Page 9 - ALG Issue 4 2018

Q&MAike Thurlow...
I have tried to select questions that may be topical and cover most aspects of the vegetable garden/ allotment. Allotment gardening covers a wide range of interests; if you want to include any other areas of gardening please send your questions in.
QWoodchip
I need to know how to use woodchip on cultivated land... My own thought is that it is only for paths etc, not to put
on land used for annual crops, especially as the stuff we can get we have no idea what species of tree it comes from – usually from private gardens where all sorts of varieties might be used.
Others say you can compost it for a season and apply it to clay land to improve structure... I believe that dug into the land it could cause lasting damage to the balance of nutrient and microlife of the soil. Maybe if it is composted until worms invade it, that would tell me it is safe?
I’d use it as a mulch under well-established deep-rooted fruit trees but I think I’d have to increase the feeding regime, especially lime, and on paths to prevent them being slippery in wet weather.
Thanks for your help. Ann
AThe best way to use woodchips in the gardens is as follows: Never use or put fresh woodchips directly onto soil. They will rob the soil of its nitrogen as they decompose.
Stack the woodchips until they are well-rotted and have been converted into a dark, humus/peat-like material.
The smaller the woodchips the more quickly they will breakdown.
There is no need to use any accelerators to speed up the process. The chips are broken down by naturally occurring fungi.
They are then safe to use on the garden as a moisture conserving mulch and where worms can draw it down into the soil.
The decomposed material will increase the water holding potential of the soil as well as improving the soil structure.
Q
Glass
We are members and we have implemented new terms
and conditions (with the advice and help of the National Society) which will come into force effective 15th October 2018. As part of the changes we are not allowing glass or non-shatterproof structures. Accordingly, the council have agreed to purchase the necessary wrap/film for those long-standing tenants to save them money. I wonder if you could advise the best stuff/type which is easy to use and achieve the result required. Many thanks in advance.
A
There are adhesive glass safety films that can be applied to existing glass. These can protect people by holding broken
glass in place reducing the risk of injuries. Once they have been applied they will raise the safety level of the glass to BS EN 12600. You can find much more information by visiting the websites of glass film manufacturers and suppliers. You should also contact your local authority to find out their regulations and legislation.
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19442.19 Vantage NAS Growing Guide Ad.indd 1
17/09/2018
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Stop Press...
We are sorry to advise two long standing supporters of NAS passed away in September. Peter Lofts and Trevor Taylor. Obituaries to follow in Issue 1 2019.