[mumofstig]

On my local site (I'm no 7 on the list!) as the big plots become available they are deviding them into 2 so that they let more people have a chance.
They have also dug up a strip about 12ft wide along side the main double path onto the site. This strip is devided up into small plots like George007 has got.
I hope they don't offer me one of those tiny ones first when it's my turn. But heyho i suppose any plot would be better than the veg beds in the garden, it's just that i was looking forward to returning the garden to flowers, and might not be able to
O well a while to wait yet

[HLS]

I was offered a quarter plot (I could have refused and waited longer) as I'm new to having that much space for vegetables.  The way it's supposed to work on my site is that if I do well with it and want something bigger in a year or two I'd have priority over newcomers for the larger plots - so I'd get a whole or a half, and someone new would get my quarter, and so on.  I think this is something they've only just started, though, so I don't know how well it works in practice.

[Trebor]

A cynic would say this could mean more revenue out of the same amount of space – I hope you are all getting a reduced rent payment on small plots?

[paintedlady]

a

A cynic would say this could mean more revenue out of the same amount of space – I hope you are all getting a reduced rent payment on small plots?

it's a flat rate pence per square metre multiplied by the area for my site, so I imagine it would be reduced accordingly 

What I find incredulous is that the plots are going to get so small, they'll neither be use nor ornament at this rate!

[george007]

A cynic would say this could mean more revenue out of the same amount of space – I hope you are all getting a reduced rent payment on small plots?

they are charging me for two poles
and it's under that by about 10 square metres

[Aunt Sally]

Speak to whoever allocates allotments !

Have you done what I suggested George ?

If it is for a period to find out if you are serious about taking a full plot then all well and good, just get on with it and grow some nice veg, be selective and grow things which don't take up too much space like potatoes.  Runner Beans take almost no space.  There's loads you can do on a small space !

Think yourself lucky to get anything.  Our waiting list is closed  

[george007]

my biggest gripe is with people with double allotments that only use half of their plot

we have quite a few
ive been offered to share a couple .
but i think they are lazy and want the benefit of somebody digging it over for them so as they don't lose it.

ive got boundless enthusiasm and energy
and i can't share with lazy people else i catch the lazy vibe:)

[Aunt Sally]

George you haven't answered my question 

Have you spoken to the person who manages the plot allocation ?

[george007]

sorry aunt sally
i meant to answer earlier.

i have been up their today
and no joy
i must be happy with what i have basically.

[Trebor]

my biggest gripe is with people with double allotments that only use half of their plot

we have quite a few
ive been offered to share a couple .
but i think they are lazy and want the benefit of somebody digging it over for them so as they don't lose it.

ive got boundless enthusiasm and energy
and i can't share with lazy people else i catch the lazy vibe:)

On our site you either take a full plot or nothing. Those less able to manage a full plot find a friend to share or let part of the plot go to waste (it is that or lose it) – it therefore may be rules and physical ability/ time that are causing this ‘waste’ rather than laziness.

We had a lively debate at the AGM where some were calling for half plots as standard and others were not. The half plotters were those less able and the full plotters were generally the newcomers or enthusiasts. I sit on the fence and think it should be optional depending on what you as the individual want.

[Aunt Sally]

No chance of a swap later on then ?

Put your name on the waiting list again, or your wives / girlfriends / mothers etc.  Keep contacting the plot lettings manager for an update on when one will become available for you (or your relative).  A steady, gentle, friendly pressure should work.

[HLS]

Trebor: I pay 1/4 of the rent for 1/4 of a plot.

[george007]

No chance of a swap later on then ?

Put your name on the waiting list again, or your wives / girlfriends / mothers etc.  Keep contacting the plot lettings manager for an update on when one will become available for you (or your relative).  A steady, gentle, friendly pressure should work.

i agree whole heartedly with you

gentle pressure with a smile and some pics of my lovely little plot
i know from past experience
people do things for happy people

[diggerjoe]

When I took on my plot which had been neglected for 4 years. I struggled on my own to tame it and was asked in a polite way would I be better with half so I said yes. Now i wish I'd said no as now I could do with more space. Once you get growing you can never have enough space.

[savbo]

I think the starter plot idea is a good one. Two people tried to get on top of our half-plot before us and didn't manage it (very weedy). Because we tackled it early in the year and me and partner both worked on it, we're getting there. A whole plot can often overwhelm a newcomer...