Just when you think you have got the plot tidy, the weeds nearby start to seed

One of the on-going problems with allotments is that of neglected plots.

 In the past this was caused mostly by no takers on vacant plots. Now though, there are waiting lists for most allotment sites.

 However now the 'weedy wonders' are caused by a different problem. Just how do the weeds take over an under worked plot so quickly?  Allotments left for a couple of months soon become mainly weeds. The trouble is that even with the best intentions an allotment holder can have times when they cannot keep up the maintenance of the patch.

Another cause is that if someone intends to give up their allotment the time between their decision and the allocation of the plot to someone new can take months. This is because traditionally in some areas there are certain months of the year for starting the tenancy.

The problem of next door becoming overgrown and weed seeds blowing onto a tidy plot can affect some long established and very well kept plots. As they say 'one year's weed seven years seed'. Just when you are thinking you have 'almost cracked it' along comes nature with another plan.