30 minute allotment - is it possible?

[Effigy]

I've been reading about the '30 minute allotment' principle, where it is claimed that an allotment can be very productive and well maintained all within 30 minutes per day (and thats not including weekends!)

Is such a thing possible?

Obviously time saving has too take precedence over anything else, so the principle calls for the use of Roundup to clear beds, rotovators to dig the ground, raised beds to avoide winter digging, loads of manure/compost as mulches to prevent weeds, using plug plants to avoid sowing/thinning etc etc

It sounds feasible IF
1. You can plan jobs down to minute detail so that each 30 minute slot is maximised
2. You can afford the higher costs involved
3. You dont have any hang-ups about using chemical/mechanical aids

I have a very full time job but enjoy growing my own vegetables. I'm not lazy, but I am very 'time-poor' so I am seriously interested in giving this a go. Whats your opinion?

[zazen999]

Totally agree with it.

We rotavated our garden., put raised beds in last year, added thick compost and dug in at the start.

It has repayed us by being really fertile, and apart from the planting and harvesting - only takes a couple of hours every weekend to weed the small amount of weeds that come through. Even less in winter.

I totally agree with the no-dig method; and once rotavated only dig to remove deep roots. Once done, I won't do it again.

fully intend to do this with the lottie, once the couch grass is under control!

[Nicos]

Yes- it is VERY possible.
And you don't need to resort to chemicals etc.

I'm talking about maintaining the allotment though- not starting from scratch ( unless it's been left in very good condition)

You just need to choose fruit and veg which require little watering/feeding/weeding and if you can create raised beds weeding becomes easier too as the soil isn't compacted.
Mulching and planting through breathable membrane ( allows water through but no weeds)
And the use of fleece and nets over fruit and veg to reduce pests ruining your crops will all help.
Don't have a greenhouse on the lottie as that demands a lot of attention.
Salad stuff can be grown at home where you have more time to nip out.
Go for it.....you CAN stay pretty organic if you prefer to!

The initial clearing of a plot....only accept one which is in good condition- OR if not- then take a few days holiday ( if you can ) or get some mates over (and have a picnic/BBQ as a thank-you ) to break the back of the heavy work

You'll be up and running in no time!!

[Hans Mum]

absolutely possible, once youve got it in a reasonable state, and until you do cover what youre not cultivating, i go for 1/2 hour every other evening to water, check, crop ,weed etc, then spend a few hours at the weekend but only because i want to escape there

[Mikey]

I think the concensus of opinion will be once up and running 30mins is plenty to keep in in tip top condition. However, if you are given a weed infest plot to begin with, you will be there forever before you get up and running.

[robD]

I'd say no, but then that probably because I'm still trying to tame my allotment from many years of neglect. I think it depends on the size of the growing area and what you are growing really. Stuff that's going to be in situ for quite a while is probably best.

[Two_Sheds]

Yes, once it's all dug over and weed-free.
You can easily spend your allocated 30 minutes just leaning on a spade and mardling with your neighbours though

[Norm]

Not a chance. When you arrive, you have to sort yourself out and work out what needs doing. Then there's the fag and a brew with the lads. There's an hour gone already.
Next you collect the tools you need and go and whatever, then there's another fag and a brew with the lads and bedore you know, it's lunch time. After lunch, you start the whole process over again until it's time for tea.
All takes a good 5 or 6 hours if you do it right

[SarzWix]

I think you'd definately have to go down the route of weedkillers & rotavators to get it in a decent state to begin with. I'm in my second year on my plot and it takes a lot more than half an hour to do the weeding (even with things mulched/covered etc), but I didn't spray everything when I first got it.