Here you'll find lots of advice from fellow allotment holders. Your own contributions are also welcome. If you would like to contribute please get in touch here.

Recycling Tips

Here are some handy hints for reusing and recycling materials found on the allotments:

• Wood - in good condition this can be used for making fruit/vegetable beds, fencing or to make compost bins. If the wood is rotten set aside in a dry place before burning, or place in a quiet corner of your plot to attract beneficial wildlife such as hedgehogs. Remember, if you intend to burn wood, check the woodpile for hibernating animals first.
• Plastics - 2 litre drinks bottles make cheap, individual cloches and are ideal for beans and peas. Cut in half and then make holes in the bottom end. Plastic containers can make planters for quick-growing vegetables such as radishes, or, for large containers, use as water butts. Old compost bags can be used for storage, or as simply rubbish bags.
• Metal - Can be used for constructing net cages as bird protection. Small pieces of metal can be suspended from bamboo canes, etc, as bird scarers. The reflections dazzle birds and encourage them to find food elsewhere!
• Organic waste - where there is no disease, organic waste can be placed in your compost bin. For disease ridden plants, allow to dry and then burn to prevent spread of disease.

Under no circumstances must you put asbestos waste into the skips provided. Asbestos must be taken to the recycling centre on Tom Benson Way using special bags which you can get from the recycling centre yourself. On the allotments, many old sheds that have since been broken up were made of white asbestos (white/pale grey in colour). Although this is the least dangerous kind, it should still be handled with care. Always wear gloves and NEVER break asbestos up. Place in the special bags and seal before taking to the recycling centre.