Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK
generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
R writes
Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? I think that's a great idea. Presumably you'd charge people for use? Have you checked on allotment rents? - they're not very high - you might find that people would not be willing to pay a rent that was economic for you. Bear in mind that even if you decided not to heat the greenhouse, you'd still need to maintain it, so your costs would be higher than if you were the owner of a conventional allotment site. You will need to provide a water supply. What would you do about staging? You could leave that to the plot-holders. Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch I don't see the need for that, and it would cut down light especially for the inside plots. You'll need to leave reasonably generous paths between the plots. with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). I'd expect most people would be more interested in growing for themselves. Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Only if people were saving seed for next year, and not much more than on an allotment. There would be a problem with pests - they can multiply and spread quickly under glass. There are decisions to be made about management. For example, are pests to be managed using biological controls - a very attractive option nowadays since so many of greenhouse pests are now resistant to the pesticides available to the home gardener? Or are you using pesticides? - you can't mix the two, because the pesticide will kill the biological controls as well as the pest. What temperature will you try to maintain in the greenhouse - eg what level of shading in the summer? How much ventilation? -- Kay |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
"R" wrote ... Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. Excellent idea, I'd love a plot for the chillies etc, but there are a few issues I foresee.. Everyone will have to walk through each others plots to get to theirs. Will everyone use the same amount of chemicals to control pests at the same time? (It would have to be all organic or all not) Will everyone keep their plots to the same level of cleanliness? There will need to be a strong Management Committee with strong rules! -- Regards Bob Hobden just W. of London |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
"R" wrote in message ... Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. Planning Permission for 'Change of use'? Parking? Plot holder's Insurance when they damage a pane of glass for example? Security of plot holder's tools? Or would you allow each plot to have a lock up shed? ;-( -- Mike The Royal Naval Electrical Branch Association www.rneba.org.uk Luxury Self Catering on the Isle of Wight? www.shanklinmanormews.co.uk |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
R wrote:
Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. Problems could be: Ventilation, disease control, heating, drainage, artificial lighting (spill over), shading. watering. You might require a central corridor to access individual areas, and probably a comittee to decide on agreed common practices. Don |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
On Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:56:44 -0000, "Bob Hobden"
wrote: "R" wrote ... Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. Excellent idea, I'd love a plot for the chillies etc, but there are a few issues I foresee.. Everyone will have to walk through each others plots to get to theirs. Will everyone use the same amount of chemicals to control pests at the same time? (It would have to be all organic or all not) Will everyone keep their plots to the same level of cleanliness? There will need to be a strong Management Committee with strong rules! Sounds a good idea. It would be best organised by an exxisting allotments committe so that everyone already knows each other. |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
"Janet Baraclough" wrote in message ... Having said all that; the most covetable garden features I have ever encountered, was an enormous second hand commercial greenhouse which somebody had moved to his own very large garden. It must have been 60 m long. Outside, it was pleasantly screened by planting. Inside he had a growing area for crops; exotic ornamental plants, a large indoor pond, a potting area , and a paved area with sofas, table and chairs, radio and CD player. The huge roof supplied all the watering needs. I think that the success of the project rather depends on your expectations. Do you expect a commercially viable profit or would it be run as a non - profit making community project ? I have had a brief dabble along the former principle and regretted it. There is a reasonable chance for success if you can assemble a few likeminded amateur enthusiasts. The costs and produce could be shared if you maintain the "single" house system or if using the "divisible" system, the produce would be individual division owners and costs allocated by prior agreement. Regards Pete www.thecanalshop.com |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
"R" wrote in message ... Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. bigger plots= less people = less arguments? mark |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
"mark" wrote in message o.uk... "R" wrote in message ... Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. bigger plots= less people = less arguments? mark and on Marks recommendations, two walkways of four feet width 24 feet apart down length of the greenhouse leaving 3 x beds 24 feet long across the greenhouse, divided x 10 feet wide = 60 plots -- Mike The Royal Naval Electrical Branch Association www.rneba.org.uk Luxury Self Catering on the Isle of Wight? www.shanklinmanormews.co.uk |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
"'Mike'" wrote in message ... "mark" wrote in message o.uk... "R" wrote in message ... Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. bigger plots= less people = less arguments? mark and on Marks recommendations, two walkways of four feet width 24 feet apart down length of the greenhouse leaving 3 x beds 24 feet long across the greenhouse, divided x 10 feet wide = 60 plots Still sounds like a lot of people. I doubt all would have cars and all would turn up at once, but the car parking issue would need addressing. mark |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
R wrote:
Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. Something I hadn't thought about earlier is the insurance aspect, if it's horticultural glass as opposed to toughened you might run in to problems there. Don |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
"mark" wrote in message o.uk... "'Mike'" wrote in message ... "mark" wrote in message o.uk... "R" wrote in message ... Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. bigger plots= less people = less arguments? mark and on Marks recommendations, two walkways of four feet width 24 feet apart down length of the greenhouse leaving 3 x beds 24 feet long across the greenhouse, divided x 10 feet wide = 60 plots Still sounds like a lot of people. I doubt all would have cars and all would turn up at once, but the car parking issue would need addressing. mark Car Parking was one of the first things I raised, AND change of use with Planning My gut reaction is that it is not a viable proposition. -- Mike The Royal Naval Electrical Branch Association www.rneba.org.uk Luxury Self Catering on the Isle of Wight? www.shanklinmanormews.co.uk |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
"Donwill" wrote in message ... Something I hadn't thought about earlier is the insurance aspect, if it's horticultural glass as opposed to toughened you might run in to problems there. Highly likely that it will be horticultural glass. I do not see what problems it should legitably raise though. After all - it will only be used for protecting growing stuff, not peeps driving along the motorway ! Unless some jobsworth can prove otherwise (:-( Regards Pete www.thecanalshop.com |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
On 2009-11-24 06:24:53 +0000, "R" said:
Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. Very, very basically, you would have to have people who really understood the use of large greenhouse areas. Without wishing to be pessimistic, I can foresee arguments over pest control and opening the vents or closing the vents or which crop needs how much water/humidity/heat/direct sun, etc. -- Sacha |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
On 2009-11-24 20:34:09 +0000, "Pete Stockdale"
said: "Donwill" wrote in message ... Something I hadn't thought about earlier is the insurance aspect, if it's horticultural glass as opposed to toughened you might run in to problems there. Highly likely that it will be horticultural glass. I do not see what problems it should legitably raise though. After all - it will only be used for protecting growing stuff, not peeps driving along the motorway ! Unless some jobsworth can prove otherwise (:-( Regards Pete www.thecanalshop.com On an allotment which many families use and visit, multiply the possibility of collisions with glass by potential dozens. That's a problem. -- Sacha |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
"Janet Baraclough" wrote in message ... The message from "Pete Stockdale" contains these words: "Donwill" wrote in message ... Something I hadn't thought about earlier is the insurance aspect, if it's horticultural glass as opposed to toughened you might run in to problems there. Highly likely that it will be horticultural glass. I do not see what problems it should legitably raise though I think you'll find allotments (or, the owner of the land ) require public liability insurance; and many allotment owners have children in tow. Horticultural glass is thin and breaks into narrow shards so would be a safety hazard. I do not think that we are looking at a family outing project here but more a project involving like minded horticulturalists. But we are discussing hypotheticals here. Perhaps R will come back with some clarification. I would have thought however that public liability insurance only comes in to play when the location /event involves attendance by the public- not the workers. Regards Pete www.thecanalshop.com |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
"Pete Stockdale" wrote in message I would have thought however that public liability insurance only comes in to play when the location /event involves attendance by the public- not the workers. Regards Pete www.thecanalshop.com If a plot holder brings his wife/friend/son/daughter/neighbour or other non paying plot holder in 'just to help harvest', they are then deemed to be 'Public'. -- Mike The Royal Naval Electrical Branch Association www.rneba.org.uk Luxury Self Catering on the Isle of Wight? www.shanklinmanormews.co.uk |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
"'Mike'" wrote in message ... "Pete Stockdale" wrote in message I would have thought however that public liability insurance only comes in to play when the location /event involves attendance by the public- not the workers. If a plot holder brings his wife/friend/son/daughter/neighbour or other non paying plot holder in 'just to help harvest', they are then deemed to be 'Public'. I accept that his help- harvest granny may be "Public" as well. She will just have to be left at home along with all the other hangers-on (:-). This does not render the project unviable. Regards Pete www.thecanalshop.com |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea
On 2009-11-25 19:27:18 +0000, "Pete Stockdale"
said: "Janet Baraclough" wrote in message ... The message from "Pete Stockdale" contains these words: "Donwill" wrote in message ... Something I hadn't thought about earlier is the insurance aspect, if it's horticultural glass as opposed to toughened you might run in to problems there. Highly likely that it will be horticultural glass. I do not see what problems it should legitably raise though I think you'll find allotments (or, the owner of the land ) require public liability insurance; and many allotment owners have children in tow. Horticultural glass is thin and breaks into narrow shards so would be a safety hazard. I do not think that we are looking at a family outing project here but more a project involving like minded horticulturalists. But we are discussing hypotheticals here. Perhaps R will come back with some clarification. I would have thought however that public liability insurance only comes in to play when the location /event involves attendance by the public- not the workers. Regards Pete www.thecanalshop.com You won't get only the growers on allotments over time. At some point families will visit, including young or small children. You'd probably have to be insured against some idiot vandal cutting themselves when they try to shatter all the glass with stones, or whatever. -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.com Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics. South Devon |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea ---- FOLOW UP
"R" wrote in message ... Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. Taking on board the observations and suggestions from people on this NG and investigating the rates and planning required the idea, although sound in its plan, is a non starter. Rates will add over £10 a week per person to the plot cost (Which was going to be £10 a week) plus the insco costs, adding another £12 per person it makes the total way too much to bear for most people. Thanks to all for the ideas and observations though. |
Opinions on "Indoor Allotment" Idea ---- FOLOW UP
"R" wrote in message ... "R" wrote in message ... Given that there is (reportedly) a shortage of allotments around the UK generally, and that with the overall demise of garden space urbanwise what say the group about the idea of division of a very large ex-commercial greenhouse into "units" for people to use ? Thus far my idea is divide the existing 200ft x 80ft greenhouse into 10ft square "plots", dividing if required by walls of tarpaulin or somesuch with the front of the greenhouse as a shop/sales area for produce etc (Already exists in reality). Would there be problems with cross pollination and other issues? Suggestions and constructive criticism welcome. Taking on board the observations and suggestions from people on this NG and investigating the rates and planning required the idea, although sound in its plan, is a non starter. Rates will add over £10 a week per person to the plot cost (Which was going to be £10 a week) plus the insco costs, adding another £12 per person it makes the total way too much to bear for most people. Thanks to all for the ideas and observations though. Thanks for letting us know. Glad you did ALL the homework before going toooooooooooooooo far. Best wishes for whatever you do decide to do with the greenhouse. -- Mike The Royal Naval Electrical Branch Association www.rneba.org.uk Luxury Self Catering on the Isle of Wight? www.shanklinmanormews.co.uk |
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