Weaste try to channel as much of the water that falls on the allotment to tanks and butts. Roof spaces on the community hut, lock-up sheds, greenhouses and plot holders sheds are leading down to drain pipes. This was the guttering on the lock-up sheds that seemed to have come adrift when the Chair did his rounds one morning. The general maintenance programme was set at the last AGM in 2018, and is reviewed by WhatsApp group by the committee. There also has to be a contingency for the unexpected. All was fixed very quickly by the Chair and volunteers.
The delivery of a skip from Salford Skips was also completed to enable the clearance of a plot. Sometimes these skips have space for items from other plot holders to put in. Plot holders are encouraged to clear their own non-organic waste by removing it from the site themselves if it can not be re-used or recycled by them or anyone else. Occasionally a skip may be hired by the Association relating to a specific project. The cost of skips is not provided for in the plot holders rent.
Environmental Changes
The allotments are in the North West or should that be North Wet of England! Rainfall is both a blessing and a curse for growers. In the Winter, get too much in one go and the soil becomes unworkable or if not properly draining the it creates pools around the crops. Onions and shallots are in during February and don’t want to be water-logged. The soil also needs to be a bit drier and warmer for March sowing.
The driest month tends to be April and the wettest historically July, which is a surprise as that is bang in the middle of our Summer. A dry April can be a problem for any directly sown seeds. In the Summer the fruit needs water to fill out and sunshine to ripen. Water butts may be emptied of rain water fairly quickly even using watering cans to keep direct to roots watering.
Water Channelling Challenges
It is a constant challenge for plot holders to conserve water when it is not needed for when it is. Everyone is aware that hose pipes are only to be used to refill water butts if dried out. All watering at the plot is done from butts not from the stand pipes to reduce water wastage and keep community metered water costs as low as possible. We are always delighted to hear of or receive items that will help with water conservation.