Page 6 - ALG Issue 4 2020

President’s
scribblings
We have finally had a few good downpours and things are now growing like mad. My hoe is fair steaming trying to keep up with the weeds and stop them impeding the growth of my crops, and on some occasions, I have to resort to hands and knees.
It has been a good year for fruit,
with a good crop of grapes from my grapevine, so I can look forward to a Merry Christmas with the red wine produced. I feel a bit sorry for my pear tree as the branches are beginning to bend under the weight of fruit – lots of bottling to do later. I am also reaping the benefits of the potato crop my friends
at the allotment planted for me whilst I was shielding; I shall remain eternally grateful for their help during that time.
This year’s ‘Allotment Week’ went down very well despite having to alter plans due to COVID-19. I would at this point like to say a big thank you to Di Appleyard, our Marketing and Mentor Coordinator, for all the exceptional effort and organisation
she put into making it a great success. Organising the many quotes in so many gardening magazines, running the video competition, and organising local radio broadcasts. I think despite the changes I feel this year’s ’Allotment Week’ has been a huge success, and thanks to all who have participated in whatever way. Again, I spoke on 16 local radio stations up and down the country with positive feedback from a few of the regions.
The demand for allotments continues to rise since the outset of this pandemic and some councils will have to have a change of attitude if the demand is to be accommodated. It is encouraging that one or two councils have begun
to discuss the situation in the council chambers, and even more encouraging is that some councils are requiring housing developers to provide allotments as part of the green space allocation. My own site has decided
to only let quarter plots in an attempt
to cater for the 700% increase in our waiting list.
The demand for allotments continues to rise since the outset of this pandemic
I have been pleased to see the International Allotment Office picked up a FB campaign, promoting allotments in general, that I have been running and distributed across Europe in several languages, spreading the name of the National Allotment Society, UK far and wide. They too have seen a huge uptake in demand for their allotments as we have. Many of their allotments are quite different to ours – some with chalets
on in which they can stay during the summer months – but despite this there are many similarities to the problems we encounter on our allotments.
Just a quick reminder; don’t forget, members are eligible for FREE plotholder insurance liability cover, an integral part of your membership. Claim it now.
Keep safe and well,
Phil Gomersall
DUAL ACTION
with slug & snail deterrent As used by the RHS
Reduces weed growth by up to 95% Retains moisture around plants Enriches the soil and improves structure Light, easy to use & lasts up to two years Deters slugs & snails
www.strulch.co.uk Tel: 01943 863610
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Strulch – introduce the benefits of mulching to your plot!
My husband Geoff invented Strulch at Leeds University.
We have been selling it since 2005 and it has grown in popularity because it is a quality organic product with a neutral pH that works on all soil types. It can be used anywhere in the garden including vegetables plots. Strulch works by blocking light which is needed for germination and the texture of Strulch together with added minerals deters slugs and snails.
Add to bare soil to stop weed germination and around plants when they reach a good size. We sell in bulk 12, 25 and 48 bags and you can buy 100 litre bags from our stockists.
Find out about Strulch on our website – www.strulch.co.uk or give me a call (01943 863610).
Happy cultivating. Jackie Whiteley.