So how do you ensure that water is running to the right places across 96 plots, a community hut and two toilets? It takes a lot of piping, and a lot of connections. The worst time for them is as Winter gets really cold in January and February each year. Despite everyone’s best efforts to keep them in good nick, there seems to be a burst somewhere.
At Weaste there is usually one or two committee members on site at some point in the day. Emergency numbers are inside the Community Hut for those moments when they are not. A flood by the brick sheds is one of those occasions where something needs to be done fast. No-one likes to waste water on an allotment. It is a precious thing. On this occasion the Chair, Mark was on hand and got stuck in to turning of the supply and getting the leak fixed.
Aged Pipe
With an allotment that has been going since the early 1900s some of the taps are old. Not up to the 100 mark, but still some in their 70s. If it works it does not get changed. Connections are used a lot, and not always as gently as may be good for them when fixing a hose. Hoses are only allowed to fill the plot holders water tubs should they need a top up. It used to be a rarity but with global warming it does not always rain enough (believe it or not). Also there is increased evaporation in the earth so plot holders are having to think of new ways to make soil water retentive.
Rain harvesting
There are communal facilities which are accessed by stand pipes. Plot holders are asked to minimise the use and the requirement for use. Some supplement their rain tub with one or more rain butts or water tanks fed from their shed or greenhouses. People are encouraged to water in the evening or early morning if they must as it is cooler then. Daily watering is not advised as it is better to encourage plants to create deeper roots.
Mulching
There has been an increase in “no dig’ where plot holders lay cardboard over soil and annual weeds, and then put up to 10 cm of mulch on top. Horse manure is delivered to site and is good for this purpose. This all reduces evaporation of the water that does fall on the soil. Anything that funnels water directly to the stem of the plant is also good. Plastic bottles with the bottom cut off and old glazed plant pots being useful for that.
Plumbing Donations
Fortunately there are plot holders with the skills on site to do running repairs on the plumbing. The parts do have to be purchased as there is no stock of donated parts. If anyone wishes to donate vouchers to trade or gift cards to other stores that sell plumbing parts or has stock they can donate they should contact the Secretary please.
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