contributing to a book about allotments

Last post 11-04-2012 4:44 PM by chriss. 6 replies.

• 22/03/2012 08:06 AM

  KizziN Location: Joined on: 22 Mar 2012 Posts: 1

  Reply | Contact Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 I’m part of a team working on a book called ‘101 Problems Managing and Growing On Your Allotment And How To Solve Them’ and I was wondering whether anyone on this forum would like to contribute. Ideally, I’m looking for practical advice on how to overcome problems associated with looking after, managing  and growing on an allotment. Topics can include what to plant,  how to plant, when to plant,  understanding the legal side of owning an allotment,  getting on with other allotment owners, local authority red tape etc. The list goes on and I hope someone on this forum can add to it. If anyone can add to this list and is prepared to write a single (1,000 word or more) article, I’d love to hear from you. Your contribution can be used without revealing names and places etc as long as the problem and its solution are clear. The book is supported by advertising so, as well as being credited as a contributor, we will be able to offer you a half page ad as a way of saying thanks. The book will be sold worldwide through Amazon, iTunes and the book publishers website and it will be promoted by a PR agency. If you would like to contribute to the book please message me.  My email is:  editorial@thesussexnewspaper.com

• 25/03/2012 08:58 PM

  In reply to

  NRB Location: Cambridgeshire Joined on: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 86

  Reply | Contact Evaluate the soil and local micro-climate which you have to work with; ask local growers what does well, or have a look around the local area for yourself, with a Sunday afternoon stroll, to note the kind of plants growing locally (and paying attention to what is notably absent) and then looking-up the preferences of the plants which have been noted to be abundant or absent. Too wet? Too dry? Too hot/sunny? Too cool/shady? Soil too shallow? Soil too acid? Too alkaline? Deficient in a certain nutrient? Risk of "replant" disease? These problems can be worked around by careful choice of varieties (or by chosing relatively more-tolerant varieties of plants which don't really like the conditions but cope better than most of their type), or by amending the soil, or using raised beds for plants which do not do well in the "native" soil. The best way I've yet found to combat difficult conditions without significant amendment is to go for greater vigour; avoid anything "dwarf" in difficult conditions.

• 27/03/2012 07:52 AM

  In reply to

  chriss Location: iwuk Joined on: 06 May 2009 Posts: 119

  Reply | Contact  If this book is being sold for profit and you expect contributors to write1000 words with no recognition and no payment, then you have got a cheek. I guess that you are being paid for your work! If you want to know more about allotments and their holders, why don't you get one and put in the graft,then you will know what it entails. Too many people making money off the backs of others nowadays.

• 27/03/2012 01:43 PM

  In reply to

  NRB Location: Cambridgeshire Joined on: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 86

  Reply | Contact chriss I'd much rather take advice from a real-world grower than a book. Far too many books appear to be written by "armchair" or "keyboard" growers, who live in an ideal world and who don't appreciate how the real world works, down on the plot, with variable climate and soil - and an army of pests and diseases to fight. Often the books draw advice from a handful of respected people, but the author doesn't fully grasp the concepts behind what the advisory experts said. I've spent quite a few fruit and veg growing years experimenting and attempting to perfect the art of no-spray growing. One day, I might have a go at writing a book about it.

• 28/03/2012 04:35 PM	In reply to
  Tim Alderman Location: SE London NW Kent Joined on: 07 Dec 2009 Posts: 159	Reply | Contact Chris. You are dead right. I helped a blind man to cross the road the other day and he got real uppity when I asked for a fiver for my trouble. I mean, some people Take  Take Take.

• 28/03/2012 06:05 PM	In reply to
  sue1002 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk Joined on: 06 Sep 2005 Posts: 9,505	Reply | Contact   sue1002

• 11/04/2012 04:44 PM

  In reply to

  chriss Location: iwuk Joined on: 06 May 2009 Posts: 119

  Reply | Contact  Yes I agree. You can't beat the experience of hands on gardening. I used to have an allotment, but now grow all the fruit and veg in the garden at home. Years of experience working on all types of soil, but you never stop learning. I've tried and tested several methods, but now favour the raised bed system. Cuts down a lot of weeding and helps to keep the pests at bay. They crop well too. My chickens supply all the manure which I compost. I still use the three year rotation system old fashioned it may be but it works well.