Sandy Cameron from Midmar makes this suggestion:

'On every allotment site there is a fair number of inexperienced plotholders, desperate for advice on how to produce the best possible crops. The lucky ones will find themselves in plots beside experienced and helpful neighbours; but not all are so lucky, and may be reduced to their own devices, and missing out on good practice. Whilst realising that all gardeners have their own way of doing things, and that some are very reluctant to pass on their secrets, I think a useful purpose would be served if each allotment site were encouraged to set up, say, an annual symposium for interested parties, to discuss best practice: e.g. how to prepare the soil, cultivars which do well on a given site, crop protection...Such meetings would ideally take place in Autumn, when thoughts were turning to preparations for the following season....Although I've had a plot for 5 years now, I still feel I would benefit greatly from the expertise of more experienced gardeners.'

Sandy's suggestion brought an enthusiastic response from one plot holder:

Dear Sandy Cameron

Your suggestion of having a symposium is a very good idea and I totally agree with you as regards some plot holders seeking advice: I have found that some are to shy to ask, and may feel a bit silly asking thing that we take for granted.

My plan is to introduce your idea for Leith Links Allotment and perhaps in the future we could even have joint symposiums with all interested parties. I know from first hand at Leith Links, we have some very experienced plot holders - one has had the same plot for 30 years, and would be willing to share their ideas, also some may prefer to share their ideas in written form. For the time being though, as a stopgap until we get organised, plot holders can post a notice on our notice board if they are looking for advice and no one is around.

Thanks for sharing the idea.

Ronnie (Leith Links Allotment)