deciding on an allotment!?!?!?!

louise_1981

After waiting a year for an allotment I now have a choice!

I have just seen two plots

Please bear in mind that although I have had practice in pots in my own garden, I have never had an allotment.

The first allotment is very easy to get to from a main path, it is on a gentle slope and the larger of the two plots. It was a jungle, but one of the committee members has strimmed it. Nothing is obstructing sun light it. I was told the one next door went last week, so at least there will be another newbie, with an over grown jungle to chat to. This is a long narrow oblong shape, which ends at the allotments perimeter.

The second allotment is more difficult to get to, one of the path ways is overgrown, the other I have to go along someone else’s allotment to get to it. It is the smaller of the two and its longest edge runs along the perimeter. It is a bit darker and is bordered on one side by a gooseberry bush which need a trimming. But there is already a concrete base, and a flat area, which would be ideal for a green house and shed.

There will only be me on this and I feel a bit overwhelmed. I already have a plan in mind, which would be to clear and cultivate bit by bit, getting beds in place them planting them up, moving on to the next one.

Rules are basic and clear, no fires, no livestock, other than that anything goes. There are taps around the site turned on in March of in Sept. I get 6 large planks of wood to start me off, after that it is 1pound a piece, but they are a good 3 to 4 metres long.

I feel that the larger one would be good as others will be watching and that will spur me on, but I would enjoy the privacy of the second one, saying that being female on an empty allotment may not be a good thing in a secluded area of an allotment!

At the minute I have a lot of time on my hands, as I have just finished a course, but I am looking for a job, so this needs to be factored in.

Any advise from experience (and not so) plot holders would be greatly appreciated.

I have until the end of the week to decide, and can take a friend later if needs be.

annaangeluk_2

I have no advice to offer (sorry!) but I'm looking forward to others replies because I'm in the exact same position!

I've just been offered the choice of two plots almost exactly the same as the two you've mentioned! The allotments near me are committee run and the guy I spoke to (and older gentleman) has suggested one might be easier "for a woman!" The feminist in me tells me I should pick the harder one, but then I think sod it, why make things more difficult for myself!

It's ridiculous how excited I am! :j :j :j I'm a bit worried though as everytime I've walked past the allotments it seems to be oldish men who quite obviously know what they're doing where as I don't!

Anyway, looking forward to replies!

Anna x

nozzy6

I wish I could say I'm in the same position as you guys!! I've added myself to the waiting list for one near us, but was told to expect to wait a year to 18 months!

But I would say go for the plot near people that know what they're doing, then hopefully you'll pick up loads of tips from them! Also the safety issues you mentionned, I'd much rather be near people than in a secluded area

kazwookie

Older men = Loads of knowledge!! :j

I would go nearest the oldest man who knows what he is doing, their advise is invaluable!! make good use of it, and 'I'll just give you these dear as I have grown too many'

bubbles65

kazwookie wrote: »

Older men = Loads of knowledge!! :j

I would go nearest the oldest man who knows what he is doing, their advise is invaluable!! make good use of it, and 'I'll just give you these dear as I have grown too many'

Yeah I second that, the old dogs will keep you right! Good crack n all.

jfdi

Can you get an experienced allotmenteer to give 'em the once over?

Reason I suggest that is - unless you're more knowledgeable than me! - pervasive weeds! Our 1.5 plots are riddled with bindweed, and it's a loooooong slow job getting it out! Bearing in mind we've had these plots for about 10 years they're a right pain!

Horsetail is another one, I think.

All things being equal, I'd go for the one with the hardstanding for a shed etc - unless it really is SO secluded you'd feel unsafe there. The times I go up the lottie I'm usually the only one there anyway, so seclusion'd make little difference, but it is nice to be able to entertain / natter on YOUR terms, not every time someone wanders past! LOL!

A
xx

flea72

always go for the easiest to get to, and nearest the tap you can find.

doesnt matter what state it is in now, you have to think long term.

if the whole plot is too much for you to think about at present, then do it bit by bit. cover half the plot with bits of carpet, this will cut out light, and should help kill some of the weeds on that end, whilst you concentrate on getting one end up and running. then when you feel up to it (personally i would say leave it at least a season), then start preparing the other end.

dont worry about getting things wrong, there are lots of people around and i can tell you now, they love to talk, and will give you lots of hints and tips - just stick to the rules about keeping your plot tidy, and you should be fine.

wow, youre lucky only waiting a year for your plot, 2yrs in and im still No60 on the list

Flea

louise_1981

thanks guys, Im still thinking but my feelings are going with the larger first one, if people get too nosey I can just put up a shed or something. Going down in the morning to sort things out.

As someone said, I don't have to do it all at once, (but I really want to!, everything has to have started last week for me) I think half the plot to get straight by the end of this season, and the rest for next!

kippers

As a women on my allotment i know that i feel safer when people are about. I also have a secluded bit on my allotment where my shed is and i've had it broken into twice and kids used to come at night and have meetings in there and left their bottles etc for me to clear up in the morning (as they couldn't be seen as its well hidden).

Having said that, a water supply near your allotment is vital.

I like being able to have a chat with other people and you learn loads from them. Also, you will be amazed at all the veg you will be offered from other plot holders before your plot is up and running. I swap veg with people now as i always have loads over and i can't grow everything.

I love my allotment..there is no better place to be!

Leopardlady

I second the lucky you! I have been told that the lists for the allotments near me are all closed, so not even allowed on the waiting list!
Oh well, my garden will have to suffice for a few years more!

Have fun and make the most of the amazing knowledge of others around you, my neighbour used to have an allotment and he is constantly giving me advice over the fence in the back garden, he does think i am completely crazy, but that can only help i think.

louise_1981

Right been down today, and put money down, got my key and told the rules, again!

Chosen the more open larger one.

thanks for the advice, I chose this not only due to the safety aspect, but it is close of one of the commity members, which can only help.

He said he did not expect to see me this week, not sure if that is cos I am a woman, Im only 26 or cos it is a huge undertaking by myself. I was told I am the youngest on site! I s that good or bad!?!?

I have two large apple trees on site and a very large rhubarb patch, which I took 1 1/2 pound of fruit from, it has flowered, so I will have to chop them off next time. (which will be tomorrow, or tonight if I can get 5 job apps sorted before last post)

Also met two of the ladies Paulina and Sheila, I write their name here so I will remember!