Page 56 - ALG Issue 4 2023

South West
Clutton Allotment Best Kept Plot
Each year Clutton Allotments in the Mendips hold a competition for ‘Best Kept Plot’ and the winner is announced at the flower show organised by the local horticultural society.
We have had a footpath running through the site since 2021 and we have involved the local community by putting up posters with a QR code linking to
an online survey to vote. This year
the standard was so high that some villagers refused to vote, saying it was unfair to single out just one plot!
GWEN AND PARSNIP THE DOG (LEFT) – WINNER OF “BEST KEPT PLOT”
I got my plot in lockdown and it’s been a real learning curve, helped by the “plot tips” our rep posts on WhatsApp weekly. But what made the difference this year was preparing the plot over winter,
the Somerset rain (after two hot, dry summers), companion planting for pest control and just being there more often to keep on top of the weeds.
ANN (CENTRE) – WINNER OF “BEST PLOT FOR WILDLIFE”
I don’t use chemicals, just beer traps for slugs and snails. I leave pots, stones and looser soil for the toads, and I often find slow worms in my compost. I leave some plant litter - it’s a good excuse not to be too tidy! I grow a wide variety of plants including ornamental flowers to attract pollinators and allow some veg (like globe artichokes) to flower.
ANDY (RIGHT) – WINNER OF “BEST NEWCOMER
We took on our plot as beginners and because everyone is so friendly here, we have never been short of help and advice. This being our first full year
of growing we tried to keep it simple, with potatoes, onions, leeks, beetroot, chard, lettuce, pumpkins, raspberries and strawberries. It’s great for our four grandchildren to grow up knowing where their fruit and veg come from.
South East
Surrey, Kent, West Sussex and East Sussex
Welcome to our new members...
Hoath Parish Council
Rochester Allotments & Gardeners
Association
St Nicholas Allotment Group Stopham Plotters
Association Wouldham Allotment
Association 10 Individuals
REPRESENTATIVE
Vacant
Contact natsoc@nsalg. org.uk if interested in volunteering
with the Region
DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVE Andrew Bird
07421 233506 abird.nas@gmail.com
DEPUTY REP/ MENTOR
Paul Neary
0845 313 8422 pneary.nas@gmail.com
Calls to 0845 numbers cost 3p (ex VAT) per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge
56 Allotment and Leisure Gardener