Scottish Hello!

[karen0711]

Hi, been lurking for a while reading everyone's advice so thought I should finally introduce myself.

I have just managed to get an allotment and I'm so excited!!

I've been growing tomatoes, herbs and other odds and ends for years in my wee greenhouse in the garden, this year hubby built me a cold frame which has done great so far and I've grown far more than I ever have with lots of success. Potatoes, tomatoes, spring onions, cucumber, salad leaves, peppers, leeks, beetroot, radishes, carrots, parsnips, calabrese and a few pots of herbs, oh and runner beans and borlotti beans!! Everything seems to have done well so when I saw the advert for plots to rent I thought I'd go for it.

Hubby and I were a little sceptical when we went to see the plots however it was a pleasant surprise that it was so well set-up and the people already growing in their first season were having such great success.

I will get onto the plot in the next few weeks, the guy who owns it is getting a proper digger to turn the plot over for us and he's putting some fencing up around the plot too, all for a very reasonable price! Saves me doing all the back-breaking work, the land hasn't been used for around 10/15 years so would really be starting from scratch.

Anyway, I'm Karen, I'm 34 and stay in Livingston with my hubby and 3 year old son and can't wait to get started on my wee allotment!!!

[Magiccat1978]

Hi Karen
I'm Laura I also have a 3 year old helper (my daughter) we are not far from you in North Lanarkshire. Lucky you getting an allotment I have been trying for ages but there are no sites locally and the council seem unwilling to help. Look forward to chatting with you

[Nicos]

Hi there- and welcome to the Vine!!

[Florence Fennel]

Hello and a very warm welcome to the Vine!

[ginger ninger]

Hi Karen and welcome to the vine, lovely to hear about your plot. You do know we like to be nosey so photos are a must

[karen0711]

Hi guys, thanks for the warm welcome. I'll try to get photos as soon as possible, just heard that the road is closed due to an accident at the moment and it's chucking down with rain so next decent day we have I'll get up there and take a few photos as the plot is a tip right now! :-)

Laura where about in Lanarkshire are you? These plots are at the back of West Calder heading up the Harburn Road towards the A70. I know Lanarkshire is a big place but if it was fairly close to you it could be worth a thought as he does still have plots available.

[Mrs T]

Hi Karen... I have to say I think you allotment types are all very brave!!! I have a good garden space where i've set up my veg beds/greenhouse/cold frame but I've done it slowly and although more and more is being taken to grow (Grass is SO overrated!!) I still get a bit overwhelmed and worry about making a big mess of it all!!!
Good luck with yours and look forward to hearing how you're getting on...

[karen0711]

Hi Mrs T, I must admit before I went to see the plot I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to cope, I thought it was going to be huge, but once I'd seen what other people there had achieved I knew I could certainly give it a bash. One guy had never grown anything in his life before and he had a brilliant crop of potatoes, courgettes, beans, onions, cabbage and lots more. So I figured if he could make a go of it, then someone like me who has grown quite a lot at home should manage it no problem.

The other good thing was that my hubby got really into it once he'd seen it, he's really enthusiastic about making my raised beds and compost heaps as well as all the lovely veg we're going to be growing next year.

My only real concern now is that it may become a chore because you have to actually go in the car to get to the allotment but if that ever happens then I'll have to give it up and let someone with more time on their hands to take it over.

Totally agree with the grass comment!

[bigt1888]

hi peeps,

im also in north lanarkshire so it should be good to get some advice from folks who experience the same "wonderful" weather as i do!!

[ailsasyl]

Hi and welcome to the vine