Decisions decisions!

[moggssue]

Hi all - I finally (after two years almost to the day) received a phone call from my allotment guy to say I can have one. Once I'd finished whooping, jumping around the lounge and all over my OH, I realised that I have a choice and it isn't as easy as I thought .... I can have a whole plot with a big tree in the middle (think from memory it's an oak, it's definitely a BIG tree not a little fruit tree!) or a half plot behind some polytunnels. First I thought will the half plot be big enough, reading some of your comments, then I thought will a plot with a tree in the middle only effectively be a half plot anyway, and with more problems than I need?! Oh, indecision!!

[Flummery]

I would tend to think that you won't do too well on part of the whole plot because of the tree taking water and nutrients. You might do netter with a half plot which is at least all usable. That'd be my feeling anyway.

[Dobby]

Ok It's your first plot
A big tree is not good think of all the roots from the tree the shade it will give

The 1/2 plot, (we got a plot and 1/2)and if you divide the 1/2 plot like we have, we get 11 beds 4 1/2 foot by 15 foot
witch gives you the maximum growing space
and once they see you can manage it, you will get to know when someone else is giving up
you could say I'll thake the half plot and when a nuther one comes up let me know and take that if you need it.
hope it helps

[The Reverend]

I think Dobby has got the answer just right.

[moggssue]

Thanks guys! Dobby - how wide are your paths between beds on your half plot? With only two of us to feed, I reckon 11 beds that size would be plenty, at least to start with! Not sure our allotments are quite that big tho... out comes the ruler!!

[HeyWayne]

Congratulations Sue.

I'd avoid the tree myself.

[Mrs Dobby]

The paths on plot 2 are between about 18" and 2' wide, but all you really need is a path wide enough to get the wheelbarrow down!

The paths on plot 1 are only 18" wide, and with beds up to 30' long it does make it fun trying to get round the barrow, but once you are sued to it its not too bad!

Oh, and congrats on your new plot Sue!

[Snadger]

A few questions I would have are:-

1) Is the tree in the exact middle or to one side?
2) Do you not get a reduced rent for plot with tree in it?
3) Are you allowed to prune tree?
4) Has it got a tree preservation order on it...can you chop it down?
5) How much growing space is left after allowing for canopy and shadow?
6) Any chance of a piccie?

Oak trees are beautiful things and are a haven for wildlife. A fitted seat around the base would look wonderful and is very functional. The shadow may be on another plot not yours!
All I'm saying is, have a good look, and don't rule it out!

[Sue]

Congratulations at last!
On the oak tree, where I keep my hens is a half plot and has a fully grown oak tree to one side. I was given the plot for free because it can't be used for growing. The tree roots, shade and water consumption being problems but also the whole plot being deluged with leaves (although I am looking forward to this so I could collect them all).
So I would think the half plot a better bet and as said above, prove your worth and you should be able to get another if you need it.
best wishes
Sue

[lainey lou]

Cogratualtions Sue!
My call came in the middle of a tescos.com delivery and I nearly kissed the delivery man! Managed to restrain myself but he couldn't get out of there quick enough!!
I have a 1/2 plot which has been brilliant, trouble is i'm getting carried away with what i want to grow next year! I think Dobbys advice sounds sensible.
Good luck with it all!
LL

[moggssue]

I popped down to have a proper look quickly last night before darkness fell. The tree isn't actually in the plot but on the path between two plots and has an old greenhouse under it (which I would get if I take that plot). The branches don't spread out too far, but it is very high, no chance of cutting it down or pruning it. But the plot is so big that for the first year at least I could maybe have a raised seed bed on the affected bit of the plot and some annual flowers to cut for indoors, next to the greenhouse. The rest of the affected area is full of berry bushes - either raspberry or blackberry, I can't tell which (duhh!) which seem to be thriving fine. It doesn't seem that my growing area would be any less than on the half plot, plus I get an old greenhouse and some fruit bushes.
Snadger - I love the idea of a seat - though it wouldnt be fitted as such, just under the shade of the tree.
I'll try to take a picci at the weekend, didn't think to take my camera last night - duhh again!
Oh, and I can have the plot for half price (£7 instead of £14).
I couldn't work out which plot was the half one, since the land behind the polytunnel (where I was told the half was) looks as though it's being well cultivated, will have to ring the guy at lunchtime to try to clarify!
Ohhh, I'm soooo excited - tree or not, half or not, it'll be MY allotment !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lainey lou]

Wow, that sounds fantastic! Free greenhouse and fruit bushes!
So pleased for you!

[momol]

Hi Sue,

Congratulations ! which ever it will be, both sounds great. The one with tree is really not a bad idea at all ( it comes with green house and berries and more space for your compost area ... ).

Momol

[moggssue]

Hey, compost area under the tree - I didn't think of that one Momol!! Ohhh, I can't wait ....

[Flummery]

The position of the tree, the fruit bushes, the free greenhouse - well, that makes a bit of a difference! Enjoy yourself (sounds like you are already!)