and give
plenty of fruit. I also have 'Gariguette' which is less prolific
but just as tasty and the fruit hang above the ground really well.
Kathy |
(27/07/10)
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Gardening Help Needed
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Hi! Kind regards Reflections Nurseries |
You can email Martin direct at: Martin@reflectionsnurseries.co.uk (03/07/10)
Treasurer needed
After
many years of faithful service our Honorary Treasurer, Bob Chalcroft,
has decided to call it a day. We are all very grateful to Bob for his
dedication to the cause and he will be a difficult man to replace. BUT
replace him we must! Can you help? If you have any financial experience
the only other prerequisite is that you are a member of the Association.
(You could always join if you're not). The treasurer automatically goes
on to the committee and committee meetings are held on the first Tuesday
of each month. If you fancy giving it a go get in touch and I'm sure
Bob would be only too glad to show you the ropes. POST
NOW FILLED
Birdies on allotments
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Hello there! I always look forward to reading my Plotholder but this time I thought I would add something myself. As we all know December/January was most horriblus weather, especially if you happen to be a bird living outside 24/7. So I made sure and fed the birds (on my plot) during this time. (I did not go on site without phoning my daughter first, and keeping in contact with her whilst I was there. Don't want any mishaps!!) I was well rewarded. I didn't imagine I would see so much variety on our allotments. I have to say I am into birds and it was a real wow for me. The following birds appeared, some waiting on posts, some in the hedges, but there they waited every day. The list was as follows:
To top the bill, one day this week (1st week of Feb 2010) I'm
just leaving the allotments, when I heard Happy gardening everyone, & Birdwatching for me!! Carol, West Tarring site. |
Thrush,
at least 2 pairs, and Blackbirds (again the same,) the usual sparrows,
a Jenny Wren, robins, Great Tits etc. Then to my surprise - Redwings;
I saw several over a few days waiting on posts for me to feed
them. Then last Sunday I couldn't believe my eyes; I saw a Buzzard,
right by the car park on site. I saw it twice and can only identify
it as a Buzzard; that's all I could find in my books and on-line.
the most lovely birdsong, and realizing that I do miss a lot of
species, and trying to be more alert, I looked around - there
was this unassumming bird, sort of greyish, singing away in the
bushes. When I got home I looked in my books, etc. trying to find
this bird. Well, I felt a foolish, because I couldn't find it
to start with; I thought it was a Warbler, but no IT WAS A NIGHTINGALE.
What a lovely treat for me! I had never seen one before, and I
haven't seen it since, but I can hear it. What a lovely bonus
during such rotten weather! (08/02/10)
1941 Seed Lists
Ordered you seeds yet? Well, how about these prices? Someone sent them in to us to bring to your attention. Very interesting reading; I don't think our stores can compete with these prices!
(21/01/10)
The amazing cucumber
This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.
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Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one Cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
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Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.
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Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.
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Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminium to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.
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Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!
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Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!
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Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explorers for quick meals to thwart off starvation.
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Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water
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Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!
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Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.
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Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the photochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
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Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.
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Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!
Thank you, Dave
(03/12/09)
More allotments?
The shortage of allotments is a national problem which is exercising the minds of many, not just the councils who are supposed to provide 20 allotments per 1,000 residents. Inevitably some have seen it as a chance to make some money. A group called Local Allotments plc is looking for investors to make allotments available to local communities. Shareholders will be given priority when applying for membership to the allotment clubs but they need to raise over £2m to acquire land. So if you want a return for your money as well as your digging you might want to look at localallotments.net.
Then there's always the Landshare initiative connected with the Channel 4 series, "River Cottage". They already have 30,000 supporters trying to link landowners with people seeking land to cultivate and they now have a website at landshare.net.
Another site worth looking at might be homegrownuk.org, a national garden share intiative. In the meantime let's hope councils up and down the land are doing their best to avoid the 40-year wait faced by the residents of the London Borough of Camden.
(12/10/09)
Shut those gates!
A message received about allotment gates being left open:
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My mini plot is at West Tarring and I always try to be observant when I am over there to make sure things are as they should be. I know the gates have to be left open between 10am and noon on Saturday and Sundays, because the shop is open, but many times the gates have been left open on other occasions. Many evenings around 6.30-7 pm I have found them open on my arrival during the Summer but last Sunday they were open at 3pm when I arrived, so I locked them behind me, then when I left at 6.30 pm they were hooked back again. Another plotholder, a postman, tells me that they are often open and hooked back when he comes early in the morning. It is a wonder then that more vandalism and theft does not occur when people are too damn lazy to shut the gates after them. I think that you should know about this and steps need to be taken against those responsible. Regards |
(09/10/09)
Contaminated manure back on scene
A message from Black Horse Allotments Association:
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It's back. See: http://www.dowagro.com/uk/aminopyralidsuspension.ht Thanks if you signed the petition, we got nearly 2500 signatures. John Shobbrook Chair, Black Horse Allotments Association, Wednesbury |
(08/10/09)
1,725 Pound Pumpkin Takes The Prize In Ohio
A teacher from Ohio has won top honours in a pumpkin-growing contest with a 1,725-pound behemoth that could land worldwide bragging rights. Christy Harp of Jackson Township near Canton took first place at the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers annual weigh-off Saturday in Canfield. She won $2,500 and could claim the world title. Contest organizers say the entry topped the 1,689-pound record-holder grown in 2007 by Joe Jutras of North Scituate, R.I. The seeds from Harp’s winning pumpkin will be dried and given to anyone who asks.
(06/10/09)
Got a rotavator?
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Hello I've started preparing my plot for cultivation and could do with a rotavator. Has anyone got one that I could borrow? My plot is at West Tarring. Cheers |
(18/09/09)
Theft on allotment sites
Our allotment sites are suffering from an outbreak of thieving. Mainly this involves the theft of produce, particularly soft fruit, especially blackberries and strawberries. We're not talking about someone pinchng one or two as they walk past - which in itself is bad enough - but family groups coming armed with punnets and stripping sections. One person at West Tarring lost all their strawberries and others have lost different crops and even a pot of jam someone put down for too long disappeared. When confronted, one large chap with 2 youngsters had no excuse and a grandad and child said, well they only wanted a few. This is theft! But how are they getting in? Some are probably former tenants who never gave in their keys and we know some are relatives of present plotholders but others are simply walking in when the gates are left open. Please remember: KEEP THE GATES LOCKED.
And now we come to the worst bit: some of those seen taking produce from plots are actually plotholders themselves raiding other plots. If anyone is caught doing this they will lose their plot (as per your rules) and if we have the evidence to prosecute well, why not? This is anti-social and illegal. If you observe any of these practises we have to advise caution in confronting offenders (do not touch them!) but please let us know. Just send us an email (worthingallotments@hotmail.co.uk) and we'll see what we can do with the help of the police and the Allotment Watch scheme but Allotment Watch only works if we all keep are eyes open and report anything dodgy.
(05/08/09)
Where have all the birdies gone?
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I recently purchased a new bird table especially for the smaller varieties. Its enclosed table and feeders seemed ideal but there is one drawback - no small birds. Plenty of pigeons and doves who have their own bird table and of course the dreaded herring gull. Where have all the small birds gone? I know they are in decline, but this is disastrous. Something needs to be done. Dennis |
A Response:
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I just wanted to reassure Dennis that he will get some birds visiting his new bird table; he just has to be patient. I had a similar experience after I received a very posh bird feeding station for my birthday in Feb. I quickly filled it with all sorts of nice things but absolutely nothing happened. Then about a month ago the birds suddenly seemed to 'find' it. I now have masses of sparrows, a black cap, starlings and black birds all feeding. Of course, I have the collared doves, pigeons and gulls too but they all seem to get on! Mind you I will have a word in their ear as I know Dennis doesn't live far from me and I don't want them to defect! Kathy |
Can anyone help Sue?
I have attached 4 photos of this “weed”? It grows so quickly and now covers the borders of our garden completely. The blades are really sharp and the roots are very strong and deep and it’s extremely difficult digging them out. You can’t pull them as they cut your hands. The leaves are shiny and sort of hard. It has hanging ‘seed things’. It has baffled a few garden centres I asked a year or so ago – hopefully you can help. Is it a weed or an invasive grass plant???????????????
Thanks Sue
Some answers:
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We think it's some sort of pond plant but it can spread outside the pond. Very difficult to get rid of as the roots are very tough. Make sure you get rid of all the seedheads or it will spread even worse. You can dig it out over time. West Tarring |
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It looks like some sort of wild wheat to me. I'd try a strong weedkiller. Might need a few applications. Ian |
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We think it's an ornamental grass. Very tough and difficult to get rid of. You can dig the roots out but it's hard work and you need a really strong fork or it will break. You may have to resort to a saw. Celia |
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I think this could be Carex pendula. It is a grass or sedge and is not classed as a weed but it spreads like mad, as you well know. Some ideas about getting rid of it are, firstly don't let the seed heads form - nip them off as soon as you see them - this will stop it spreading. Secondly, keep digging it out. I find the little 'L' shaped tool for getting weeds out of the patio really good for getting into cracks. A chemical solution would be Glyphosate which can be painted onto the leaves and goes down into the roots and kills the plant. If it's not C. pendula then ignore this!!! Hope that helps Kathy |
A Worthwhile Trip Out: Ferring Country Centre
The garden centre is generally open for sales Mon -Fri, 9am to 4pm but from Easter to mid-October it is also open Saturday and Sunday mornings until noon.
Horticulture Unit
The Horticulture Unit provides work experience and training in horticulture,
conservation and gardening for adults with learning difficulties.
The Unit grows a comprehensive range of top quality plants and vegetables,
in a natural way, for sale to the public at very competitive prices.
We also have popular plant sales in May, June and September, which generate
income for the centre.
We have a large selection of shrubs, herbaceous and pot plants. Hanging
baskets and planters are also supplied. Garden trellis can be made to
order. We hold Spring and Summer sales of geraniums, fuchsias, hanging
baskets, patio and bedding plants. A wide range of naturally grown vegetables
is available in season.
The main glasshouse was donated by Worthing Golf Club
Our aim is to offer a superb range of quality Plants & Shrubs to the
general public at extremely competitive prices.
At Ferring Country Centre we concentrate on growing and selling good
quality plants and shrubs and offering a great service to all our customers.We
stock a range of Plants & Shrubs all year round plus garden sundries
including pots, compost and our very own well rotted manure.
Our Clients assist in every aspect of production from seed to sale. Many Clients are studying towards vocational qualifications in conservation, horticulture and land-based skills.
Further details can be found at http://www.ferringcountrycentre.org/
(08/04/09)
Eastern Allotments
These allotments were in Aqaba which is situated on the Red Sea in
Jordan and the site ran along between the town and the beach. The plots
appeared to be irrigated by large pipes that were used to flood the
area enclosed by little mud banks. The crops we could identify were
radishes and onions. They were being cultivated mostly by men but there
were women working as well. We did not discover how they were rented.
The temperature in Aquaba rarely goes below 20C but in the summer can
get to 35C. There is very little rain.
Peggy
(30/03/09)
The Bins - plea
Not the most intersting pictures or the most photogenic subjects, agreed, for these are the bins at West Tarring. But look closely and you will see that the area in front of them is spotlessly clean. This is because our Association chairman and West Tarring storekeeper, Ian Dunster, has just cleaned up all the mess which surrounded them. When the bins are full, could everyone please avoid dumping their rubbish on the ground in the vicinity of the bins. Their is no rubbish fairy and the council only take what is IN the bins so to keep the site looking tidy Ian has been cleaning up the mess - so far. As you know the bins will probably disappear altogether soon and there is no way Ian or anyone else is going to sweep up the rubbish and take it home in carrier bags for us all. Please, if the bins are full, keep your rubbish until they are emptied. We all need to develop some green and tidy habits in preparation for the removal of the bins. If you are not confident of composting your waste come along to the demonstration this Sunday 10.00 - 12.00 at West Tarring - by the bins!
The Last Straw
Can anyone help
Paul get his hands on some organic straw? Here's his plea:
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Does anyone know of a source for organic straw? Needed for forcing rhubarb and protecting strawberries. I last got a bale from Humber Avenue but they are out at the moment. Paul E |
My marmalade won't set
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Hi |
I know Mike's not a member (yet) but come on give him a hand. (Ed)
An
answer:
If a mix will not set then it has possibly been over cooked. Difficult
setting fruits such as strawberry, blackberry etc will respond to the
addition of 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid crystals per 1 lb of fruit in
the final cook period on the boiling time. You can get this at Superdrug,
but you have to ask for it and it costs under a £1 a box.
Peter
Can you help Kathy?
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Just thought, as we are being encouraged to make
compost bins from pallets, that I would share an idea that has
worked for us. When making your bin join the 'front' pallet to
one of the side pallets with a couple of tree ties. This creates
a 'hinge' so that you can open up the front and makes for easier
access for turning/emptying. Many thanks
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rotted due to wet ground but would welcome any comments?If you can help, please send us your advice; it may help others too.
An
answer:
Patience is the answer, I'm afraid. Weather conditions have slowed them
down. I unearthed one of mine to find it was still there and was just
starting to make roots, so don't despair, just wait. I got mine from
the Association's stores too.
K.
Council's Responsibilities
Quite a few correspondents wanted to know exactly what the council does for the £30 annual fee so here I print an extract from the Allotment Rules and Conditions:
15. COUNCIL'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Worthing Borough Council, either directly or through external contractors or Council Appointed Overseers acknowledges the following responsibilities:
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15.1 Administration
Keeping waiting lists, letting plots, rent collection, terminations, enforcement of rules, conducting cultivation, pond and livestock audits and inspections, liaising with Overseers, the Association, individual Tenants and others. -
15.2 Repairs and Maintenance
Repairs to site perimeter fences, gates and water installations, maintenance of drives (including some grass cutting) and vacant plot management. Maintenance of perimeter hedges and trees on allotment sites. -
15.3 Infrastructure
Provision and maintenance of notice boards, gates, drives, water infrastructure and security fences where necessary . -
15.5 Liability
The Council is not liable for loss by accident, fire, theft or damage of any structures, tools, plants or contents on its allotments. Tenants are advised not to store any items of value on the allotment, and to insure and mark any items kept at the allotment. Tenants shall report any incidents of theft and vandalism to the Police and an authorised Officer acting on behalf of the Council. -
15.5 Association Accommodation
The Council provides and maintains such accommodation on Chesswood Farm, West Tarring and Humber Avenue sites.
So there you have it and I'm afraid there are other costs (such as legal expenses) which are not listed in these rules. That's where your money goes.
(12/12/08)
Squirrel
digging up my bulbs! 
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There are lots of potholes appearing in my borders
where the squirrels are helping thmselves to our bulbs (I do love
squirrels and dont want to harm them at all, but dont want them
munching the rest of my garden). Will putting some nuts out distract
them enough? I have some mesh fabric that will let light and water
through but not sure how to securely fix it down so it's not dug
up! Help!
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G. (01/12/08)
Answer?
On Gardeners' World they showed a good idea. Plant bulbs in one of those
tubs you use for pond plants (like a pot made of plastic mesh). Dig
a whole big enough for the mesh pot and then fill the pot with soil/compost
and plant the bulbs within the mesh pot. Place some chicken wire over
the top of the pot and then bury the whole thing in the ground. When
the bulbs have died back, you can dig the whole thing up to store the
bulbs ready for next season.
Increase in Allotment Rent (letters) (start here and read down)
Below is a copy of a message we sent to Worthing Borough Council complaining about the proposed increase in allotment rent to £30 per annum for a 5-rod allotment for this coming year. Also shown are 2 replies received so far from the council. We are doing our best in your behalf; please support us.
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We are writing to you on behalf of the members of Worthing & District Allotments & Gardens Association, and I dare say, most allotment plot holders in the Worthing area, to bring to your attention our serious concerns regarding Worthing Borough Council's proposed 16.5% allotment rent increase for 2009. In 2006 the Council increased rents by 5.5%, in 2007 the rise was 5.2% and in 2008 the rise was 3%. All of these increases have been well over the rate of inflation and, although our Association has never been happy about them, we have accepted them without complaint. This year however, there is no way that the Association can accept a 16.5 % rise. Every year the rent goes up and the tenants never see any increase in services offered to justify an above inflation rise; indeed this year the Council are also proposing from 1st April 2009 to withdraw the weekly rubbish bin collection service from each site. This in itself will provide the council with a considerable saving year on year. If we look at the wider picture, and compare Worthing to our neighbouring districts. In Adur the cost of one rod in 2009 will be £4.80, the proposed cost in Worthing is £6.00 per rod. If we go past Adur to Brighton, then the cost comes down to £3.50 per rod! Nearly half the price and every plot holder receives automatic membership of their Association subsidised by the council. If we go the other way to Littlehampton, then the cost is £2.90 per rod, which is less than half the cost of Worthing! All these areas offer exactly the same services. Worthing already has the most expensive allotment rents in the area and now Worthing Borough Council want to increase the rent by 16.5%. The Association has worked closely with the council over many years and we have made every effort to promote and encourage the use of allotments. With allotment popularity booming, Worthing Borough Council are receiving more rent from the allotment sites than they have done for over twenty years and our association has been instrumental in helping to achieve this. Worthing & District Allotments & Gardens Association do an enormous amount of work to help in the smooth running of the sites and this is all by volunteers. All of this work appears to be taken for granted, with no appreciation of how much time, and hence money, that we are saving Worthing Borough Council. The Council's response to us is to increase rents by 16.5 %. We have tried to look for any sort of reasonable justification for this increase but there seems to be none. We would ask you to consider whether this increase is justifiable. |
Reply 1:
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From: Tim.Everett@worthing.gov.uk Thank you for your email. I will discuss the matter with John Thorpe whose department includes this function through the management of the grounds maintenance contract with Continental Landscapes. We are currently in the process of looking at proposals for next years budgets, and the final decisons on that will be made by the Council itself on recommendations from the Cabinet. I do have a role in that process, and I will ensure both John and the relevant Cabinet Member are aware of your concerns. Unfortunately we are having to make further substantial savings for 2009/10, and Leisure and Cultural Services alone have a target of about £300k. As has been well publicised as a Council we have done particularly badly out of the Government funding for the new Concessionary Fares scheme, which has cost our Council Taxpayers more than £600k a year extra. Inevitably there will be some difficult choices. I will keep an open mind but I would make two points at this stage - the charges are still objectively very low compared to other services that the Council is able to charge for. In addition my understanding is the function will still be heavily subsidised by Council Tax Payers, although I will check this aspect out. The general advice form the Audit Commission is that Councils should set their charges to recover their costs where they can unless there are either legal or policy reasons that justify a subsidised rate. I will reply in more detail as soon as possible. Tim Everett |
Reply 2: Cabinet member for Clean and Green Environment, Bryan Turner, says:
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Worthing Council, like every local authority is under massive financial pressure both from the Government to find efficiencies and budget savings, and from the current financial turmoil. In order to continue to provide the range of services to the community that it currently does the Council must seek to maximise income wherever possible. This is especially so where there is no absolute statutory requirement on the Council to provide particular services (such as allotments) and where there is clearly a strong demand, again as with allotments. As the Council is limited in the total amount of money it can raise, and therefore spend, maximising income in this way prevents cuts elsewhere. In making the decisions that it does on charges we are also mindful of the total cost of the service to the user, in this case the cost to the average allotment plot-holder is £30 less than 60p per week which can hardly be considered excessive for the rent of a plot of land. The comparisons provided are unfortunately comparing 'apples with pears' in that they show current charges in neighbouring authorities and compare them with the proposed charges in Worthing for next year. Adur will also be seeking to impose an above inflation increase in allotment rents for exactly the same reasons. Wendy Knight |
So what do you think? Let us and/or the council know.
Letter from Jim about rent increase:
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Is it possible for the Council to detail exactly what they do to justify a rent increase of any kind? It would appear that the only cost to them is emptying the bins. If these are taken away then they don't have to even do this. I realise there is the administration costs of sending out the bills to plotholders once a year, and keeping a waiting list, apart from that it would appear they do nothing to benefit the plotholders. Can the Council also advise what people are supposed to do with diseased plants, bindweed, couch grass and hardwood pruning's once the bins have been taken away? Jim S |
Any replies or other opinions? In fairness I must point out that recently the council and the police have been working with the Association on site security and they also launched the Allotment Watch initiative. But does this warrant an increase of such magnitude? Let us know what you think.
(18/10/08)
Bill writes:
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Good Morning! Bill G |
(20/10/08)
Janet writes:
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I was reading with interest the letters regarding allotment rent
and thought perhaps you might be interested to hear from an Adur
plot holder. I have a 5 rod plot on the Lancing Manor site and my
October 2008/2009 rent was £24.00. We do not have a regular rubbish
removal service, but over the last couple of years we have had a
"one off" removal of rubbish from the site by the Council.
This has been both good and bad; good in that it gives people taking
on plots the chance to get rid of all the paraphernalia they don't
require, but bad because the pile of rubbish sits around for many
months attracting vermin. Regards Jan |
(21/10/08)
Jim writes:
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I was under the impression that Councils had a legal obligation to provide allotments for residents. In view of Wendy Knight's statement on behalf of Worthing Borough Council that 'there is no absolute statutory requirement on the Council to provide particular services (such as allotments)', can you please clarify? I also understand that part of West Tarring allotments, near the railway line, were in fact gifted to the Council for the express purpose of being used for allotments Jim |
(18/11/08)
An answer:
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In regards to the article on the website left by Jim, it is section 23 of the 1908 allotments act. 23 Duty of certain councils to provide allotments:
On the subject of the cost I personally believe that the cost for next year's allotments is very reasonable at 0.82p per day. If there are those that feel the £30 per allotment is too much then let them give up some or all of the plots to some one on the waiting list that feels this is not overly priced. |
(21/11/08)
Geoff writes:
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Now that we are to lose the bins in April and we are not allowed bonfires at Humber Close, how are we to dispose of prunings e.g. apple, currant, raspberry, pear, etc? Also on the West side we have to trim back the hawtorn bushes beyond the fence every year. Also if we have any diseased plants, cooch grass, brassica stalks, etc are Continental Landscapes going to supply a shredder or some means of disposal? These things cannot be composted. What does Continental Landscapes do for their fees? Regards Mr L |
(15/01/09)
What a Load of Rubbish!
We recently received this message from Briony of West Tarring site.
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Dear Sirs
I understand some of these ideas will cost but lack of waste management could potently lose the bins altogether. Briony |
Here is the reply Briony received from Ned:
| This is personal response only as our next committee meeting is
not until October and I know there is a hefty agenda already. I
will, however, circulate this to the committee. We know West Tarring has a problem with waste and discussions with the council are ongoing. The bins do state on them what should not go in them but for some reason people still insist on filling them with compostable waste and unsuitable materials (someone put a load of rocks in one which damaged one of the the new lorries and brought forth a threat to do away with waste removal altogether). The woeful situation is compounded by - would you believe it? - outsiders bringing in domestic, building and industrial waste onto the site for clearance, and being abusive to allotmenteers who speak to them. Our secretary, Terry Edwards, has made frequent appeals through our newletter, The Plotholder, for people not to misuse the service as it risks being taken away and has had discussions at meetings with the council but of course the Plotholder only reaches Association members. He is also trying to arrange for someone to come and give a talk on composting at West Tarring site. I remember speaking myself to someone who was putting a load of green waste into the bins; she did not say anything in reply but looked at me as if I were stupid! Tangmere Recycling Site is having a free open day this month (see website under "Events"). Others have also come up with the idea of a green waste bin for those who can't be bothered to compost it. The council could compost it and actually sell it back to us to reduce costs - if they do such composting. The locals who put their bags of green waste out to be collected pay 50p per bag for the priviledge and the bags are then collected once a week from the pavement outside their houses. As regards making people clear their plots before leaving you have to remember that many do not volunteer to leave. Apart from the unfortunate illnesses and deaths others are removed for non-cultivation so that new people can take on plots and look after them. Continental Landscape are supposed to strim the plots for newcomers. We are not allowed to have bonfires on the site at West Tarring because of the surrounding houses. I know this is not a satisfactory answer because all it does is point out the present situation but fear not, I will pass it on. Regards Ned |
Since this exchange we have learned that the council will pobably do away with the refuse collection altogether at West Tarring in April 2009.
(19/09/08)
Seeds of Summer
One job gardeners often look forward to in late summer is gathering seed. You don't have to buy packets from the garden centre; you can save your own to ensure the survival of the tastiest, healthiest crops, and the most beautiful blooms. Saving your own garden seeds is both easy and economical - one seed from a single plant will raise hundreds more plants with minimal effort. By collecting seed you give them the best chance of survival by storing over winter and sowing under cover in early spring, while controlling where the seedlings take root.
Here are our top tips:
Top Tips:
Annual flowers and vegetables are a good place to start; the seed is usually
easy to collect and the plants grow fast. Many will sow themselves if
you let them.
Choose a still, sunny day, looking for seed-heads that have turned brown
and seem on the verge of splitting and releasing their contents. Have
bags handy (small clear plastic freeze bags are ideal) and invert one
over the top of the seed-head before cutting the stem, turning the bag
over and tying around the top. Label as you go, so avoid mix-ups. Leave
in a warm dry place for up to two weeks to dry out, then empty one bag
at a time on to a sheet of paper and separate out the seeds from their
casings and other debris. Store seeds in labelled envelopes and store
somewhere cool, dark and dry till needed.
Swap seeds to increase stock, insure against crop failure and try new
things.
Some seeds, (such as those of hellebores, and umbellifers) need to be
sown fresh. Start these off now in pots or seed trays with a little shelter.
Biennials (such as foxgloves and hollyhocks) can also be started now,
and if you look after them well they may be big enough to flower next
summer. With plants that self-seed, gathering your own seed can ensure
a continuous flow of blooms all summer.
Crab Apples 
Can you help this lady with her search?
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Do you by any chance know of anywhere in Worthing or Ferring I can buy some Crab Apples ? I want to make some Crab Apple Jelly. I did have a tree myself some years ago but unfortunately it died. I then had a source from a friend - but last year her husband attacked her tree with a chain saw !! End of tree ! Kind regards |
Help please
Can you help with the problem below?
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I have had an allotment for a month and have planted some swede and sweet peas which have grown from seed into small baby plants. I have watered them tonight and noticed some very small white insects flutering around in large numbers. Do you have any ideas as to what they are and what I should do? I would be very grateful for advice from experts. John |
An answer:
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Your problem does sound like white fly. S B Invivorater should do the trick, available in the stores as a trigger spray which kills white fly, black fly red spider and caterpillars and costs £2.20 from our allotment stores. Peter. |
Another (greener?) answer:
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We find that small plants like young swedes, radishes etc. can be successfully protected by covering with fleece. It is only 20p per metre in our stores. Jack |
Top of Page
Free Manure
Ian Williams, at: ianwilliams1960@hotmail.com, says:
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Hi! I have a large amount of horse manure that I am trying to find an outlet for. There is no charge if you want to come and pick it up or, for a small charge, we could deliver it in a trailer. Our land is at West St Sompting. We have a selection of fresh to well rotted manure. If your organization or any member would like it please contact me on 07717515321 Ian Williams |
I have checked with Ian and it is fine for you to contact him direct.
Top of Page
Poisonous Manure
Hi!
I regularly get The Allotment and Poultry Newsletter from a guy called
John Harrison via email and he has discovered a disastrous selective weedkiller
which can be present in manure and straw bedding. I have added the link
to the relevant page in his website below and wondered if you would perhaps
like to mention this on the website and perhaps draw members’ attention
to the potential hazard in the next newsletter.
http://www.allotment.org.uk/garden-diary/257/aminopyralid-herbicide-residue-in-manure-killing-crops/
Regards
Jo Jones
West Tarring Plotholder
07.07.2008
Thank you, Bob and Barbara
We've been asked to pass on this message so if you know Bob and Barbara pass it on please.
I don’t know Bob and Barbara or if they are still members but I do feel we have a responsibility to them somehow!! If they are no longer members could someone who knows them pass on my best wishes.
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Dear Bob & Barbara Best wishes Kathy & Jan |
YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE AN ALLOTMENT TO BE A MEMBER
AND
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO ENJOY THESE PAGES
BUT
WE'D LOVE IT IF YOU WERE
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