AMS Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 (edited) After a whole 13 days on the waiting list, I have been offered a plot (5 poles) on a new-ish site 1 mile away Ironically there is an article in this week's local newspaper about the length of waiting lists in North Herts (3-4 years in Hitchin). I am ridiculously happy and I have big plans to have a cutting garden as well as vegetables (I don't think 5 poles will be big enough but NHDC only lease half plots ). I do need to have a look at the plot in question before I sign on the dotted line but I'm guessing that it is one of the grass-covered plots we saw when we had a nosey between Christmas and the New Year. It's not near the brambles and it's next to the water supply so I can't think of any reasons why I wouldn't want it! My brother has been allotmenteering for several years so I have asked for some planning advice and a couple of hours hard labour from him for my birthday. Hmmm what shall I grow? Alison Edited January 21, 2012 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 Wow that was swift! Congratulations What to grow? Think your brother will be the best one to answer that for you once you have both seen the plot. Wishing you lots of happy, rewarding allotmenteering Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 Congratulations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 Wow congratulations we had to wait over 4 years for ours we are making the most of it now though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMS Posted January 17, 2012 Author Share Posted January 17, 2012 Thank you! I still can't believe it myself. I decided to plant the idea in my OH's head at Christmas thinking that I would be on the waiting list for well over a year and he would have time to get used to the idea. I got an e-mail from the council on 3 January advising me that I was number 5 on the waiting list and then yesterday I got the letter offering me the plot. The site was opened in 2010. When we went to look at the site there did seem to be quite a few uncultivated plots so I'm wondering if they've evicted some people already. NHDC do seem to be quite strict - I'm not allowed to erect a structure or keep poultry/bees without written consent or plant trees or fruit bushes or any crops which require more than 12 months to mature (no rhubarb or asparagus ) - the complete opposite to my brother's allotment in Southampton. It also seems relatively expensive for an allotment, £56/year for 5 poles. I'm sure my brother pays £42/year for 10 poles. My brother has warned me that I will be discovering muscles that I never knew I had! Alison Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMS Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share Posted January 21, 2012 Here is a photo of my plot. I think that it is going to be a long time before I'm able to grow anything... Alison Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Congratulations You will be surprised how quickly you will get organised and planting. You'll eat well this year I moved here in October and contacted the Council the day after I moved in. They offer half plots too, so I said 'put me down for anything' She said it might be 2 years........ There is a small Police station 2 minutes walk away, the sort that is only open for 2 hours once a week. I noticed that there is land next door, that used to be used as allotments, maybe 3 plots... They kept hens there, which is why I noticed. Might pop in and ask as it hasn't been used in 3 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Lucky you getting an allotment There are no allotments here in Fleet I'm sure you'll soon have it looking like the plot opposite yours Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMS Posted January 22, 2012 Author Share Posted January 22, 2012 I'm sure you'll soon have it looking like the plot opposite yours Oh, I do hope so! I don't work Friday afternoons and I have 2 days holiday left to take before the end of March so I can tackle it a little bit at a time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMS Posted January 22, 2012 Author Share Posted January 22, 2012 There is a small Police station 2 minutes walk away, the sort that is only open for 2 hours once a week. I noticed that there is land next door, that used to be used as allotments, maybe 3 plots... They kept hens there, which is why I noticed. Might pop in and ask as it hasn't been used in 3 years. It's worth asking - 2 minutes from home would be really convenient! Good luck, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you Christian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hetty and Hilda Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Congratualtions on the plot i had to wait 2 years before i was given mine but its well worth the wait. i have had mine a year now and its one of the best things we have done as a small family my 2 young daughers love it up there as there are alot of familys on my allotment and my 2 love playing with the other children and diging in there own little patch. I have alos started a blog about my adventures down on the plot and you get great advice back. have a look the link is in my "signature". all the best for your plot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
