Allotment in the Sky

This week we were given permission to return to tend our Society allotment plot at the new Queen Elizabeth Crossrail rooftop garden at Canary Wharf. Since lock-down we have not been allowed to work the allotment and today we have to observe some new clothing requirements and don our high visibility jackets and thick gardening gloves. Everyone who works on the allotment must be licenced to do so by the Canary Wharf Group.

The original idea of an allotment in these precious roof top gardens was conceived by our ex Chair and now National Society Mentor, Paula Owen. What made her think of it remains a mystery, but it was clearly a stroke of genius and a tribute to her gardening passion. Last year our allotments were given the space by our sponsors Canary Wharf Group and we set about transforming the plot into a diverse and all year-round plot. The gardens themselves won an award in 2019 under the Blooming Britain contest and our plot, be it small, is now firmly part of the gardens.

Our Vice Chair Tatiana drove Paula’s vision into reality and established the gardens with the help of a team of volunteers, some members and some from our waiting list, and created a plot to be proud of. 

The initial planting was attended by Jeff Barber, our London Chair and National Regional Representative, and the volunteers have included the children from our school plot.

The plot is maintained on a regular basis and under Tatiana’s supervision and aims to demonstrate to all the many garden visitors and Canary Wharf workers who take their breaks and relax there what can be grown in a small space and the work of the local allotments on the Island.

Tatiana has a new community greenhouse back at the allotments which is always overflowing with plants which are primarily for the roof top allotment but also given to members via the plant swaps and giveaways she organises.

Canary Wharf Group has been a great supporter of the allotments and we also benefit from deliveries of used coffee granules from the many cafes within the malls and bamboo canes cut from the exotic part of the gardens.

Today we turned up, tidied up removing the leggy spinach and overgrown herbs and then set about planting out beans, chillies, tomatoes, a cola plant and squash and admired the Cape gooseberries already setting their fruit. All the produce we harvest from the allotment is given to a local kitchen run for the community by the Mudchute Farm.

When I look at the plot, I am drawn not by the diversity of what we are growning, the high-rise skyscraper location which is somewhat amazing, but by the opportunity and example it sets. If every developer, not only of enormous commercial and residential areas such as Canary Wharf but of smaller and focused retail developments and residential estates, followed just a fraction of the initiative we have established in Canary Wharf then we could really start to transform gardens, parks, open space from look-but-don’t-touch heavily managed often low maintenance environments into community engaging growing areas which could make a huge difference to the quality of life for many and help educate everyone about fresh produce and healthy eating.

My thanks to Canary Wharf Group and to our team for making it happen.   

Companions on the Plot

‘If I didn’t come to keep you company at the allotment, who would you like to be here with you?’ asks my allotment whippet companion Lottie.’

‘I am very happy that you come to watch over me’ I replied a bit sarcastically.

‘It better not be Sidney and his gang.’ thinking about that Mexican stand-off she had with him only yesterday when he climbed on the tree over her head and taunted her on her bench.

‘Now why would I have a squirrel as a friend?’ I realise that this is either a fishing expedition whereby Lottie makes me realise just how loyal a companion she is, or it’s one of her I am bored I’ll ask some silly questions mood.

‘I don’t mind it if you want to keep chickens,’ she says with those doleful whippet eyes which either says she’s hungry and would love some chicken, or it’s time to go home.

I sit back and my mind wanders to chickens on the allotment. 

Some would like to keep chickens which would give you eggs, maybe dinner and provide rich fertilizer. But we would have to build Fort Knox to keep Freddie Fox and his gang out. I remember when the farm was putting up extra fencing. I asked why and was told that unless it was well over a couple of meters high the sly old things would climb up and over like it were and assault course set to keep them fit. Then the fence must be extended underground to stop their expert tunnelling skills.

In fact the crows are more problems to the farm as far as the chickens are concerned and the phrase ‘headless chicken’ comes to mind.

I look at the farm’s ducks and geese, all of which have to be locked up every night and let out in the morning and the same with the chickens and turkeys and well, I can buy eggs fairy easily, I can buy chicken manure, and I don’t fancy killing them let alone plucking my dinner.

‘Sorry Lottie, chickens aren’t allowed on the allotments’ I tell her.

‘Ok no chickens but why is that Freddie fox always here?’ asks Lottie as she turns down on her pillows on the bench and flops into a new more comfortable position.

Freddie could keep anyone company as he is a loner and keeps himself to himself. At the slightest glimpse of a human, he’s off.

The problem with Freddie and his pack is that they have no toilet training whatsoever. They poo all over and even on the vegetables. However, we have a pact and they do keep the rats away and we leave them alone to police the allotment for rodents. Considering we have a farm next door the only rodent I have seen in some 6 years is Sidney Squirrel and the flying pigeons.

‘No, Freddie doesn’t like to make friends. The only company he likes is the pack.’

‘Well if we ignore pigeons and squirrels who we both don’t like, who’s left?’ asks Lottie.

‘There’s Robin,’ I respond quickly.

‘He doesn’t count. He lives here.’ Lottie says in a matter of fact way.

‘Well occasionally I find the odd frog or toad lurking under the squash leaves. I think they know they will get a daily wash and plenty of grubs, but I haven’t the faintest where they come from or live’ I offer.

‘I don’t count them. They aren’t very good for anything but to play with and to watch jumping all around when you disturb them.’ Lottie is clearly getting bored.

‘They are good for the plot and don’t make any noise until after dusk so are never heard by the plot holders.’

‘I can’t remember them saying anything.’ Lottie cleans her face with her paw and settles down to have another nap.

‘A badger wouldn’t survive on the Isle of Dogs here in the East End of London.’ I say.

‘A badger? No don’t know them’ responds Lottie.

I think about it and realise that although we may have the ideal habitat in the Farm’s parkland they would have to swim across the Thames or negotiate Canary Wharf and some very busy roads to get here. I think we will always be badger free.  

‘The one animal I would love to see here is a hedgehog’ I say, thinking about the good works they can do on the plot. ‘They tried to introduce them some years back but it failed.’

‘No way! They have fleas and spikes and I can’t play with them at all’ Lottie says.

‘I thought this was about me and my companionship’ I reply and Lottie starts to close her eyes and is now drifting away.

I would happily build a dedicated compost heap just for a hedgehog, leave some cat food out each evening and know he would devour those little critters even more efficiently than Robin and his flock. But alas it’s not to be.

Now talking about bees…

‘You know all this virus stuff has to make you think about others and companionship. And I am not getting any younger you know.’ Lottie mutters as she closes her eyes and drops off.

I rise from the bench, pick up my watering can and fill it from the trough. If I didn’t have Lottie with me at the allotment I would go mad having weird conversations with other animals and birds, and that just wouldn’t do, now would it?    

Getting the Right Amount of Produce at the Right Time

Kneeling down even with my little cushion can be hard, but the weeding must be done and I love to see the plot looking tidy and free of weeds. I look over to the bench and because it’s a windy cold snap Lottie is snuggled down, curled up and having a nap.

I return to the weeds between the rocket and the lettuce. There’s not many weeds so it is easy and a gentle hand fork down the space between the rows is all that is needed.

‘Are you going to do round the mange tout?’ I hear in my ear.

I look around and there perched of the end of the scaffold board walkway stands Robin my red-breasted friend.

‘I’ll do it next,’ I offer with my head down focused on my current area.

‘You’ve grown far too much of that stuff,’ declares Robin pointing his right wing towards the lettuce.

‘I know what I’m doing.’

‘Of course you do. Mind, you could feed an army on what you have grown there.’ Robin offers with a sarcastic smirk across his beak.

I look at the tight tidy rows of lettuce, red and green salad bowl and lolla rossa grown from seeds I bought back from Spain, wild rocket and more. I better not admit it to Robin, but I did sow a bit too much. However, the recent weather has been hot and we were eating salad on our balcony every day. Now the weather has once again changed and we are back to the vegetables and inside. The lettuce is disappointed to be left waiting to mix it with the others in the salad spin washer and the cucumbers are starting too mount up to but they can always be used in drinks. Lottie will not eat salad and will peck it out and spit it onto the floor.

Judging how much to grow is an art form. It’s not just about getting the sowing right, bringing them on, judging the weather and hoping it all comes together correctly. The right amount of anything is probably the biggest challenge and then there is succession sowing to ensure that you don’t have salad for just a couple of weeks in summer when it’s raining and cold.

Storing, bottling and freezing excess can be a challenge not just of how but with space. We have only just finished last year’s tomatoes and beans out the freezer. I like squash best. They can just sit there doing nothing and waiting literally months for you to decide to cook them. If only others could follow their example.

We as an allotment have started to collect any excess produce and donate it to a local community kitchen run by the farm. It can be difficult to even donate food this way as those receiving it need to understand how to cook or prepare it and even want it. It must be fresh and used fresh. I would think in today’s climate and with the demand on food banks, charity kitchens etc that donating it would be easy, but it is far from it. WE are not allowed to sell or give it to commercial organisations such as restaurants and it is primarily for family only.

‘Have you finished yet only I’ve a family to feed?’ Robin asks impatiently.

‘In a minute.’

I get up stretch, pick up my bucket half full of weeds, fork and kneeling cushion and move over to the mange tout.

I can almost hear Robin salivating at the thought of fresh grubs.

‘Can’t you put mulch around all the plants? It encourages my food.’ Robin says as he starts to follow me along the rows. He stops, cocks his head to listen and then with the precision of a heron fishing, swoops his beak into the ground and then pulls out a grub. Next minute he is gone and moments later returns to repeat the process. It’s like a drive-through food bar for him.

I look at the Mange Tout and think at least these can go with salad, be steamed or thrown in a stir-fry or curry. Why can’t more be like that?

Perhaps I need to grow less of more and not get sucked into mass sowing and potting on exercises. Mind you this year I am looking after my neighbour Anna’s plot whilst she is in isolation and guess what, I know there are too many spuds, courgettes, and squash. I can only hope she comes back soon as I don’t have space for this harvest.

‘Stop daydreaming and lets get over to that bean area now,’ demands a hungry Robin.

Do Rods, Poles and Perches and Size Matter?

‘What’s a Rod?’ asks Lottie as she wakes from her nap on the allotment bench. Lottie is my faithful whippet who shares my plot but other than to scare off Freddie fox and the moggie for the farm, she does not share the work.

‘It’s a measure of land used by allotments.’ I answer wondering what has triggered this sudden train of thought and where has she heard about rods? We sit looking over the allotment, me thinking about what I need to do next and Lottie just looking eagle-eyed over the allotment.

‘What’s a pole?’ Lottie suddenly perks up and asks.

‘It’s a measure of land used by allotments. It’s the same as a rod or a perch.’ I respond.

‘Um, I don’t understand is it a rod, pole or perch.’  she asks.

‘Well …’ I find myself confused and grappling for a specific and measured answer. I quickly change the subject to Lottie’s favourite one – squirrels. A subject that can take hours with Lottie.

As allotments we often refer to and allocate ‘full’ and ‘half’ plots based on what is an old Anglo-Saxon land measure. 10 rods, poles and perches, or 250 square metres roughly equate to the size of a full plot. However, I can’t remember seeing anyone ever with a tape measure ensuring that their or all plots conform to the standard referred to in the statutes. Are all plots perfect and exact in their sizing? Do new starters demand proof that their plot is the right size?

Maybe some do but for the vast majority it is not about the specific size but the opportunity that matters. Size only becomes relevant when rent is due. At our allotment we break down the rent information, sink fund, water, insurance are universal charges with rent depending on the size of the plot and whether there is a concession for those on state pension. National Society fees are in addition and unlike our plot and membership fees are based on single or duo plot workers.

So what is the size of a plot?

There is the question of paths and who owns the path that separates plots, its size and whether and if this is often counted within the plot? Some have tried to annex the path but our eagle-eyed Site Manager soon puts them straight.

There is the question of how much of the plot must, or is expected to be used for cultivation? Some allotments may have it clearly stated in their tenancy agreements whilst others expect a standard. We adopted at least 80% but again we don’t go out with tape measures unless we feel it’s clearly not being met. But what is the cultivation expected? We clearly state fruit and vegetables but accept flowers to a degree. However, as many move to building raised beds more permanent plot and path layouts what do we count as cultivation? Should it even matter if the plot is clearly being cultivated?

The size of sheds may be dictated within the tenancy agreement but as I raised in an earlier article on their size, one person’s shed can be another’s palace, both in its appearance and its size. As many plot holders are collectors of stuff there is often the question of additional storage or overspill. Then we have seating areas etc. Again its down to common sense, good working practice and a consistent Site Manager.

A more pressing issue is the growing and latent demand for allotments in many in high density urban areas. Recent survey figures have identified the average waiting list being some 52 for every 100 plots with the majority having an average wait over 18 months. Today I can state that our waiting list far exceeds this and is also continuing to grow at a significant pace. This is impacted further by a reduction in the rate of churn (leavers). In some urban sites the wait can now exceed 10 years, whilst in others and more rural ones it remains months.

This demand for growing space in inner city high density areas is being driven by increase on population, an increase in high rise apartment housing with no garden space, significant decrease in open and private growing space, lack of community growing areas in new and old housing developments and an awareness and demand for fresh food, exercise and wellbeing. We clearly have demand that can’t be met, we have ratios within the statues but we are unable to satisfy this due to housing and other demands on space. It is now often impossible for Boroughs to make more space available for allotments without a radical change of direction at many levels and across many areas of their responsibility. Allotments are not viewed by many councils as essential and high priority services and many don’t join up the dots between Parks, Waste, Environment, Education, Social care and leave allotments adrift under Parks.

My thoughts are broken as a neighbour walks by and greets me as he passes to his plot. Lottie wakes from another nap to ensure she knows what is going on.

‘It’s only Mr Josephs’, I reassure Lottie who was not happy to be disturbed and had obviously been deep in squirrel chasing dreams.

She watches as my new neighbour walks down their path to the back of their plot.

 ‘Why have you got a bigger plot than him?’ asks Lottie. ‘Is it to do with those rods and poles?’

‘I have a full plot and he has a half plot,’ I respond.

‘Are plots like rods perches and poles?’

I can tell this is going to take some explaining.

‘I have been here a number of years and have a full plot of 10 poles, rods or whatever. Mr Josephs is new and starts with a plot half that size. After a year he can move to a full-size plot when one is available or he remain on a half plot.’ I explain.  

‘So, he is only going to be here a year?’  asks Lottie.

‘He has to start on half a plot so he can get used to working it and it's then up to him whether he wants to stay on a half plot or move to a full plot. It also depends on a full plot becoming available and he or the other half plot holders wanting it.’

‘I think he’ll be moving up as he likes it and he’s hard working,’ Lottie says with some level of experience having seen many come and go over the years.

Last year we as a Committee decided to move to 10% of the plots being divided into half plots. Thereafter we will decide on a plot by plot basis as they become available. The sheer size of the waiting list is forcing us to rethink plots and how we involve and manage the waiting list and this precious land we are managing within the community.

Some have suggested creating a defined area and raised bed and allocating these out as part of the starter process and to reduce the list. Others would like it to be only full-size plots. We already have a plot which under supervision is used by one of the local schools. Others wish to introduce raised beds to accommodate a mentally or physically disabled group who could benefit significantly from a community initiative but today have little opportunity to grow produce and enjoy the widely associated benefits.  

We are in dialogue with one housing association to create community growing areas in their estate using people from our waiting list to kick start the initiative. It’s about joining up dots.

As if reading my mind Lottie says, ‘as long as I have my bench and you have your plot I don’t care about its size and those rods and poles, I am happy.’

‘I agree, size doesn’t matter’ I replied still wondering who had told her about those rods.

For Peat's Sake Part 3: Can We Make a Difference Today?

Having looked at the ecological and environment impact of peat excavation for horticulture and how peat being used today in gardens and allotments and the alternatives, we must ask what we can do to effect change?

Today we extract some 700,000 tonnes or 22cm of peat a year which is only being renewed at the rate of 1mm a year. This is not a sustainable model which impacts on Climate Change by removing a vital natural resource.

Some will always be driven by convenience, price and quality. Others who wish to radically reduce our current wholesale excavation of peat reserves and deal with Climate Change issues will view peat as the issue to be addressed. The true cost is not the price paid at the till, but the cost paid by the depletion of a valuable natural reserve and the supply chains that support its transportation.

Some may feel that the problem is solved and change has happened but You only need to look around the allotments, stores and ask others to realise it is still an issue today.

How can we move more effectively and quicker towards a peat free environment?

I have taken a radical look at some of the opportunities.

Central Government and its associated regulatory bodies:

Regulation is unlikely to be introduced today and the favoured route on many such matters appears to be self-regulation against somewhat arbitrary future targets. This has not worked to date and is hard to see working moving forward. The commercial lobby is far stronger than the consumer one today.

Taxation, tariffs and financial incentives. These work two ways in that you can give financial incentives to commercial bodies to quit or you tax them, or the system that supports them to force change. An example of the latter would be the action taken on tobacco where the price was raised via taxation to make the consumer stop or cut down.

This could be highly effective as the price of peat-based compost is significantly cheaper than alternative peat-free offers. If a bag of peat-based compost were suddenly raised from say £5 to £20, fewer bags would be bought, and retailers would soon apply pressure on or change their suppliers.

Equally if all peat imports had a tariff applied to them which raised the cost by 20% then there would be a significant economic shift on imported peat from Ireland and the Baltic states. However, even in this post Brexit world this may be a bridge too far.

Government bodies such as DEFRA could impose tighter advertising and labelling of products where the element of peat is used. Instead of the peat and ingredient mix being on the back of the bag it could be in your face on the front with a special 100% peat free standard logo. This could be coupled with further information that had to be included on all packaging on peat and climate change. Again this would be similar to that used on tobacco products. Today many still do not state what the ingredients of the mix is.

The one thing all political parties want to project today is their ‘green’ credentials and moving words into actions is the challenge.

Local Government and associated bodies:

Some may think that Local government would be too fragmented to make a difference, but others will see that this is where many actions could be initiated and if copied by others create real momentum for change.

We should bear in mind that not only do Councils control, they also have a strong influence over our allotments, housing associations, civic gardens, parks and in addition manage waste, environment, planning and housing. Why this holistic perspective is important? Local Government can effectively make their areas peat free through their own buying, influence, and planning. What one council does may be quickly followed by others.

Again, councils are keen to project their ‘green’ credentials and are often more accessible than Westminster.

Better distribution of council recycled waste could reduce all our dependence on buying many materials such as leaf mould, bark chippings, shredded wood and shavings and much more.

They could ensure that all allotment plots within their area have a compost bin and wormery and provide food bins to transport household waste to the allotment. This coupled with an information and education programme could easily start to encourage allotments to adopt composting. They could also ban bonfires which again encourages composting. Finally, they could promote environmental awards for community, school and allotment growing initiatives focused on issues such as peat free.

Take a London Borough and make it happen, publicise it and soon other Boroughs will be following, and allotments may be the community hub to best organise this approach.

Allotments, Allotment Federations, National Society, and its Regions

The organisational structures exist today to focus on issues and co ordinate a programme of activity.

London has some 750 allotment sites and around 40,000 plots and the UK has some 300,000 plots. These may not all belong to the National Society and many just want to quietly manage their plots, but the overall size is significant. The National Society has the internal educational and influence and the community outreach potential at national, regional, and local levels.

Environmental and community awards and merits could create greater awareness and recognise individual initiatives and could have a focus on specific issues such as peat free allotments and community education.  

The National Society should also can influence and lobby central and local government, retailers, and suppliers at many levels.

Individuals

Many allotment plot holders and gardeners have already switched to peat free but many more remain wedded to convenience, cost and quality.

As individuals we still have the ability to raise FOI (Freedom of Information) requests to our local authorities and government bodies and ask what actions they are taking, how much peat are they buying directly and indirectly, what is their strategy re peat and much more. FOIs have the ability to raise politician’s awareness to issues that they may otherwise brush to one side. It also can provide facts which otherwise would remain unknown.

As individuals we can ask if its peat free every time. If its not labelled and doesn’t state what the mix is, put it down and tell the retailer it is unclear what is in the bag.

Letters to press and media also act to remind them that an issue is real and one good press article can open many doors.

Social media is everyone’s channel and the more noise created the more people become aware and the better the opportunity to galvanise support. Retailers and suppliers soon sit up if they feel the wind of change is upon them.

We can’t all assume we know all the facts or that we have the answers but we can share what we know, raise awareness and maybe initiate actions that stop the exploitation of one of our most valuable natural resources – Peatlands.

For Peat’s Sake: Part 1

For Peat’s Sake: Part 2

For Peat's Sake Part 2: So Why Peat and What are the Alternatives?

So why do gardeners still buy peat-based products? Peat is an extremely versatile material since it first became fully commercially available a few decades ago. It is used in potting and sowing composts, to reclaim and improve soil, as a moisture-retaining soil mulch as it retains both air and water, is good in containers and can be used for storing vegetables. It is available all year round, free of weed seeds, heavy metals, or other toxins and, is ready-to-go with no need to compost, consistent in quality and ignoring the environmental cost - it’s cheap. Interestingly I never realised that peat-free composts tend to be heavier, so the haulage costs are higher.

There are alternatives to peat, and some may be better than or as good as peat in certain applications and some have been inconsistent in their quality in the past. However, it may be more prudent to not look for a single alternative to peat but a range of materials to fulfil the various roles played by peat.  Many gardeners are peat free today and have quietly found suitable alternatives and we need to look at these as examples we may choose to follow. Effective use of many materials such as leaves, municipal waste, sewage and animal manures are some of the more sustainable and environmental options. Alternative materials, such as bark, coir, green compost and wood waste are already being now being used and blended but not fast enough to meet the government targets.

Early in 2009, B&Q stopped selling 100 per cent peat products, and resources are going into developing the use of green waste as an alternative growing medium. Today however some  10 years on, peat is still the majority ingredient in their best-selling multi-purpose compost.

The big question is whether we can exchange the convenience of a bag at relatively little cost versus several different materials that may involve work and time and increased cost.

Let’s look at where peat is used and alternatives:

Soil Improvement – how to increase drainage and aeration in heavy soils water retention and fertilization of lighter soils.

Here there is a simple solution – recycle green and household waste and make your own compost and use it to improve soil or use well-rotted animal manures or leaf mould from the fall of leaves in autumn. Green manures also provide a healthy soil boost and can be grown over winter and dug in in early Spring to prepare the land.

There are commercial products; finely shredded composted bark, straw and sewage sludge and the ‘flavour of the month’ coir. Chemical fertilisers should be avoided as they may have an impact on the activity of those who live in the soil and mushroom compost may have high pH and contain pesticide residues.

Soil Mulches – how to retain moisture, protect the surface from heavy rains, supress weeds and make it look nice.

Again, the simplest solution is to make your own or other renewable materials such as wood chips, wood shavings, grass mowings, old straw, weathered sawdust or shavings, horse manure and bark.

Seed and potting composts – traditionally seed and potting composts were made of leaf mould and fine loam and here we must acknowledge the high usage of peat in commercial growing. There are many seed and potting mixes with the former requiring a finer, less rich mixture than that for potting. But will individuals accept the inconvenience of mixing and matching to the needs of different types of plant or opt for the multi-purpose compost in the bag? Peat free compost are courser and so not always good for seed sowing, especially of small seeds.

Today Coir mixes are becoming popular and more available and other materials such as rockwool, perlite and vermiculite can replace peat but have a different set of environmental issues.

Planting Mixtures – replacing peat in planting out trees and shrubs with a combination of soil improving and mulch materials will provide the same benefits. Again it’s about make your own.

Storing Vegetables – there are many alternative ways to store root vegetables. Fine sand and fine grade shredded bark are options.

The most popular alternative to peat today is coconut coir, which is just a waste-product from coconut processing. It can be used as hanging basket liners, a potting medium, mulch cover or as a soil conditioner and it is claimed that it is superior to peat moss as it retains more water. Coconut coir bricks once soaked in water will expand up to 10 times their original size. Seed pots made from coconut coir are also now available.

Those who have read my DNA article about my granddad may be interested to know he never bought a bag of compost in his life and passionately believed in making your own. His shed was full of bags of various sizes of all sorts he mixed into make his potting and seed mixes. He would drive out of town to collect his horse manure. He was always attending to his and my mum’s compost boxes. I remember him laughing out loud when he discovered a family of field mice in his heap and saying that they were a bonus but had to go as grandma wouldn’t understand.

Next we shall look at the options that could exist to make a difference and make peat free a reality in the consumer market and apply pressure on the commercial market too.

For Peat's Sake: Part 1

A few weeks ago the social media was full of pleas, ‘Where can I get some compost?’ ‘Where can I get grow bags?’ ‘How can I sow seeds and pot on without compost?’

Some may deny there was a panic, but compost season was upon us, social media was alive with requests and we could not get hold of it easily. Soon the peat was piled high outside every B&Q, DIY store and lots of supermarkets where bags of multi purpose compost and grow bags did not wait long to be bought and, unlike toilet rolls, was taken to gardens, potting sheds, greenhouses and allotments.

How many of these large and voluminous sacks were peat free? Did we look and check the percentage of content that was peat? How many paid those extra pounds to get peat free? How many bought a variety of alternatives instead of one single peat laden sack? The majority of what was sold in every bag was peat. There may have been a few words about ‘moving towards peat free’ and ‘reduction of peat content’ but ‘peat bags with some other stuff’ was what was bought. Some 65 per cent of those purple coloured B&Q multi-purpose compost bags was pure peat.

So just how much peat are we using in on our gardens, horticultural industry and farming? Each year we buy some 2 million cubic metres of peat to grow flowers and vegetables. It makes up around 50 per cent of the growing material used by the commercial horticulture trade. 66 per cent of the total peat consumed in the UK is in growing media such as multi-purpose compost and grow bags. Despite all the noise about ‘peat free’ we are still using approximately the same amount of peat in our growing media as we did in the late 1990s.

Some would say that peat is a renewable source as it is based on decaying bog plant materials. Well that is true, but you will have to wait a long time to replace the peat we use today. It takes thousands of years to develop peatlands which can be up to 10 metres deep, but they only grow at a rate of 1mm a year. So unsurprisingly we continue to steal peat faster than it can be replaced, and commercial extractors can remove up to 22cm of peat per year.

Some 700,000 tonnes of peat a year is still produced in the UK and although this figure is declining, the demand is now being met with 56 per cent coming from Ireland and 6 per cent from the Baltic states. In 2018, Irish companies exported nearly half a billion euros worth of horticultural peat. much of it to the UK. Last January, the UK’s Committee on Climate Change recommended banning peat extraction for all uses in the UK. ‘There would need to be an accompanying ban on the sales of peat, given that two-thirds are imported, mainly from Ireland’, the Committee added. 

The UK has lost some 94% of its lowland peatlands and what is left, in a handful of location covers a mere 6,000 hectares (the equivalent to 6,000 sports pitches). Private use of peat in gardens and allotments releases a million tonnes of Co2 every year. Removing it from composts and grow bags has been estimated as being the same as taking about 350,000 cars off the road. In 2008, 6.1 million tonnes of peat was consumed globally for horticulture and 16.1 million tonnes for fuel use. Although fuel usage is not what we are covering today, peat when it is burned, like burning coal, again releases a significant amount of carbon content as carbon dioxide.

Successive UK governments have not taken any regulatory action to force the phasing out or banning of use of peat compost in our gardens and allotments or within the horticultural and farming industry. Targets have been set and voluntary regulation been sought and as yet we have failed to deliver.

So we can safely say that peat, like many other natural resources, is being abused because it’s cheap and functional? Have commercial reasons caused us to fail to regulate its use, or is it because we are not being educated to know better and say, 'No'?

Tomorrow I will look at why peat has become so popular since it became commercially available just a few decades ago, the alternatives. I will then look importantly at the options we can take to bring about ecological change.

Pigeons Eyeing up a Dawn Raid on My Cherries

‘I see they have sent the reconnaissance team out on a recce,’ Lottie says pointing her paw towards a big fat pigeon sitting on my allotment neighbour’s fruit frame.

‘That pigeon will soon get frustrated here,’ I reply looking at the pigeon. He is in his airman outfit, goggled-up and wearing his black leather flying jacket. His chest is covered in his medals which were probably awarded for successful dawn raids on the allotment plots and their produce.

‘You know pigeons are just flying rats?’ declared Lottie looking at me then back to the pigeon. ‘I believe they are distant relatives to Sidney squirrel and his mates.’

‘You may have a point there, but you never catch one of them,’ I replied.

‘He’ll be waiting for reinforcements,’ Lottie says as she adopts her ‘downward dog’ yoga pose. She is obviously now somewhat bored. Whippets have a short attention span and unless it involves food or a game, they soon nod off for a nap.

‘I know he's eyeing up my cherries on the tree and is just pretending to be resting. I bet he’s waiting for his mate so they can sit there chatting like Cissy and Ada,’ I offered whilst my eyes try in vain to out-stare the pigeon.

‘Ada, Cissy?’ questions Lottie.

‘You know Cissy and Ada, or should I say Les Dawson and Roy Barraclough.’

‘Who?’

‘Sorry, I forgot they were before your time and anyway you don’t watch TV, do you?’

Lottie does not respond but suddenly jumps up and lets out a single warning bark. Her attention is clearly focused on the tree. The pigeon doesn’t flinch and his attention is also clearly now on the cherry tree.

I look all around the tree and in the direction of Lottie’s pointed snout. But I cannot see Freddie Fox or the moggy from the farm and wonder what has upset her enough to fire off one of her rare barks. ‘What’s up?’

‘Didn’t you see that little bird fly into the tree have a peck at a cherry and then leave it and fly out?’ Lottie asks.

I look hard but see nothing.

I had given the cherry tree a hard pollard over winter and I did not expect any fruit this year. However, the hard pollard had resulted in a dense leaf growth and the tree is now is laden with an abundance of fruit under each dense canopy. I secretly had hoped that the thick leaf cover would fool the birds, and hide the fruit to all but low flying birds. I expected it to make it too tricky for the birds to fly into and out of unless they were ace pilots and masters of all the necessary flying skills.  

As if on queue, pigeon Ada now joins pigeon Cissy and their eyes dart over the cherry tree. Their wings are crossed, and they appear to be nodding in deep and meaningful conversation.

I bet they are secretly taking photos to take back to the squadron,’ tuts Lottie.

I can visualize the pigeon squadron pouring over aerial maps and photos and planning their flight paths and flying formation to attack my cherry tree. I had resisted the temptation to earlier net the tree and putting a net under it would just encourage them to come to dinner.

‘Why don’t you build a scare crow it might frighten them away?’ offers Lottie picking up on my thoughts.

Just then a little tit flew in and seconds later flew out, having pecked at yet another cherry.

‘A scarecrow would not have stopped that little one would it?' I offered. 'Why can’t they just take one instead of just pecking holes in loads of cherries and spoiling them for all.’ 

Lottie who is now lying under the allotment bench and is clearly bored. I can see her eyes starting to close and she is ready for another nap.

The pigeons take off, they circle around the tree and drop a couple of white markers over the tree.

'I bet when I come back tomorrow the tree will be stripped and there will be a squadron of pigeons sitting on the fence dripping with cherry juice and pinning more medals on each other.' I find myself talking to myself.

I don’t know about Lottie but I will not get a wink of sleep tonight. I will be thinking about the envisaged Pigeon dawn raid on my tree. Should I have made a scare crow, or got out my ladder and bagged all the fruit before others stake their claim? Mind you, a scarecrow would soon be either ignored, or dive bombed by these pesky monsters and I also don’t have any ladders at the allotment.

Later that night I finally go to off to sleep counting pigeons taking cherries.

Are We Now Growing More Exotic and Diverse Produce?

Today we are far more aware and familiar with world cuisine and tastes. We have travelled and experienced different foods and now through our allotments we are broadening our growing palette. 

The seed catalogues now contain some interesting vegetables often squeezed in between the pages of the more traditional ones. It is not just a case of being able to grow these new vegetables but knowing when and how to harvest them and use them.

Our allotment site is a mix of diverse ethnic groups with many ways of growing and types of produce grown. The traditional vegetables many have taken for granted are now competing with many ‘new’ ones and some we now see being adopted and grown by others. The melting pot of plot holders is extending to the harvest and cooking pot. We also now eat a far more diverse range of food than our parents and this again is driving our interest in different vegetables and fruit.

I recently read an article published in the late 80s on Oriental Brassicas and some I am familiar with but others I see growing in abundance on many of our plots, but I have yet to take on. This also applies to other vegetables from other areas of the world. Our seed and plant swaps help us all experiment with these but it’s not just about growing them. In some cases, it’s understanding how to prepare them for the plate.

We may be familiar with Chinese Cabbage, both the headed and loose headed varieties, and also with Pak Choi, but would we grow Komatsuna, Mizuna and Mibuna Greens, and know what to do with mustards such as Gai Choy or Amsoi?

Many of us love and cook stir fries but are the ones we are used to different from the traditional ones both in taste and ingredients? Oriental soups also can be very different, and how many of us have a Chinese hot salad?

When I was growing up in the 50s my mother used to cook us curries once a week. She had lived in India and was familiar with the tastes and ingredients which then weren’t in supermarkets or prepared in sauces, so she had to go to the Indian stalls in the city markets to bring back her ingredients. My friends used to want to come to tea on curry night and into the 60s her nephew, who later went on to be a chef used to travel up to us on regular basis to eat her curries.

There are ‘cut and come again seedlings’ which are cut when the seedlings are 5 to 10 cm high and are full of taste and nutrition and grown in wide beds. There are ‘cut and come again mature crops’ such as Chinese Cabbage and Pak Choi where if cut just above ground level at the right time will continue to produce. There are over winter crops that burst into life as soon as Spring arrives and where the outer leaves can be harvested, and the main plant continues giving. Then there are the sprouting seeds such as mustard and cress most schoolchildren are familiar with growing.

Below is a table which shows some of the many plants and their characteristics:

	Frost tolerance	Cut and come again	Sowing	Average days to maturity	Main Harvest season
Chinese Cabbage (Headed)	1	Yes	Summer, Autumn	65	Jul - Nov
Chinese Cabbage (Loose)	2	Yes	Spring, Summer, Autumn	55	Jun – Jan
Pak Choi	1	Yes	Spring, Summer, Autumn	45	Mar - Dec
Chinese Broccoli	1	No	Spring, Summer, Autumn	65	Jun - Dec
Komatsuna	2	Yes	Spring, Summer, Autumn	55	All Year
Mizuna Greens	2	Yes	Spring, Summer, Autumn	70	All Year
Mibuna Greens	1	Yes	Summer, Autumn	70	Sep - Mar
Mustards	2	Yes	Summer, Autumn	40-100	Aug - Mar

Notes:

1. will stand about 4 deg. of frost

2. will stand about 10 deg. of frost

We must remember that many of the vegetables we take for granted in our plots today were not native to Britain but brought back by the early explorers and adopted by us. I always remember the comedian Bob Newhart’s sketch about Walter Raleigh introducing tobacco and coffee to the English court. Again, it is not just about growing changing tasting and being able to use new produce.

If all we ever eat is ‘meat and two veg’, all we will grow is the old staple vegetables.

Allotment Water on Tap, or Maybe Not

As dry May ends the sun has transformed the allotment and turned a blank canvas into a busy plot full of fresh early fruit and salad. The plots are busy first and last thing each day with folk going back and forth to the water troughs and giving their crops that vital element – water.

‘Can I have a drink please?’ Lottie asks, ignoring the bench top and squeezing down under the shelter it provides.

‘Just a minute, I have the get the pot, ‘ I reply. The pots are kept in my shed and are old big Yogurt pots which once cleaned out by Lottie and washed are brought across to act as containers for some of the precious food as it makes its journey home and to the plate. I must thank the likes of Lidl in introducing us to those huge yogurt pots with proper lids. They truly have many uses around the plot and Lottie’s water bowl is but one.

I hold the ballcock down and fill the tub with fresh water which I present to Lottie and she laps up with great gusto. How dogs can lick up liquid remains a mystery to me, but they do.

For the next hour I water mine and my neighbour’s plot. She is in isolation, so I have two plots and lots to water. I soon will be competing with Popeye for arm muscles! I then collect our dinner salad and fruit.

‘Before we go can you top up my pot?’ asks Lottie with those pleading whippet eyes that no one can ignore.

‘Ok but you have loads of water still there in the pot,’ I reply.

‘That’s not fresh,’ she answers with a look as if I had offered her bad meat.

Lottie likes to see that water is fresh and always stands with a fixed stare when you fill any of her bowls. She wants to ensure she is getting ‘fresh’. She doesn’t care when its milk, but water has to be fresh.

I press the ballcock down in the trough, but nothing happens. There is no water. I look puzzled and move to the next trough which is the same. I then walk down to the trough in the other direction. The same.

‘What does a dog have to do to get a drink around here?’ I hear from a pair of eyes fixed on me from under the bench.

I do not respond but slowly walk along all the troughs in the direction of the water source and none are giving the slightest droplet. Finally, on the bottom plots I see and hear the issue. The water has already been taken and is being drawn upon as fast as it is filling. Most of the plot holders are queuing up with two cans to take water, and those who are not queuing are busy watering their plots.

So it may be nice to be up the hill but maybe not so nice when water is in high demand.

I trudge back to Lottie and try my best to explain. ‘The tanks are empty and busy filling up and with the water pressure it isn’t making it up here.’

‘Water is on demand - you just have to turn the tap. You must think I am an idiot,’ declares Lottie with a look of disbelief and frustration. ‘I am not drinking stale water and I am going tell Annie when we get home you didn’t give me my water.’

I realise it is time to go as this debate is going nowhere. I wave to the other plot holders and say goodbye and as I walk to the gate, I start to think how to avoid a repeat tomorrow. I could get here earlier but that does not guarantee success. I could get here later but the same applies. Is there a way I can siphon off the main pipe and get water to the trough before others? I soon realise this is a wasted thought and resign myself to having to accept the tank will be full when I arrive and may not refill itself while I am there.

Water is vital. Many of us have butts some even fancy water irrigation systems, but when it does not rain these soon all run dry. Some allotments do not even have water and we have a friend how has to fill big bottles and take them by car to the plot each trip.

Having arrived home and fed Lottie and given her some ‘fresh’ water, dinner soon awaits on the balcony in the glorious evening sunshine. Fresh green and red salad, rocket, spring onions, baby beetroot leaves, cucumber,  the first basil mixed with herbs from the balcony pots all accompanied by chicken and bread and followed by fresh rhubarb, yogurt topped with our first raspberries. Tomorrow we should have more strawberries and the first of our cherries.

You realise that the sunshine, heat and recent good weather has delivered a bounty of fresh produce with more to come. Watering the allotment may be testing and frustrating for Lottie, but there are many fresh rewards.