It would appear that Thames Water is gong to impose a hosepipe ban in the next few weeks, when they do this will obviously effect us on the allotments, those of us who are lucky enough to have water standpipes.
Once the ban is in place the same rules will likely apply ie you could be fined ( I think it’s up to £1000!) of course that won’t happen as I’m sure no one will be as selfish and antisocial as to flout the ban, I’m assuming that the water will stay on so watering cans will still be allowed.
Personally, as I don’t get to my allotment every day I’m going to be thinking about what I plant in future – I’ve already given up spinach as it always bolts I’m also going to get more more gutters for my shed even though it is under trees.
On other environmental news I have been contacted by someone who is selling liquid fertiliser as a refill, you bring your own container and get it refilled, no plastic waste – sounds great watch this space it may be available to CHAS members in the near future.
With regard to peat composts:
Sainsbury’s Homebase ” all our own brand composts are peat free from this year and we are working with the brand partners to move to peat free by 2023″
B&Q: “We will be peat free in all bagged compost in 2023, we are already peat free in own brand compost in Great Britain”
Little Dobies: I couldn’t find any peat based compost in the shop on Chiswick High road.
Hillier @ Syon House: Rather slower to go peat free, but 44% of compost sold is peat free and and by volume it’s 68% peat free.
Of course there are some people who only look at the environment as there patch of garden and don’t believe there is an issue with peat extrication, but they are wrong – there is a lot of green washing going on. Peatlands are the largest land store of carbon, much more than the Amazon rainforest. They also continue to absorb carbon and help prevent flooding with Sphagnum mosses, which are key to creating peat bogs, holding up to 20 times their weight in water. When peat is extracted and added to our garden it breaks down very quickly releasing that ancient carbon into the atmosphere contributing to climate change in a similar way to burning fossil fuels or cutting down rainforests.
Christina is correct in her views that Thames Water will soon be implementing a hosepipe ban. I have been advised by the Council, that for the moment, on our allotments, the water will remain on, but there will be a prohibition on using hosepipes. The penalties for ignoring the prohibition have not been finalised by the Council yet, but there will be enforcement by them, and of course any member of the public who sees a hosepipe being used will report the matter to the Council. So please be sensible and fill up any butts or other containers you my have, to use as dipping tanks and only use your watering cans. Water your plants selectively and conserve as much water as you can. Unfortunately there will not be any exceptions for age and infinity and you may have to rely on the goodwill of your neighbours to help out. As and when a hosepipe ban is introduced the Council will announce the penalties for any offenders.