4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Torrin]

This is my first year trying a veggie patch. I've cleared some space and made 2 raised beds which I've planted and I also have a greenhouse. Really getting into the idea of grow your own and would like to expand but I have a north facing garden and don't think there's another space which gets enough sun

 

Sorry to ramble on! Was wondering about getting an allotment but am worried that having to get in the car and transport suff to and fro means it is too much hassle as opposed to only having to walk out the back door.

 

Allotment enthusiasts needed to convince me it's a good idea!!

[chickenanne]

hi Torrin, you might find that the allotments around you ahve long waiting lists. In which case worth getting your name down quick as you could be waiting two or three years easily. You can always ask to have name removed form list if you later change your mind.

If there's no waiting list then how about seeing how you get on with your veggies this year? The first year with an allotment is likely to be hard going if you get an overgrown plot, so you don't want to put the effort in in Year 1 then realise in year 2 that you don't have the time or inclination any more!

Also... where is your nearest allotment? You might find is walking /cylcing distance, and you could leave tools there.

[Torrin]

Thanks for the reply chickenanne.

 

I have already asked the council about allotments and the one nearest me is a lovely little site but the lady suggested the children would probably have left home before I got a plot there!! The one with a possibility of space is about 2 miles away and I went to look today, it looks fine. Not sure why that one's not as popular as some of the others?

 

She also said the plot would probably be cleared and rotavated which sounds good.

 

Still not sure tho!

[Snowy]

I keep my tools on the plot and cycle there. The hardest part is getting started, but if the plot is already prepared, it should be much easier. If you have a plot at home as well,you can use the lottie for the big stuff - onions, potatoes, beans, and use your home plot for salad stuff and things that need more maintenance

[Matthew]

go for it...

 

agree on the little and often stuff at home and the big and rarely on the allotment

[chickencam]

Go for it, what have you got to lose?

 

If you find that after a season it is too much you can make someone elses day by giving it up.

 

We have had ours for nearly 10 years and we grow all of out own potatoes, carrots and onions, plus we have a large raspberry and strawberry patch and we have our own asparagus. We can grow pumpkins and other squashes which would take up too much room at home.

 

At home we grow french beans, tomatoes, salad crops and herbs which are all much better picked and eaten fresh, little and often.

[chickenanne]

I'd go for it then: if the allotement is in decent condition then you might as well!

[Couperman]

When we first got ours it was a bit daunting, mainly because it is huge! But I am so glad we took it on. I spend most of my free time there when the weather's good. I am starting to develop a decent tan!

 

It can be hard work but that is part of the appeal for me, beats the gym anyday. It is starting to look like it is being tended by someone who knows what they are doing, an illusion I have worked hard to acheive.

 

Not quite sure what I am going to do with with 314 leeks and 82 cabbages mind you

(we are still eating last years). I think I will be keeping the street in veg.

 

So if I were you I would get my name down and make a start in the garden at home in the meantime.

 

Kev.

[Torrin]

Thanks for the encouragement.

 

I decided what have I got to lose, and so have gone ahead and put my name down!

 

Now I've started planning what I can grow and the best way to organise myself and am getting quite excited - sod's law says I now won't get a plot!!

[Couperman]

Now I've started planning what I can grow and the best way to organise myself and am getting quite excited - sod's law says I now won't get a plot!!

 

That's why I suggested starting at home, as soon as you have dug your lawn up they will give you a plot!

 

Kev.

[Valkyrie]

I suggest going for a recce first to see what sort of weeds etc are on the vacant plots. Bindweed can be a real nightmare. I found I was neglecting my own garden because I was at the allotment nearly all the time (housework - no problemo, ignore it ). But the worst was that it was overrun with rats and we lost so much produce to them - that was the final straw and we gave it up. But it is enjoyable even though it was hard work, and the people you meet are well worth it.

[majorbloodnock]

Well, I can't comment on the hassle factor, since our allotment is literally opposite our house. However, I can't think of anything more convincing to me than knowing the source of what goes into our kids mouths. The added bonus, of course, is that, since they helped grow and pick the veg, they're actually keen to eat it too without needing to be convinced.

[Alis girls]

I have to say I'm on my 4th allotment. sharing with 2 friends and its been hard. Soil was dreadful, then last yr my dad was ill and I was worn out. This yr despite being a busy mum we hired a rotavator and then bunged in spuds by the sackload. having first lot today. have now got courgettes, pumpkins, sweetcorn and onions and leek ready to go in. We also have 2 plum trees and whoever is around picks. Last year the others were away so I picked and forze 3 boexes of plums and gave them to them when they returned.

Its dam hard work but keep going. My first one was in East London complete with syringes which arrived in the compost. others in NW London and had to give up as pregnant and we m0oved. Dont be too ambitious and grow what you eat - if you are plagued by weeds potatoes seem to clear the ground. Good luck