would it be worth me getting a lottie

[percy charlie]

im thinking of getting a lottie but just wondered what sort of hours it would take once ive planted stuff to look after, as i would have to most of it myself, and will be going back to work after the summer so with having a little one time may be a bit of an issue.
i grow mainly fruit at home so my lottie would mainly be for the veg, i just dont want to take on more than i could handel, but want to grow potatoes, brassicas, beans, sweetcorn, squashes, peas, salad stuff carrots, onions, leeks and parsnips, plus grow some more fruit.
your help and opions would be grately appreciated to help me make the discision as never having had an allotment i dont know what il be letting myself in for. i have helped out at a community one at times but have one to myself will be different, please help.

[Novice Gardener]

What about applying for half a plot, or asking someone to share a plot with you?

[snuffer]

To Lottie or not to Lottie

With a new lottie (unless your very lucky) a massive amount of time is needed to clear all the weeds and junk from it. I got mine (like a jungle) in February and am still spending between three and five hours a day on there clearing it and digging it over, one bed at a time. I've lost count of the number of times I've been to the dump with cart loads of rubish.

Of course there is nothing that says you have to clear the whole plot in the first season. As has been sugested many times by others on the grapevine, clear what you can and plant it up with what you want. Do a bit more when you get the time.

Once you have a few beds with veg in they don't take too much time to look after. Just keeping weeds in check, watering and ofcourse harvesting.

Go for it, you've nothing to lose. Just be realistic about how much you can do in the time available. Most importantly HAVE FUN.

[piskieinboots]

have a read of this - it may help

[Effigy]

The main worry for me with getting a new allotment was the time factor.

I bought the "Half hour allotment" by Lia Leendertz and decided to give the principles a go.

I managed to get an allotment near to where I work, but I choose to only take on a half plot because of the time factor. Even so, its still something like 150 sq meters.

I have managed to get there each day Monday to Friday, spending just 30 minutes each time, for the last couple of weeks; and have now got the plot top cleared and have the first of my beds dug over ready for planting next week.

Here is my mini diary and crop rotation plan:
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ary_17474.html

[percy charlie]

ive done it ive done it ive put my name down for an allotment, our council has two allotment sites both are full up though and im number 12 on the waiting listing. heywayne what was that you said about more than 6 people the council has to provide, i bet thats only if they dont have any allotment sites alreay. i guess im in for a long wait, unless i win the lottery then il buy myself a whole field (lol) so its just the communal allotment in the garden club for me for a while. thats for all your support.