[gazza975526570]

I used to work 3 days 8-8 however a few months ago had to change to working 5 days a week and was worried how i would find the time to go to the allotment

I had probably my best rewards last year at the lottie with most (not quite all.....) veg doing well.

I debated should i give it up and i havent been for about 3 months or so.

Anyhow today i decided i would keep it on and spent a few hours there and LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!! 

Dug over about a quarter of it and the weeds where not as bad as i feared they may be. Rhubarb peaking through and was able to bring home a few swedes, half a dozen leeks, a cabbage for tea and a load of spring onions for the stir fry tommorow.

To help me out im going to space a lot more and plant some squashes and things to help cover the ground more (to reduce weeds as i wont be able to be there as much as i would like)

Anyhow - think the break has done me good and cant wait to go back. Roll on the longer nights!!!!!

[Ian_A]

good for you. And long may you keep it on and enjoy it.

Even with a very full time job, the allotment doesnt NEED much time, although it is nice to have more time there of course: I work 5-6 days a week, rarely home by 7pm, but I pass the allotment to and from work - great for quick watering and harvesting during key times which doesnt take long - even with 20 rods - and a couple of hours at the weekend does the trick:it is all about being organised, focus on one thing at a time during a brief visit.....

[plot53b]

I work full time and was challenged by the allotment secretary last year as to how I would manage my plot. But during the winter, a few hours each weekend was enough to keep the plot in order and once the nights get lighter, I pop up each night for about an hour (sometimes 2!). Seemed to work well and I even missed a few nights due to business trips.

I'm quite new to all this, but looking around, I think you always find extra work if you look for it

The best thing is the break when I am their, always feel very relaxed after a visit even though I am usually knackered! 

[sarajane]

I often think I would like to work part time so I could spend more time on the plot.  However, I also think that if you have a stressfull full time job ,takin a trip to the plot is a brilliant way of taking away the strains and pressures of work.

Even though it s hard work, I would sooner dig than dust and after a stressful day, it does make me feel re-invigorated even if it is just a bitof watering or hoeing.

Good Luck with your decision Gazza, Plantin more squashes is a brill idea.  Have you though of planting more fruit bushes and filling in the spaces with weed suppressant or cardboard with woodchippings on top to save on more diggng/weeding

[Nikkithefoot]

I work Mon-Fri leaving home at 7am and often not getting home until 7pm. During the winter months the only time I see my plot is at weekends weather permitting. I don't see it that much more in the summer TBH with 3 kids to sort out 

You need to make sure every minute on the plot counts when you are there. I am fortunate in that I can bring stuff on in a cold greenhouse which helps.
Hoeing is a must every visit even if you think it doesn't need it. Done this way it literally only takes me 15 mins to do the half plot I have.
I keep ground that is not under cultivation covered in heavy duty weed suppressing membrane. (I inherited a large roll for a plot neighbour who for some strange reason didn't want it!!!!!!) It is one thing I would definitely purchase if I hadn't got it.

When I am there though it is sooooooooooo relaxing and quiet. I always plan in time for a relax with a cuppa.

[sunshineband]

Glad you have rediscovered your plot gazza 

You'll find the time, no worries there.... just do as Nikki suggested and make the time you are there count

I always have a short list of what I aim to do and when I have done it sit and think what I shall do next time. Sometimes I get some of that stuff done too, if there is time 

[born_2b_mad]

I think the 'working woman/man's' plot is quite a common thing nowadays.
This will be my third year as a plot holder, and as I work Mon-Fri 8-5 there is no chance to get down the plot during the week in the winter months, like Nikki said you have to make every minute count when you are down there.

I have recently moved plots on the same allotment, and the first was really getting me down as I didn't do the prep work during the winter (amongst other things), hence the summer was a struggle trying to keep the weeds/couch grass down.

Having moved in November I have made sure I will not make that mistake again, I have been down the past few weeks diligently turning over the soil, removing any weed I come across and then covering with membrane.

Glad it looks like you will be sticking with it, there is nothing better than sitting taking it all in on those lovely summer afternoons......

[stompy]

I find that as i can't get to the plot at this time of the year due to work and no light at the end of the working day that i really want to go, It's like withdrawall or something, 

If you can only spend 1or 2 nights a week after work and one day every other weekend then it is still possible to keep on top of it.
I nearly gave mine up last year but thanks to my OH i didn't and im really glad.
I will be making a concerted effort this year to get it all sorted and cropping and i will be planning my visits more with information from my previouse vists.

I will make a mental note whilst at the plot of what needs doing most urgently and write it down so that things don't get missed, then when there the next time do those things first before doing anything else.
This way i feel that it won't run away with me like it did last year and i will be able to make the most of my time there and enjoy it.

Also this year when i am there im not going to talk to the other plot holders so much as this takes up alot of valuable time 

[Christine]

Oh I debate getting rid of my plot every November. Then I make a list of the winter jobs, get them done and go pay my rent again in January because I see no point in handing in a tidy plot which has garlic and winter onions planted on it. 

[allotment south wales]

dont give it up so quickly you will miss the joys of the plot i am a weekend gardener allotment plot holder. i work full time so my allotment only gets attention on the weekends or evenings in the summer...

[New shoot]

I work full-time retail pattern - alternate weekends and a day off in the week every week.  Add in a 20 mile commute and having to get in early/stay late for locking and unlocking and it means I have very limited plot time.

BUT ... it's do-able if you make it do-able and your instincts are right Gazza    Plant big stuff and veg that can look after itself most of the time.  Mulched soft fruit is maximum gain for minimum pain as well.  Focussing on one task at a time and keeping the hoe moving as others have already suggested is great advice.

My plot is often less than perfect, but it's obviously cared for and I take a lot of crops out of it.  A good digging session can put the world to rights for me as well 

[allot2learn]

Also this year when i am there im not going to talk to the other plot holders so much as this takes up alot of valuable time 

That's my problem as well. I can go there for a two hour session and only get 30mins work done. I think I need a big sign saying "Do not disturb". 

[Emmie]

I have gone from working five days a week (8 -12 hours a day depending) to doing 4 nightshifts of 10 hours so I have found it difficult at times to adapt with sleeping during the day.
I took on the plot doing day shifts last year and put in alot of paths to assist me in starting out not taking on too much.
I am thinking I should get an hour an night before going to work and then 3 days when Im off i can please myself as to how much time I spend down at my plot.
I think you keeping on the plot is a good thing as you seem to enjoy it and like me I think you just try and plan your time as best you can and take advantage when you get the good  weather.
Best of luck.     

[Sadgit]

My job took over my life, then I went away for 5 week last summer and decided I couldn't cope with the plot any more. So I got rid of chickens and ducks from the garden and now have a nice sized veg plot in the garden. I haven't felt this happy for years. The allotment was becoming a mill stone.. No more travelling 5 miles to do some digging

Looking forward to a good 2012