[MrsR]

Well my first veg patch this year went and still is going wrong - ye sthe weather conditions this year hasn't helped but I know now that veg patches take a lot of attention and time - even my coriander and rocket is sprouting flowers through neglect!

Right facing the facts - I am a 14 hour a day/night shift worker so there are X amount of days I realistically am not going to be able to see to my patch I  now know so any thoughts and ideas on what I shuld be thinking of planting and doing for the winter veg patch!

[brucesgirl]

I know what you mean - my husband and I have our own business and work at least 100 hours a week between us. We have to plan our allotment visits really carefully, but it is such a boon to go down there, no phones, and just switch off from the rest of the world. And not talk about WORK !!!

[WG.]

Some crops are less labour intensive than others - or at least require labour input mainly at specific times.  Perhaps you could make a prioritised list of the things you like most (or spend most money on).  Then post that list asking for labour-saving techniques for growing them.

[richyrich7]

Can I recommend a good book to borrow from a library ? it's called the 2 1/2
hour allotment a real good read lots of genuine tips etc. they reckon on that's all it takes to run a successful plot.

[sweet nasturtium]

I found the half hour allotment book  by RHS Lia Leendertz - is that the one?

[richyrich7]

I found the half hour allotment book  by RHS Lia Leendertz - is that the one?

Yes thats the one, I was nearly right  :oops:  

[splodger]

just do a bit at a time - grow what you realy like (and can benefit from)

some veggies can be hard work - others do good jobs for you.

eg - large or heavy/condensed foliage - will help keep weeds down like spuds / turnips / greens etc.

keep fussy things to a minimum - go for crops that don't need lots of attention.

onions, garlic etc just need weeding once a week or so.

salad crops are the time consumers - growing from seed - transplanting - growing on - lots of attention - lots of watering etc - grow these at home - so you can just pop outside and see to them when you have a spare min or 2.

keep it simple - and enjoy