tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post8634117038855189604..comments2024-03-26T17:53:49.471+00:00Comments on Mark's Veg Plot: An allotment. Yes or No?Mark Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04558305122821209520noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-66259582926674600032016-07-06T11:24:27.710+01:002016-07-06T11:24:27.710+01:00Hi Mark, I say definitely try it.
Ive just got my...Hi Mark, I say definitely try it. <br />Ive just got my allotment and as described its well overgrown and looked/looks like and overgrown field. So far I (hubby) have strimmed down everything and covered with thick black plastic sheets to hopefully kill all the weeds. Sometimes an enthusiastic allotment neighbor might be willing to strim down for you for a price, just ask ive heard. Also you dont have to tackle the whole site in one go so that takes the pressure off. <br />Also you might be lucky and get an allotment with some well established trees/shrubs. I have about 6-8 rhubarb plants (think we strimmed down a few lol), couples of red currant bushes, 2 apple, 2 plum and a grape vine. <br />Let us know what you decide.<br />NataliaNataliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10525757391740911806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-91408702035996946852016-07-01T16:13:17.672+01:002016-07-01T16:13:17.672+01:00Oh you definitely should. I'm in Fleet too and...Oh you definitely should. I'm in Fleet too and have an allotment on the Heath, it's not huge (9m by 6m) but it's my little slice of heaven. It was hard work at first as the plot wasn't established so there was a lot of digging and building of beds, not easy with a very bad back and various other medical issues, but I wouldn't be without it now.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15408855911425447050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-37438383677942972992016-06-20T19:37:43.439+01:002016-06-20T19:37:43.439+01:00We had an allotment plot for a few years and it wa...We had an allotment plot for a few years and it was good fun but hard work. The advantage we found were the social side of it, sharing tips,plants and produce. The disadvantage was trying to get all the weeds out of an overgrown plot and not having enough time to make the most of it. It would be fun to grow things where you had marched! You could always try it otherwise you will never know! Sarah xDown by the seahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06148800326418238027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-9180782479406940482016-06-19T22:46:27.599+01:002016-06-19T22:46:27.599+01:00I haven't read the other comments but I say go...I haven't read the other comments but I say go for it. I used to have two plots and they were driving distance but I used to plant all my low maintenance and winter crops there and that seemed to work well for me. There was a great sense of community there and I really enjoyed it the couple of years we had it for. I must admit that having it in teh field outside my house now is much handier and I spend more time on it now, but I wouldn't change the time I had on them. Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-74191949947284168992016-06-19T16:50:45.883+01:002016-06-19T16:50:45.883+01:00Mike and I are in a similar position apart from be...Mike and I are in a similar position apart from being retired of course. We are currently third on the list for a local plot and hopefully we shall find out during the next few months if we qualify for one. For us it will become a weekend task and a place for long term crops . A large asparagus bed is on the menu. Jo@awholeplotoflovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03525039817338877634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-10225384992193116542016-06-19T15:26:47.284+01:002016-06-19T15:26:47.284+01:00Well, you are certainly putting a lot of thought i...Well, you are certainly putting a lot of thought into this, which is as it should be. My first inclination, of course, would be to go for it - you love to grow food and this would give you the opportunity to really spread your veg-growing wings. You brought up some very valid points which could easily turn an enjoyable pastime into a frustrating and arduous task. But, just as many others have stated, I think that it's worthwhile giving it a go, especially as opting out should you decide that is not your "cup of tea" seems a rather easy & inexpensive process.Margarethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15949946977793864054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-9045118599934967932016-06-19T08:53:32.621+01:002016-06-19T08:53:32.621+01:00P.S I am 68 years old.
P.S I am 68 years old.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03835484829474894814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-60293783019289115422016-06-19T08:46:44.668+01:002016-06-19T08:46:44.668+01:00I also had the challenge of converting my sandy pl...I also had the challenge of converting my sandy plot into a fertile garden which I did by using the no-dig method and that saved a lot of hard work. After 6 months it has been very productive for me. There are also other methods to try including straw bale gardening until you can get yourself established.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03835484829474894814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-5041120319489486472016-06-19T08:39:42.588+01:002016-06-19T08:39:42.588+01:00I joined a community garden after downsizing and h...I joined a community garden after downsizing and have really enjoyed the interaction with other like minded people.There are always pro's and con's in any decision making and sometimes we pay too much attention to the negatives rather than concentrating on the positives. I've been reading your blog for quite a while now and you have been limited by your lack of space and making do!!After retirement we do need something to challenge us and keep us motivated. I say "GO FOR IT" particularly given the fact that you can relinquish it at any time. Nothing ventured nothing gained.The joys of gardening too is sharing your knowledge with others and we need gardeners like you to impart this experience to others. Best of luck with your decision... I'm sure you will make the right one.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03835484829474894814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-62341728757983085342016-06-19T04:19:24.938+01:002016-06-19T04:19:24.938+01:00If you decided to take the allotment, maybe you co...If you decided to take the allotment, maybe you could decide ahead of time what factors would influence a decision to drop it or to keep it going. Sometimes it is hard to give up a project even if it negatively impacts health and happiness, just because one made that initial commitment.nestkihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02188277828934423568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-47749873557664008672016-06-18T23:42:18.937+01:002016-06-18T23:42:18.937+01:00Hello Mark...your backyard is a work of art. My on...Hello Mark...your backyard is a work of art. My only knowledge of a community garden belonged to my parents here in the U.S and theft was a heartbreaking problem. I am certain you would not worry about that. Go for it!Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03183553318309692138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-30051656560014322562016-06-18T22:30:31.396+01:002016-06-18T22:30:31.396+01:00An allotment is very different to growing in your ...An allotment is very different to growing in your own garden and as you say has pros and cons most of which you have covered. All our plots were badly overgrown when we took them. Quite a few newcomers on our site give up after finding the going too difficult.<br /><br />What does Jane think as unless she goes with you she could end up an allotment widow. Martyn and I both feel that we benefit from both of us being involved. Also the social side can seem idyllic bit as in most communities there are often 'problems'. No two sites or groups of people are the same. Some are heavily into the social side and others not.<br /><br />There is only one way really to find out whether it is right for you!Sue Garretthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08164518448098182276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-10897395401153720902016-06-18T21:42:58.285+01:002016-06-18T21:42:58.285+01:00I garden in what you would call an allotment (the ...I garden in what you would call an allotment (the local community garden). Here's what I would say:<br /><br />Concerns:<br />1. Proximity to home (I grow lettuces and herbs on my deck for quick access)<br />2. Access to water<br />3. Fencing to keep critters out<br />4. Do other gardeners maintain their plots?<br /><br />Pros:<br />1. The social interaction, talking to other gardeners, seeing what they grow, the annual pot luck supper in the fall.<br />2. More room to try veggies with space requirements. More potatoes, more tomatoes, maybe try storage onions and garlic.<br /><br />Cons:<br />1. Spread of weed seed, invasive plants, pests and disease from plots not maintained by their owners<br />2. The physical labor to actually work an allotment. Raised beds would minimize the work. At 72 I am feeling it this year and may drop my second plot that is planted in-ground.<br /><br />You are much younger than me. Give it a try for a few years, you can always bail out.<br />David Veltenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07710293718143454000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-21617631840877167862016-06-18T20:50:12.969+01:002016-06-18T20:50:12.969+01:00If you grow enough for your needs in your own gard...If you grow enough for your needs in your own garden , and you do seem to be successful in growing a lot and using fresh all through out the season, then why bother ?Daisy Debshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08105828820178399476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-19800230562969778002016-06-18T20:19:13.398+01:002016-06-18T20:19:13.398+01:00Thanks for the positive reinforcement, Beryl! Thanks for the positive reinforcement, Beryl! Mark Willishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04558305122821209520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-42385043606760423562016-06-18T20:09:06.680+01:002016-06-18T20:09:06.680+01:00Yes, yes, YES you should! Taking on mine is one of...Yes, yes, YES you should! Taking on mine is one of the most positive decisions I have made, for my mental health as well as starting to grow food. I have heavy, bright orange clay, poor drainage (particularly right now) BUT I am part of a great community, some crops always do well in a bad year and the space is wonderful. In fact if you ever wanted to come and have a look around you'd be most welcome. I do dig, but slowly and with a damaged back. No-dig is a good option on heavy clay too and something I am considering seriously. Security varies from site to site - ours is pretty good. I think though, if you don't try it, you'll never know. Given you're now going to take a look I'm looking forward to hearing what you make of the site and plots on offer.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06653544149780762364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-48182314136365397712016-06-18T18:31:09.307+01:002016-06-18T18:31:09.307+01:00I'm not sure any advice from me would be valid...I'm not sure any advice from me would be valid on an allotment - I presume that conditions would be very different.Mark Willishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04558305122821209520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-75954081534665555612016-06-18T18:30:01.197+01:002016-06-18T18:30:01.197+01:00Matt, your thinking is / was just like mine. Dista...Matt, your thinking is / was just like mine. Distant allotment and close-at-hand garden appear to be two very different things!Mark Willishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04558305122821209520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-15170337074420328562016-06-18T18:25:44.419+01:002016-06-18T18:25:44.419+01:00I know what you mean - the physical aspects of the...I know what you mean - the physical aspects of the issue are a worry for me.Mark Willishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04558305122821209520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-4651322289475782412016-06-18T18:24:47.263+01:002016-06-18T18:24:47.263+01:00I agree - there is no point in growing stuff if yo...I agree - there is no point in growing stuff if you don't like eating it!Mark Willishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04558305122821209520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-53765754771314525892016-06-18T18:23:55.556+01:002016-06-18T18:23:55.556+01:00Yes, the opt-out clause is there, so no problems o...Yes, the opt-out clause is there, so no problems on that score. The waiting list is more of a problem - it might be several years before I got a plot, even if I applied now.Mark Willishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04558305122821209520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-84337272969965726642016-06-18T18:22:02.570+01:002016-06-18T18:22:02.570+01:00Audrey, the Rules say that a tenant can relinquish...Audrey, the Rules say that a tenant can relinquish their plot at any time, but any balance of the annual rent will not be refunded - though at 50 pence per square metre the rent is very modest anyway.Mark Willishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04558305122821209520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-10401812394835295712016-06-18T16:54:33.805+01:002016-06-18T16:54:33.805+01:00I had a very large garden at my last house and par...I had a very large garden at my last house and part of the reason for moving was that it was becoming more work than pleasure. I have about an 1/8th of that space now and although sometimes wish for more, I really do not want that level of work any more. I have sciatica and when it strikes any gardening is out of the question, with a larger plot it would perhaps be impossible to ever catch up.Pamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18406981075860636289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-34031183894810011592016-06-18T16:07:59.120+01:002016-06-18T16:07:59.120+01:00As a long time reader of your blog, I think you wo...As a long time reader of your blog, I think you would enjoy the in person interaction and meeting more people locally who enjoy growing veggies and most likely, enjoy cooking. I could see you and your wife organizing garden to table dinners :) That being said, it would likely take a lot of work to build up the soil and space to your satisfaction. Keep us posted on next steps!Rainy Day Gardenerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06139202327960366363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3840827850297141825.post-34476501384734799592016-06-18T14:55:21.309+01:002016-06-18T14:55:21.309+01:00I'm with Audrey on this one Mark. As long as y...I'm with Audrey on this one Mark. As long as you could work in an "opt out" clause so that if you found it too much you could hand it back, then what have you to lose? Most allotment sites have waiting lists so I wouldn't think that giving it back would be a problem but I think you've got to give it a go. You would always have that "maybe i should have" thing niggling in the back of your mind if you don't. xAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02001869157864904557noreply@blogger.com