Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: rachelsco on April 13, 2012, 00:25
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i love my allotment even though its all trail and error as ive only been doing it for a year.
i had a very productive year though i was not organised at all, people gave me loads of seedlings to plant. so what looked like an overgrown field at first looked like a proper allotment by late summer. now the allotment next to mine is free and can be mine but this also looks like a lumpy field of couch grass and nettles, do you think i am taking on too much for a newbie? and how best to oganise it all?
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Hate to be a party pooper but...
...is there a waiting list for your site?
I often think I'd love another plot, but by the height of summer I struggle with the plot I have because I work almost full time plus agency work.
I know it would be silly to take on another plot and we have quite a waiting list so it also wouldn't be fair.
Enjoy what you have.
Emma
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When I took my first (half) plot on, I thought it was more than enough until I got going in the 2nd year and realised that I didn't have enough space for everything I wanted to grow. No waiting lists at the time so when I enquired about vacant plots I got one immediately that was nearly 3 times bigger than my half plot but was heavily infested with all the evil perennial weeds you can think of (couch grass, nettles, bindweed, marestail, bramble). With no pressure, I tackled the full size plot whenever I had free time and as long as I was seen doing something, the slow progress was not frowned on. At first I grew only summer crops through weed suppressant fabric keeping the half plot for mainly root crops while I gradually cleared the plot and improved the soil and ventured on to other crops.
A couple of years later I finally got the plot up to full production, but it wasn't long before it dawned on me that I never had time to do other things. And some weekends I was torn between going to one or other plot, and I won't even mention the deteriorating state of my house. Then our site got a waiting list and although no-one was told to give up their multiple plots, there was no doubt a lot of pressure to do so. Before long I started to resent the allotment.
Last year the drought was too much as the heavy clay soil baked and was too difficult to dig over (I have arthritis in my hip and elbow) and I had to spend too much time rescuing the crops. When it finally rained, all the weed seeds decided to germinate at the same time adding to the woes. The final straw was an eviction notice on my big plot - with the cold snap in May, a lot of my sowings had failed miserably and along with some beds I was unable to dig over properly, there were gaps and the plot appeared uncultivated even though I had lots of other things growing.
I was able to explain the problems I'd had on the big plot which the council accepted due to the exceptional circumstances but it dawned on me that splitting my time between 2 plots (which were on opposite ends of the site BTW) had really been the main reason. I spent the next few months wondering what to do - both plots had good reasons for keeping but there was no doubt the big plot had the potential (and the space to grow the summer crops that I love) so I gave up the half plot and you cannot believe what a relief it has been.
So to answer your question - at the moment you are no doubt full of enthusiasm and providing your site hasn't got a waiting list as devonbarmygardener has pointed out, I see no reason why you cannot ask to take on the plot. Being a newbie has a lot going for you so don't let that put you off but my advice is to recognise when things get too much and when it stops being an enjoyment but a chore, then make a decision and choose which of the 2 plots is best for you.
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i love my allotment even though its all trail and error as ive only been doing it for a year.
i had a very productive year though i was not organised at all, people gave me loads of seedlings to plant. so what looked like an overgrown field at first looked like a proper allotment by late summer. now the allotment next to mine is free and can be mine but this also looks like a lumpy field of couch grass and nettles, do you think i am taking on too much for a newbie? and how best to oganise it all?
I have two; if it wasn't for my love of growing all sorts of spud varieties two would actually be too much. A couple of plot holders have given up their second plots because they are taking up too much time, especially with the past two very dry summers making plot maintenance more of a chore. They were also ending up with way too much produce.
It's a balancing act. :)
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I wouldn't let your being a newbie put you off. You've already proved that you can take on a plot and bring it round.
Assuming that you can get to the site at least once a week it's feasible. You'll have to run your first plot on a minimum effort basis - no digging, no watering, wider spacings between plants so that you can hoe easily - definitely no hand weeding - and it is possible to run a plot like this.
I took on a wilderness of couch and nettles and spent the whole summer clearing it. Your first plot can be planted up by the end of May with only regular hoeing required to keep on top of it. Forked out couch and nettles root systems on the new plot can be left, upside down, to wither and keep the new plot quiet. I ddn't aim to get much off mine the first year, just aim to clear it,
bit by bit.
Good luck if you decide to take it on. If it's genuinely not wanted by others you'd be doing a public service by clearing it. And the soil will be very productive after having had a 'rest'. I haven't needed to manure mine for 3 years, and I'm just starting to now, Year 4.
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Here's how I would view it...
Is your current plot a full one (~300m2)?
if YES - that's enough, don't take the other one
if NO - and they're both about half - take it
We started with a half plot which wasn't enough - moved up to a half and a 2/3, which was getting a bit too much esp as both had been neglected...then were offered the other 1/3 of the bigger plot so gave up the 1/2. And I don't regret it, despite the hard work that went into restoring the original plot.
There's reason why a full plot is the size it is!
sav
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If there is no waiting list and you think you can work two plots then take it on and try.
If it doesn't work out give it straight back, no argument........if there was no-one waiting for it, you haven't made any difference have you ;)
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ooo errr what to do....
my plot is opposite my house, and the new plot is opposite to my existing one, i can get every day as i only work afternoons. there is nobody on the waiting list or it would be abit mean to hog it i admit. my hubby is mad keen for me to have it, and is already telling me what he wants to fill it with. i still think it would be alot of work and time for all other things would be limited. i know he could get into it and be a huge help, but even so alot of work...
my existing plot is 250 sq m and ive put 8 full rows of the sort of potatoes you cant buy in the shops which my family will be lining up for with forks at the ready,lol, ive got fruit bushes galore and several fruit trees, and 4 full rows of onions and garlic coming along, which leaves about a quarter of it left for everything else, ive got calabrese, psb,leeks, ready to go out when hardened off, and i also want to grow french and runner beans and courgettes and sweetcorn, also growing climbing annuals from seeds and other flowers to attract polinators. i realise some stuff can go in after the early spuds come out., but i can see me running out of space. perhaps having half a plot would be the answer?
having read all your answers and thought it thru as ive typed this i almost think ive answered my own question. thank you everybody for your considered replies, i must say ive learnt more from this forum than from any book :)
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If there's no-one waiting and you think you can manage then go for it.
It's a shame to see plots going to waste..
I often think I'd like more space - sometimes it's very frustrating when you've added something a bit extra toyour growing plan and haven't thought about where to put it!!
There's always a waiting list for our site and I think pretty much all the Plymouth sites, so much so that plots are getting smaller and smaller - some of our half-plots have been halved again which I think is too small. Maybe it's a good idea if you've never gardened before but then it would be nice if you could move up a size once you've proved your worth!
Go for it m'dear
Emma
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If your hubby is mad keen to fill it, why don't you put it in his name and then he can do the hard work clearing it :lol:
If running two plots will make you feel guilty that you are neglecting other work and it will make the allotment a chore do not do it. Running an allotment should be fun and relaxing along with the hard work.
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i only have a half plot, now i do run out of space and could do with more but spring is a busy time as time goes on i find spaces coming available and then im ok, i dont want anymore space because i couldnt fit in any more time so i am more than happy to plod on rather than be snowed under and getting on top of me. to me an allotment shouldnt just be all work you need time to sit enjoy contemplate and just take it all in :)
if you feel you have the time to work and do two plots and still have time to enjoy them then why not take it on,
the other alternative would be to just take another half plot my nneighbours are retired and spend 2 to 3 full days working 1 1/2plots and they have mountains of stuff from it they also use most of the half plot for fruit so plant bushes through weed barrier to cut down work
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We had the opportunity to get the plot next to ours, but we decided 2 would be too much work (although each plot on our site is only 6mx20m or 120sqm).
The plot went to a couple who havent got much time, so I fear it will be full or weeds and two plots would have been easier than one with a weed bank next door!
In hind sight we now wish we'd taken it on, and used it for things like squashes and pumpkins, which we dont have enough room for now. Its a personal thing, have you got the time/energy/money/patience.
My advice (for whats its worth) get the second plot, and give it a year or two, if its too much, hand it back. But maybe I'm selfish?
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If there is no waiting list and you think you can work two plots then take it on and try.
If it doesn't work out give it straight back, no argument........if there was no-one waiting for it, you haven't made any difference have you ;)
My sentiments exactly. I think my name says which side of the fence I'm on.
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Being the cynical old hector wot I am, is this a ruse by the council to get the plot up to a manageable standard then say,
"We have had a request for a plot and we cannot refuse" . . . .
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I used to have two and although I thoroughly enjoyed doing them - I soon realised that all the other things I enjoyed in life were taking a back seat.
As previously suggested, I'd take it and see how it goes, you can always hand it back, but if someone else takes it on - it'll be too late to change your mind.
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I'm with the majority. If there is no waiting list and you are keen to try, then give it a go. You could try some squashes/pumpkins etc that like to sprawl and have a lovely flower bed and won't need to squeeze everything you still want to grow in the remaing area of your current plot. Make sure hubby is prepared to help as well. :)
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i have read this thread with interst as I have just taken on another 1/2 allotment. My large lottie is 7.5 miles away from my house and I found I was missing out on a lot of veggies as I can/could only get there once a week. This meant things like beans, PSP had often gone over when I got there. This Large (older) lottie is going to be used for veggies that take longer to grow such as parsnips, pumpkins etc. I put my name for a lottie around the corner from me stating I be happy with a 1/2 allotment. I was lucky to get one at Easter. I am really pleased at this point it is a 1/2 plot as the full ones look huge and intimidating. My Large lottie is basically sorted for the year except for the planting etc, but its taken me 3 years to get to this point. An allotment can seem to take over and this needs to be kept in perspective but it brings me so much joy the work is worth it. I'm going to use my little lottie for those crops that I pick as I need as it is literally 5 mins walk away. I can't wait for the strawberries etc. My current plan is to spend a good few hours once a week at the Large Lottie and evening/mornings at the Little lottie.
By the way my OH is also keen for me to grow all sorts of things and tells people what he is growing on his allotment. I let him get away with it as he has done a lot of the heavy digging & constructed my raised beds etc. Since thats been done he will only get involved with potatoes for some reason - I grow beans as a reward. ::) But I agree with the others - get hubby involved, its a great way to spend the afternoon together and having some digging done. ;). And think about what time you can realistically spend on it. Most of all - enjoy! :D
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I also find it useful to remember why you are allotmenting. Personally, I'm trying to learn about growing fruit & veg, keeping fit and eating fresh, tasty produce, all whilst having fun. I'm not trying to impress the neighbours the allotment committee, council, and a few weeds dotted around arent going to hurt anyone. if its a bit untidy who cares. I have to have a life outside of the allotment too... the only way to a happy life is balance. IMHO!
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I have two half plots each on different sites, and have to say that without a rotovator with which I can dig over a half plot in 2 hours, so now it gets turned over at least once a fortnight, until a section is planted. now I can complete the unplanted sections of both sites in 2 hours. personally thats about all I can manage with the spare time I have at the moment, next week I have a new job, part time 2 - 3 days a week, so I hope to be able to devote more time to the plots and other jobs needed
Grendel
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I would LOVE another half plot and at this time of year am starting to begrudge the three beds taken up by garlic, onions/shallots and potatoes which are all crops that we use on an almost daily basis but which take up so much precious space for so much of the growing season. I would also love to grow more fruit bushes and have an asparagus bed.
I think I have squeezed the maximum production capacity out of my 5 rod plot - including hanging strawberry pots, cordon fruit trees and tomato hanging baskets! I even reduced the width of the paths to increase the growing area last year.
I am on the list for another half plot but think the list is long - getting one near my existing plot would be the icing on the cake for me but in all fairness, there aren't too many slouchers on our site so I think I will have a long wait.
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I feel so long as you would be prepared to give one plot up if there came a waiting list for newcomers to enjoy what you already enjoy then go for it. Far better than letting it go to seed and sending weeds your way. What I dont like to see is people taking up territory just because its vacant and then not giving it back to the society if there cojes a demand for plots, leaving newcomers without a chance of coming on.
I am sure that is not the position in your case.
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I feel so long as you would be prepared to give one plot up if there came a waiting list for newcomers to enjoy what you already enjoy then go for it. Far better than letting it go to seed and sending weeds your way. What I dont like to see is people taking up territory just because its vacant and then not giving it back to the society if there cojes a demand for plots, leaving newcomers without a chance of coming on.
I am sure that is not the position in your case.
As on many previous occasions (not with you, kirpi!) I disagree :)
If there is no waiting list, then someone by taking on a vacant plot will mean a) that the condition of the site is maintained, and b) that the existence of the site is less likely to be under threat owing to full occupancy.
If someone subsequently comes along and decides that they want to take up this growing lark, I think it is wrong that someone who has put time and effort into taking on that plot should be made to give it up. They would constantly have the threat of eviction over their heads, which isn't right.
They should then wait their turn rather than expect to get a properly gardened plot taken off someone.
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Not "taken off" Yorkie, but handed over to a new gardener and if need be, coached by more experienced gardeners until able to do it by themselves or have proven their ability to maintain a plot. Too many times a newbie comes along to try this allotment lark as you say, but they are given no help at all to learn all there is to an allotment. Is it their fault entirely then when it all goes wrong. I feel there needs to be a greater community spirit on our allotments again, especially where newcomers are concerned.
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I agree with the community spirit, but I feel we are getting into semantics on the central point.
Whether you call it "taken off" or "handed over", it's still being forced to give up the right to garden as you wish, on a plot you previously had, because a newcomer has come along and isn't prepared to wait their turn.
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well folks thanks for all those replies, i havent been on the forum for a couple of weeks,
(a wet holiday in cornwall). weeds everywhere when i got back, im sure they werent this bad last year - was that because it was dryer in the spring??
so.... what did i do...?? i didnt take it, i thought it would be just too much work for a newbie to tackle, i want to be able to keep on top of the one ive got which seems time consuming and difficult enough. i also realised that it would be more of a worry to me than a pleasure till ive got more experience ( of course by the time im more experienced it will probably be gone, but hey ho, easy come easy go, somebody will enjoy it).
being a newbie too, id forgot id have space when i lifted my onions and garlic :wacko:, also my perpetual spinich is beginning to bolt, so that will make space too. :happy:
my hubby is suprised that this is what ive decided, but he is too much of petrolhead to be a long term allotmenteer. i just want to get this one right, and not have the worry of not having time to do them both properly.
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i personally think you have made the right choice :) to much of a burden will destroy your passion and you will start to feelover whelmed .there will always be something that wants doing on the plot you already have :)
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:)Well done - I think you have been very sensible about it! Wishing you all the success for this year with your plot :D
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thanks lulu and digalloty, i do think ive the right decision for a newbie on on her second year, i know i would have been overwhelmed by the new plot as it is even bigger than the one ive got which is pretty big by all accounts, and SO overgrown.
thanks to everyone whos advice has been truly appreciated. i have to remember that there is a life outside of my allotment which i feel would have been compromised.