A new site in Fife shows how it should be done
I’ve just been to visit a splendid new allotment site in the East Neuk’s picturesque village of St Monans. Aspiring plotholders have had a long wait for this site. It was way back in 2006 that I first heard of their quest for land here.
Since then members of St Monans Allotment Association have had their hopes raised time and again only to be dashed as potential pieces of land were deemed to be unsuitable or unavailable for one reason or another.
The new site is surrounded by some new-build houses on land close to the site of old St Monans Station which was closed in 1965. The ground is flat and not overshadowed by trees or buildings. Iain, one of the new plotholders, was pleased to report a good depth of soil.
There are 39 plots of two different sizes and all of them have been taken. Each plotholder is supplied with a basic wooden shed. In addition the site has a communal polytunnel, a meeting hut and some secure storage for communal tools.
Just now, it’s hard to imagine that a polytunnel will get too hot at times in summer but I was assured that this can be the case. With this in mind, their tunnel has mesh sides enabling a through draught to stop plants baking as well as minimising the risk of providing an ideal environment for unwelcome insect pests to take a hold.
The communal hut will be the envy of many other allotment sites. It’ll be a place to sort out deliveries of seed potatoes and seed orders, a dry place for committee meetings and somewhere to sit down and have a blether. School visits to allotment sites are always popular and having this indoor space will be useful then.
I’m looking forward to an invitation to the official opening. I’m sure it’ll be beginning to take shape by then.
Now is the time for some preparatory work.
Sheds can be organised with shelves and hooks. Beds can be measured out with lengths of string and stakes. A couple of folding chairs or a bench come in handy when a wee rest from hard work is called for.
It’s too early to think about sowing seeds but it’s a good time to plant soft fruit such as currants and raspberries as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged.
There are 39 plots of two different sizes and all of them have been taken