Got this 2 weeks ago

Did they shut your allotments then @clanless ..or did you not go because of shielding? The ones down our lane have been open and in full use all through Covid.

 

No, its been open all the time - plot inspections however were suspended. I did suggest that we temporarily shut the gates during the peak or at least advise against atttending - but was given a good stiff ignoring.

I (and a number of the other plot holders) didn't want to risk going down there handling the same padlock and gate as every one else. Majority of the plot holders are over 50 (including me) so risky if some one contracted the virus - who knows they may have been asymptomatic.

Every one was told not to visit other plots - to stay at least 2m apart - to wash their hands before and after touching the lock and gate - I wonder how many did? As you can imagine with lock down the place was busier than normal.

Some people went and some didn't - it was down to each person to decide.

I plumped not to go down there - my Mum is shielding and I'm the one doing her shopping/paying bills etc. - which means that I am also shielding but to a lesser extent.

I have missed the banter and have probably lost my newly planted Cherry Laurels - the strawberrys looked fabulous when I nipped down there for 5 minutes - but they will have been gobbled up by the birds by now.

Good job I didn't have time to plant the vine - there is no chance it would have survived.

On the plus side - the garden here has never looked so good - it's times like this when having your own garden really is a God send.

Came across this Stargazer Lily this morning:

 

Shiney, that sounds like a lovely community.

Clanless, so glad you are able to be at your plot again and feeling safe to do so

 

Well, I'm still on target for a visit down to the allotment next week. In Wales, those who are shielding are allowed to go outside from tomorrow.

Here's the plan:

1 - if the Cherry Laurel and Honeysuckle have survived - carefully hand weed around them.

2 - everywhere else - blasted with Glyphosate.

I've read that it is OK to put glyphosated dead weeds onto an open compost heap - does anyone on 'ere have a view of this? I'm trying to avoid multiple trips down the tip.

The hand picked weeds may well go onto the compost heap as well.

The composter was empty when we went into lockdown - if there anything in it when I get down there - I will be rather cross.

 

I saw a gardening programme where the presenter said put weeds in a bucket fill it with water and let it decompose, then can put it on the garden, but i don't know if the seeds would survive and germinate.

 

Good idea Logan - the other idea that now springs to mind would be to put the weeds in a black bin bag - tie it up and throw it into the composter bag and all. After a couple of months remove from the bag and distribute through the existing compost.

 

That's a good idea Clanless, but what if there's seeds? I've put weeds in a empty plastic compost bag to rot down and cover it with a house brick, still got one from a couple of years ago by the compost bins.

 

Strain the liquid off and discard remaining sludge. Dilute the liquid to the colour of weak tea and use as a plant food.

Steve...

(Edit) I forgot to say, this plant food liquid will be rich in Nitrogen, similar to nettle tea, if you want to feed fruiting plants like Tomatoes peppers cucumbers etc, make a comfrey tea. (edit)

 

That's a good idea

 

WARNING - the following images contain graphic content which may cause offence - viewer discretion is advised...

(yes the cherry laruel and honeysuckle did survive )

 

It can be heart breaking when this happens, but as your beds where still newish then hopefully most of that will just pull up easily and got rid of quickly before too many more seeds drop to the soil.

Bit of graft needed there clanless, best of luck with it !

Steve...

 

I didn't stay long today - took the photo's - dropped off 5 litres of Rosate 360f and my 40v cordless strimmer. It was too hot to pfaff about.

I have a theroy that the weeds provided some shelter from the sun for the cherry laurel - which was enough for them to survive from newly planted. They must have had enough time to put their roots into the ground before the weeds sprung up. So I suppose every cloud has a silver lining if you look for it.

Will be going down once a week from now on - first job tidy up the path to the shed and my side of the walkway. The Rosate will make 100l of strong weedkiller - I'm thinking a good chunk of this is going to be used up.

I still haven't unpacked the poly tunnel which arrived just in time for lock down.

 

I'm glad that a warning was pre announced.. I gritted my teeth before viewing those allotment pics.
I'm gonna open a bottle of cold beer now to help calm myself down.
I'm confident that you'll have that plot producing great veg next year.