Summer update

Heatwave precautions

We hope you're all keeping well, especially during the heatwave this week.  

If you have a pond on your allotment, please try to keep it topped up during hot, dry weather; if you don't have easy access to rainwater from a butt, tap water left to stand in an open container for a couple of days will become gradually less alkaline and can be used to top up.  If you're planning to make a new pond on your allotment, please contact us first to ask for a permission form to fill in - it's a simple process similar to the one used to get permission for structures such as sheds and greenhouses.

Plot inspection

We've just done our fourth inspection of the season.  While the majority of plots are being well gardened, and a number of previously neglected plots have been transformed by new tenants, we have found some cases of neglect recently. On a well-established plot (rather than a neglected plot you've only recently taken on as a new tenant), YACIO's stipulation in the tenancy agreement - that the allotment must be well maintained with the majority used for growing crops with weeds and other excessive vegetation kept in check - should be seen as a basic requirement; if the majority of the plot (i.e. over half) is not under cultivation, YACIO will issue a warning letter.

On some plots at this time of year, there can be an issue with tall, seeding grasses; please cut these down and compost the cuttings - any vegetation cleared from your plot must be composted or taken away. We have seen several places recently on the site where tenants are dumping material cut from their plots.  This is not acceptable and YACIO has followed up instances of this in the past.

Sadly, there have been a few reported instances of vandalism, anti-social behaviour and the theft of plants or crops.  Please continue to report incidents to the police via 101 or the North Yorkshire Police website.  It's also a very good idea to mark your plot number on the underside of any garden furniture on your plot, so that it can be returned to you if anyone takes it to another part of the site.

The Collective Sharehouse

We'd like to pass on a message from a local charity that some of you have supported in the past:

The Collective Sharehouse would welcome donations of fresh fruit/veg if people have a surplus and would like to contribute to this community food support, in the heart of the Micklegate ward. 

‘Robust’ fruit & veg would be most suitable and it can be dropped in to The Sharehouse whenever it’s open – Tues & Fri 9:15-11am or Weds 5-6pm. 

The Sharehouse is located within Clement’s Hall and accessed via the rear entrance on Cygnet St (at the bottom end of Swan St). 

We continue to share food on 80+ occasions every week with families and residents who are facing financial hardship and we are encouraging cooking and using fresh produce as much as possible. So any and all help/donations will be gratefully received!