Month: April 2023

Criteria for Inspection of Plots

In view of the waiting list for allotments it is clearly necessary to have a means of ensuring that they are used for their intended purpose, and that they are maintained in a fit state to be handed on to someone else. A neglected plot also spreads weeds around and makes life more difficult for other plotholders. To this end the committee inspects plots twice a year.

The main criterion is that, by the time of the first inspection (wb 15th May this year), 75% of the area should be under cultivation, with weeds, particularly perennials, adequately controlled. This includes areas with perennial flowers or soft fruit bushes.

Internal paths (1m wide or less) should also be well maintained. Areas used for compost bins, storage or other amenity are not counted unless they constitute 25% of the total area let, in which case 100% of the rest must be cultivated. Plot edges should also be maintained (paths usable and area of plot preserved).

Plots will be re-inspected in September this year, by which time we expect to see evidence of crops growing or recently harvested in the area under consideration.

New plotholders having joined during the last year will have plots inspected, but not be expected to meet all the criteria.

Happy Gardening

Spragglesea Mead and Deans Ham Summer Produce Show 2023

Following discussion at the AGM, a pilot produce show will be run alongside the Summer BBQ. Entry is free and there will be prizes and glory up for grabs. It will be held at the Summer BBQ Saturday 15th/Sunday 16th July (weather dependent).

Please cast your eye over the list of classes when planning your planting, we hope there is a suitable class for everyone.
Details of sign up and precise class descriptions to follow….
Urgent note: seed potatoes for Class 1 are available on the table by the allotment gate with a sign up sheet. Please help yourself asap to get ahead with your planting, (sorry this is rather late). Please include your name and plot number on the sheet in the box, (multiple entries allowed per plot but only one per person)

  1. Potato weigh in/count (dig up on day) – see above
  2. A salad dish – three distinct salad vegetables in groups of three
  3. Three perfect vegetables or fruits on a plate eg peas, beans, beetroot etc
    (multiple entries encouraged, this could evolve into several categories if popular)
  4. A vase of a single flower variety containing between three and seven stems
  5. An arrangement of three to five different varieties of flowers or herbs
  6. A bowl of fruit, three perfect specimens of three different fruits
  7. Tallest/widest sunflower (measure in situ)
  8. Longest vegetable – (any variety, in situ or harvested)
  9. Cake with an allotment connection (preferably to be eaten at event)
    10.Best allotment photograph
  10. A vehicle made out of plant material
    12.And finally due to popular demand a (wittily titled) comedy vegetable