[JimG]

I've had times when I've felt like giving up and spent very little time at my allotment. That was down to a lot of things - and not much to do with the hard work involved - but I've taken two weeks off (ending tomorrow   ) to get on top of things now to give me more time to do other things later in the year.  

There's still a lot to do but I have managed to get quite a bit done, even being praised by some of the rather more experienced allotmenteers for my progress.  Mind you, that has also come with some raised eyebrows at planting out my runner beans so early!

Yes, the way weeds grow back always amazes me but the recent warm weather has brought things on - not just weeds - and, call me simple, but I do think there is the simple joy of watching things you've grown develop.  No matter how busy we become, we all have to find time to take a break away from whatever it is we do day-to-day.  A friend calls it 'selfish time' (he's a former counsellor) and there's a lot to be said for it but I'm trying not to make my OH an allotment widow!

[MarkG]

I probably do about 3 or 4 hours a week. Mainly in the evenings after work, and mainly weeding. Put a lot of work in between Jan and April getting everything ready, so at the moment I'm just planting out and weeding.

[gregmcalister]

I like to spend one full day on the allotment at the weekend with my other half and we get a lot done in this time - it's going to be Sunday this week. There was a lot of hard work done beforehand and we're now in a position to keep on top of everything - mainly weed growth (horsetail). I work in Glasgow and it's only a few minutes from our plot so I can pop down for an hour or so either at lunchtime or after work to do a little bit as well.  I think that once your plot is cleared then one good day a week should keep things in order. I do use weedproof fabric to cover bare areas and stop weed growth and to make life easier.