Losing the plot – discord and disputes down at the allotment

There are at least 150,000 allotment plots in the UK and demand for them has been increasing in recent years, prompted by a growing interest in home grown fruit and vegetables Photo: Alamy

Dossiers have revealed a catalogue of disputes among allotment gardeners, from plot holders sleeping overnight in their sheds to the poisoning of prize-winning vegetables.

By Jasper Copping
The Telegraph
07 Aug 2011

Excerpt:

The saboteur
A dispute between allotment holders in Beckbury, near Wolverhampton, has its roots in a vegetable growing contest.
Peter Glaze planted his six hopefuls for the competition in secret locations this year after accusing a rival, Barry Truss, of putting his foot through a pumpkin and upending his shallots. Other holders have even accused Mr Truss of using his dog to sniff out pumpkins hidden from him.

Mr Truss, a plot holder for 30 years, denies the allegations but has admitted to cheating in last year’s contest by pumping his 186 lb prize-winning pumpkin full of water and then using a bung to hide the tell-tale hole.

Read the complete article here.