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  • #1

    Would I sound unreasonable ...

    After discovering that my new plot was sprayed with glyphosate to clear it, I was not the happiest bunny. Our council regularly sprays new plots to clear them for new allotment holders.

    Now yesterday I witnessed one plot holder spraying his plot around the perimeter after he mowed the grass. Ok I am not 100% sure what he was spraying as I did not ask however I assumed it is a weedkiller. Also a large number of plots are sprayed on their pathes and outside to clear the grass.

    In my view I think this is inappropriate use of weedkiller. There are other means for that. I do understand people's desire to for their plots to look pretty but it is an allotment not a chealsea flower show contest. Plus it the place where we have a chance to grow clean produce.

    Also I want my little ones to come with me to the allotment often to enjoy fresh air and not inhale the weedkiller on a regular basis. Or eat crops with residu on them.

    Would I sound unreasonable to speak to council to stop their weedkiller practice, and maybe request other allotment holders to minimise use of spraying weed killers unless its really necessary? Any advice on a diplomatic approach to open conversation about it with local authority and neighbours on the plot very much welcome, as I am not very diplomatic person more straightforward instead.
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  • #2
    Why don't you ask the council and the allotment committee what their policy is on the use of weedkiller. Once you know that, you can either speak against it or seek to have the policy enforced.

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    • #3
      While I totally agree with you - your new on the site and if you want to make friends and be accepted - Keep your mouth shut.
      By all means talk to the council and find out their position on weedkiller.
      After you been on the site a few months you can raise the subject politely with people you see spraying.
      Being the proverbial bull in a china shop will just annoy the other plot holders, some of them will have been around for years, and don't we all think the way WE do things is best????
      Their not doing anything illegal, polite and diplomatic reasoning will win the day for you, but it will take time. Your new and people will give you courtesy, but you have to earn their respect with your actions, show them the right and proper and sustainable way - then they will listen to what you have to say.
      But while most will listen, some will continue to spray but in the early hours while your still in bed.
      Making people aware of your views is perfectly acceptable, but politely, you don't want to appear to be the site bully. Yes the way some people cultivate makes me want to scream but I just walk away.
      Out of 37 plot holder on our site there is only one person who doesn't like me - but nobody likes him - 12 years and only one altercation - so I think I got it about right.
      "...Very dark, is the other side, very dark."

      "Shut up, Yoda. Just eat your toast."

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      • #4
        The only thing you can do is to stand proud of not using weedkiller. 'I prefer to do actual weeding and mulch rather than spray every plant not in the right place with something that will kill all plants outright'.

        The only way to do it is to just do it your way.

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        • #5
          Yes you would sound unreasonable, especially as a newcomer, as the others have said.
          I know on here many people don't like glyphosate and suchlike, but I still think that what others do on their own plots is up to them - for now.
          Things will change over time, no doubt - but for now, you just have to do what you believe is right for your own patch, concentrate on that
          Keep your children on your own plot, and there shouldn't be a problem.

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          • #6
            Are you on a probationary period?
            Whilst they can't throw you off for asking questions some old school people think weedkiller is a wonderful allotment tool.

            Do you have a full set of rules?

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            • #7
              It is hard because other people have been there for ages and you are new. But I would be looking at the rules on spraying. I am obliged to spray some of my weeds on my farm. But the weather comes into it. If they are spraying during windy weather then it is an OH&S risk. I don't have to notify my neighbours when I'm spraying, but they are far enough away for that. On an alotment I'm wondering what the reg's would be. We are supposed to wear at least: A mask, gloves, long sleeved and long pant's clothing. And the preference now is for an 'all in one' disposable suit as well.
              Now I'm not suggesting that you ask for that - but I would look at the bottle's in the garden shop and see what they say, and then ask the council what their take on the OH&S is.
              Asking rather than telling people is a much more productive way of handling things.

              Eventually tho, it will come down to what are you after? Is there any 'organic' style allottments? It sounds to me like there is some need for them. I'm not against people doing what they like, as long as it doesn't impact on me and my growing. I'm lucky tho, I don't have to share my growing space.
              Ali

              My blog: feral007.com/countrylife/

              Some days it's hardly worth chewing through the restraints!

              One bit of old folklore wisdom says to plant tomatoes when the soil is warm enough to sit on with bare buttocks. In surburban areas, use the back of your wrist. Jackie French

              Member of the Eastern Branch of the Darn Under Nutter's Club

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              • #8
                If this is such an important issue for you, and there's no reason why it shouldn't be, might it have been better to establish allotment rules before accepting a plot. Our site does allow weedkillers, perhaps there are some which don't which might suit you better. Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
                I hope you manage to find a way forward to enjoy your plot.

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Pineberry View Post
                  After discovering that my new plot was sprayed with glyphosate to clear it, I was not the happiest bunny. Our council regularly sprays new plots to clear them for new allotment holders.
                  Did you check out the allotments and see what went on there before you were allocated yours? You maybe should have taken spraying into consideration before accepting the plot, if you are not happy about other people using weedkiller near you.
                  Location - Leicestershire - Chisit-land
                  Endless wonder.

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                  • #10
                    IIRC this is your second half plot at the same location,has the use of weedkiller only just started ?
                    He who smiles in the face of adversity,has already decided who to blame

                    Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

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                    • #11
                      Thank you everyone for thier replyies.
                      When I had a look at the allotments it was autumn time, no sign of weedkillers at the time. And to be honest I have not even thought of them. On our London plot no one used weedkillers, so it really never crossed my mind. My parents grew things before and I had spent holidays in the agricultural area too, where no weedkillers were used. Just old fashioned digging. It's not as if I was unaware of their existence but just have not come across where they would be applied.

                      Now after reading the forum I came across info about out some fluids and their effects. Started to pay attention a bit more to what others are doing and just got a bit concerned.
                      As a coincidence I met one of the allotment neighbours who expressed his displeasure about use of weedkillers by some people. I did not say anything only reassured him that I will not use any.
                      The policy for the use of the allotments does not mention anything regarding use of chemicals. So its free for all.

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