Middle Class Problems: Allotment etiquette is tricky - maybe it's time to renew the organic veg-box order?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Courgettes the size of your arm, sweetcorn towering majestically, beanpoles twined gaily with sweet peas… High summer is an allotment-holder's dream, as you see all around the kind of produce that makes the cancelled veg box look like the stuff you find at the back of the salad drawer during a clear-out.
But hang on, what's that on the French beans? The aphids you thought had sated themselves in spring have returned with a vengeance. Back then, there were few plot neighbours around to spot you wielding the pesticide you've had in the shed for so long that it must be on a list of banned substances. But in the full glare of summer, when every plot-holder seems to be tending to the fruits of their labour, what can you do?
The only thing for it is to arrive at daybreak: no witnesses. This also gives you a jump on the waterpump before it becomes a trickle of its former self, resulting in looooong discussions around the slowly filling tanks about such thorny issues as the appropriate punishment for produce theft or leaving the gates open. And the tricky area of gifts.
Jaq and Jenni's tiny strawberry bed is so prolific that they've produced enough fruit tarts to stock all seven urban village fêtes within cycling distance and presented punnets all around. You want to repay their generosity, but close examination of your produce presents little that you can offer in return… a blighted bean, perhaps?
Maybe it's time renew the organic veg-box order after all. Local businesses need our support too, don't they?
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments