Helpful hints and tips

1. Getting manure

Manure can be ordered from Lane Farm, Hatton. They will deliver a very large trailer load for about £40, or a smaller load for about £25 (2009 prices). They can be contacted on 01926 842411.

2. Seed orders

The allotment society organises a seed order once a year in the autumn. This is done through the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners shceme. The seeds are from E.W. Kings and are very well priced. If you are interested in buying seeds in this way contact Stanley Anthony (01926 424702, or on plot 113). Seed potatoes (and fertilizers) can be bought from the Cliffe Allotments Associtation, Old Milverton Road, on Sunday mornings 11:00 - 12:00.

3. Getting leaves

The local council delivers leaves to the site some years in the autumn. They are on plot 92 (beside the Association office). Allotment holders are welcome to collect leaves from here for their own use.

4. Getting bales of straw.

Bales of straw can be bought from Park Farm, Wappenbury. They can be contacted on 01926 632326.

5. Dealing with perennial weeds

If you have docks, butter burr and other deeply rooted perennial weeds they are best dug out, stacked in a separate heap, and covered with black plastic. After a year or two they will have rotted down into good useable compost. If they are added to the general compost heap they are likely to carry on growing!

Couch grass, which has long, tough, white roots, and bind weed, which has much more brittle but very extensive roots, are best stuffed into a black plastic bag, tied at the top, and left to rot. It's best not to add them to the general compost heap as they may continue to grow.

Other weeds and vegetable remains can be composted without a problem.

Weed killing chemicals may be used, but make sure you have read and fully understood the warnings given by the manufacturers. Be careful not to let spray drift onto anyone else's plot. Be aware that chemicals may also kill naturally beneficial living organisms.

6. Making compost

Compost is an excellent way of maintaining and building the fertility of your soil. There are all sorts of bins you can use to make compost, from home made wooden bins to commercial plastic ones. Contact Warwick District Council (01926 450000) or Warwickshire County Council (01926 410410) to see if they have compost bins available. They often offer cut price bins, advertised in the local press..   

Last Updated: 8/2/2009