SIR – After reading Helen Mead’s column on allotment gardening (T&A, June 26) I thought I would put my thoughts on the B-side of the matter.

When taking over a plot you will invariably be faced with a veritable jungle to be tamed, you will be faced with deep-rooted weeds like couch grass, nettle, dock and bindweed. All these weeds must be removed before cultivation can commence.

In March, for a short while, we were applying the suntan lotion. In April (the main growing month) it persisted it down with rain the entire month, meaning people could not get on with their plots. May brought us late hard frosts which killed off the blossom on the plum tree – no fruit this year.

Only last week I had the assistance of my nephew to put up fencing, only to have it blown down by unseasonable gales which we experienced.

I was late sowing the swedes for a winter crop this year, only to have the seedlings destroyed by a plague of slugs and snails which thrive in cool, damp conditions. Over the years I have seen them come and go on the allotments.

There is a hardy breed, though, who will meet the challenge and reap the wonderful rewards and pleasure to be gained from allotment gardening.

Terry Tordoff, Calderstone Avenue, Buttershaw