Following on from the very hot, very dry weather, there is now a temporary hosepipe ban in place for our region.

It is important that everyone remembers that all that the water tanks are shared by everybody; no-one has any kind of right to the one nearest their plot. Inevitably, some tanks will run low with so many of us using them. Please be sensible and mindful of others needs. It is quite likely that as this heatwave goes on, Anglia Water will reduce the water pressure which will make the situation even more difficult.

RULES OF THE ALLOTMENT

• Extracting water from water butts using a pump and hose is forbidden and may result in eviction
• Ensure that the water butt lids are closed after use – this prevents evaporation and algae growth
• Report any leaks or damage to water butts immediately to westonfavellallotments@gmail.com
• No one has the right to the water butt nearest their plot – please be mindful of the needs of other plot holders

There are a number of things that can be helpful during this extend hot dry period:

• When to Water: Watering early morning is the best time to water.  Before 7:00am cuts evaporation by 40-60% versus watering at midday.  This  allows the plants to cope with the heat of the day and limits evaporation. The second-best option is late evening.  Always avoid midday watering, as the water will evaporate before it reaches the roots.
• Where to Water:  Direct water to the soil above the root zone, not on the leaves. Wet foliage in the sun can cause leaf scorch, and damp leaves overnight can encourage fungal diseases/blight.
• What to water:  Established plants and deep-rooted vegetables can survive hot spells much better than seedlings or container-grown crops. Prioritize watering your greenhouse crops (like tomatoes) and young seedlings daily if needed.   
• Ensure resilient plants:  By letting come types of plants such as Carrots, parsnips, and beetroot to go a few days without water you encourage deeper root growth, which makes them more drought-tolerant.
• How Often:  By giving your plants a thorough drenching every 2 to 3 days they are encouraged to push their roots deeper into the soil in search of moisture, making them much more resilient to drought.
• Shade where possible: You can use debris netting over pipe hoops to provide shade, or screen greenhouse with white fleece.  This is quite important for more delicate plants such as salad crops or greenhouse plants.
• Mulching: After thoroughly soaking your beds, apply a layer of mulch—such as compost, straw, or well-rotted manure—about 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) thick. This acts as insulation, dramatically reducing moisture evaporation from the soil by about as much as 70% in some instances.
• Use Rainwater and Grey water: Every allotment should be collecting in rainwater butts.