Suggestions Weeds in Plots

Responses to the request for Suggestions: Weeds in Plots will be posted here regularly.

The online submission form will be active until 12 Noon, Wednesday, May 25.

Thank you very much for the thoughtfulness of your replies.

1.
It would seem reasonable that after one or two mentions in the newsletter, plus one or two private emails that include an end date, their rental needs to be terminated. Unless an effort/explanation/ verifies extenuating circumstances (i.e. serious illness) justifies an extension. If termination seems too harsh, perhaps an offer/choice could be extended to have their bed weeded for a surcharge. Volunteers weeders could probably be persuaded that this is a source of revenue that contributes to garden resources, while addressing a persistent problem. Along with the surcharge should be a hard deadline for planting or termination/reassignment.

2.
I’m a firm believer in ‘don’t plant your garden until after the May long weekend’ – usually. In those ‘usual’ years, we always make sure the weeding is done. So when I think about your question I wonder why theses truants haven’t even LOOKED at their plots to see that the weeds are there. Are these people who have had some kind of emergency come up and they haven’t made it to the garden yet and haven’t told anyone? Do they just need a bit of help to get them through whatever they’re going through? Clearly we should all know about #6 – we all signed the forms! So it seems to me that there is a reason and we need to know what it is if we are to answer your question.

Potential options:

1. If they have valid reasons for their behaviour, perhaps we ask for volunteers to clear their plots.

2. If the reasons are unacceptable, they need to give up their plot. I’m sure there are lots of people who would like to have a second plot or even a first one.

3. We could use this as a revenue generating opportunity and fine them daily until they clear their plots. How much? I have no idea!

#6 does bring up an interesting question though….how do we as responsible members keep the spaces around our plots clear of weeds when for the most part that space is largely weeds? I’m unwilling to use herbicides and digging is thankless. I understand that this is difficult especially when our neighbours are raising dandelions in their field!

Some people, like Joe and I, actually took the time to clear the seed bearing weeds from the plots next to ours in an attempt to limit weeds in our plots. Since we didn’t know the status of the plots we were unwilling to get too aggressive with the other weeds.

Thanks for asking our input on this.

3.
You would know the names and the plots #’s so u could send another email or phone call (or a volunteer could) and see if there is a legitimate reason i.e. disability or away for example that the weeds have not been done and arrange neighbors to do it for them if a reasonable explanation is given (it took us one hour tops). Or u could give them a warning, verbal or written and a date it needs to be complete (which u already have given date and several reminders) they could then risk loosing their garden plot if not done this route may be more effective for those who do not have a reasonable excuse or have informed u in advance that something has delayed their start of preparing their plot

4.
Give the plot to someone else who would like another plot by the first of June

5.
Suggestion: more clearly indicate in weekly emails why important to keep weeds in check, i.e., weed seeds are blowing into other plots causing unnecessary work to other gardeners.

Suggestion: A private “friendly reminder” email or phone call to specific plot holders indicating weeds in seed observed in plot, ask to remedy by end of weekend or plot will be abandoned. Inc lock combination in email, hours of operation, and welcome them to remedy situation any day, not just during group work times. And remind to bring a plastic bag or two to take weeds away in. Last, but by far not least, ask if they need a hand – sometime life’s realities get in way of best intentions, and maybe a hand extended in friendship will get things rolling.

Suggestion: Consider amending agreement to indicate more clearly weeds to be kept in check at all times and not left to June 10 planting deadline.

6.
Require additional volunteer time

The foregoing submissions were received by 12 Noon, Monday, May 23, 2016