Allotments Are Fantastic!!

Tinkerbelle1971

Hi All.

I have had my name down just a short time for an allotment, and probably looking at a good couple of years wait. I had made a couple of friends on the allotments and decided to go down on Saturday. I had a word with a few people to see if they knew anyone who wanted any help and bingo, I'm now helping.

A lovely gentleman has let me have a good size bit of his plot to grow what I like and in return I am going to help him with weeding, moving things about etc.

So, today he picked me up at half eight (how early on a Sunday lol) and we got stuck in. I barrowed six barrows full of manure, helped dig up the last of the potatoes and generally chatted about how we were going to do things together. My DD joined us down there and did a spot of weeding also.

I absolutely loved it and hopefully with helping I will gain enough experience for when I have my own plot.

Arms are a bit achy now but could do with losing a few pounds lol.

Will keep you updated as to how I get on.

Tink
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blossomhill_2

That sounds like win-win for both of you Tink - wishing you all the best with your hard work

Oliver14

Thats sounds great. We're on a waiting list for ours and it could be a long while.

Tinkerbelle1971

Blossomhill - It is a win win as I get a bit of the plot and he gets my help. He is nearly 80 but is fitter than a lot of younger people I know.

Oliver14 - I'm looking at a couple of years and its so sad as I want my DD involved before she gets to old and doesn't want to know. Luckily he has no problem with her coming down with me to do a bit of weeding.

I am so achy today but it is so worth it. My arms have aches in muscles I didn't know I had lol.

Tonight back down there to pick the last of the runner beans that my plot holder grew this year, he said I could have some as he has picked what he requires. I am also allowed to have any of the tomatoes that are down there, nice little plums ones that just need a bit more ripening.

Such a lot to do before the start of next year but the plot looks great already.

Tink
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loucroft

Hiya Tink

Thats fantastic, and you have your feet in the door - I know it doesn't seem right but sometimes if you get to know the managers around the site, and something comes up, you may be offered it if you list your interest

My dad wanted one and there was a massive waiting list, he pointed out a couple of large sites that he could have been working on while he waited. She called him one day and when he turned up said that if he can make a go of it that weekend he can have the keys.

Thankfully, he works hard and turned the plot around.

When we decided to half our site, it was the neighbours that we offered it to ( via the allotment management ) and not new holders.

Whilst Ido think thats why there's a huge wait, it's also because many holders keep the plots for years

Anyway, I think you may show that you can really work at it and this could happen for you too

good luck

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Tinkerbelle1971

Hi Loucroft

I'm so made up and he is lovely. We spoke a lot on Sunday and he said that if he decides to cut down a bit he might let me have half his plot and even that would do me fine. The only thing he hasn't got on there is a greenhouse but I have decided that next year I will buy one of those walk in plastic ones to start my seeds off. He has his greenhouse at home.

I think he has had his plot for around 16 years and a lot of them down there are people who have had them for years, but like you say, I have my foot in the door and just need to prove myself now.

Tink
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sirbrainy

Just be careful if he asks you to help stick some carrot in

loucroft

sirbrainy wrote: »

Just be careful if he asks you to help stick some carrot in

hee hee

Soil_sister_1

I started off with a bed on someone elses allotment too it was brilliant and I learned an awful lot while waiting for my plot. It's always good to get your face seen around too as alot of people put their names down but then don't want the plot when one comes up or they visit once and never come back - we have had 3 people on one of the plots so far who have given up within a couple of weeks or wouldn't take the plot as it didn't have a shed or greenhouse - so it helps that the other allotment holders know how keen you are.