Am I ready for an allotment?

[Diva1983]

I've been thinking about applying for an allotment for a while now. I've been reading up on the subject, looking at what I'd be able to grow etc. However I'm still not sure if I'm ready for an allotment. I think what's worrying me is what if I take it on and cannot handle the size of the plot. Plus would I be able to devote the right amount of time to it?

Mum is willing to help me out with the picking of the vegetables but everything else will be down to me.

I've been reading and hearing how allotment 'culture' is changing and not all allotmenteers are 'mature' men anymore. This sounds excellent as I'd hate to be the only bird on the allotments.

If anyone has recently taken on an allotment was it a scary process?!

Am I the only one who's actually scared of getting an allotment in fear of failure?

I currently grow fruit and vegetables in my garden but with the way food prices are going I thought I would combine my love of growing fruit and veg with my desire to have a production hobby that will give me an opportunity to get away from the stresses of my day job.

Alliyah

[Flummery]

Can you take a half plot? - that's what I've got. I'd have liked a full one though but there were 2 on the waiting list (it's only a small village) and one plot came up.

[Capsid]

Sounds like you are itching to get going! You can take on a plot and then cultivate what you think you can handle and then expand into it as you get more confident. You can lay down carpet to suppress weeds and start with something easy like potatoes which help break up the soil. Or...get a plot that is already cultivated and ready for planting.

[Nicos]

It would make things easier for you if you could put an area over to fruit trees and bushes with a wildflower/wildlife lawn beneath them? ..it would mean no mowing and you'd still get fruit.
You'd have to check if it's OK to do that on the site as different sites have different regulations re trees and 'grassed' areas.

Go for it.......

[zazen999]

Laying carpet isn't advised any more because of the stuff they put in it for moths...but you can lay cardboard and weed fabric down if you can't cultivate it all. Or, pop some flowers on un-vegged patches to keep the ground active.

I'd pop your name down now, as if you wait until you decide you'll just be further down the list. It's easier to come off it if you get to the top before you are ready...

[jackie j]

Go for it. It will take a while to actually get one as usually the waiting list is long depending where you live. Give yourself a year of working it, once bitten, you will wonder why you hesitated.

[firstimer1]

Hi Diva1983 go for it i was lucky to get my plot as there was no waiting list and had the pick of 3 all totally overgrown, its hard work getting it cleared but am nearly half way there
an luv every minuite of it, so much so i've aquired the plot next door also (i think i must be insane) so get your name down as quick as you can and keep us informed on how you get on, best of luck Belle

[moggssue]

I think you should go for it as well. If you put your name down now, you'll still have a while to think about what to do with it, make plans and so on then by the time one becomes free for you you'll be raring to go. Getting my plot was one of the best things I've done even though sometimes it is a struggle to keep it all going. It's well worth the effort every time!

Dont forget to let us know how you get on .....

[jaykay]

Yes, I agree with the others - go for it! On my site there are as many lady gardeners and couples as there are men. You'll make the time to manage it once you get one but be warned it can become a bit addictive. Well worth it though. Good luck, hope you find a plot soon.

[Diva1983]

Thank you guys-I've emailed the person in charge (local council were nice enough to send through the info). I'm hoping to attend their next "meeting".

Now I'm not sure if this is true, but someone (a friend) has mentioned we don't have much of a wait in Stoke-on-Trent. If that is true, how odd!

Thanks again folks-you've made a hard decision easy. I never thought about fruit bushes/trees but they seem like a practical idea.

Alliyah

[susieq100]

I'm in Stoke on Trent too and I had hardly any wait - I think it depends where in the city you are. On my site there are more women than men 'allotmenteers' and there's a real mixture of ages too. It's a nice friendly place and although I have only been 'at it' since the beginning of June I am really enjoying it. You just do what you can when you can - I'm thinking of it as a long term project and it is my bit of sanity. Digging is so therapeutic and so satisfying! You can see what you've done. And the planning is such fun.

[snuffer]

As everyone else has already said, go for it. I can't imagine you'd be the only woman working a plot. Loads of women have allotments. The best plot on our site is tended by a woman. Our parish council awards a prize each year for the best tended allotment and it is regularly won by one or other of the ladies. Just remember, HAVE FUN.

[spiderpig]

i share you doubts diva'.however after putting my name down last year on two local sites and being told the wait would be forever,i got a call on sunday and got offered one!!!
After a quick viewing and after being told how long the waiting list had grown since i added my name,i snapped it up.£24 for first year was just too cheap to refuse.

However since sunday my days have fluctuated between wild excitement about what great things i can do,to the slumps of self doubt where i rock back and forth just repeating "what have i done??" over and over.

The forthcoming hardwork aside for a moment,i think the biggest worry at present is deciding how to plan my space.However I think before i make the wrong decisions,i'm determined to have a good walk round the site and try and nick some of the good allotment layout ideas.

good luck whatever you decide and if you decide to jump in..........i'll be the one floundering in the deep end!!!

[Diva1983]

I'm in Stoke on Trent too and I had hardly any wait - I think it depends where in the city you are. On my site there are more women than men 'allotmenteers' and there's a real mixture of ages too. It's a nice friendly place and although I have only been 'at it' since the beginning of June I am really enjoying it. You just do what you can when you can - I'm thinking of it as a long term project and it is my bit of sanity. Digging is so therapeutic and so satisfying! You can see what you've done. And the planning is such fun.

The nearest allotments to me are (I think) the ones in Festival Park. Lets hope they don't have much of a wait on

[Nicos]

You know....if you're really having doubts and mini panic attacks between elation and euphoria sessions, then all you can do is have a go ...and then at least you'll find out either way!!!
If I can give living in France a go, leaving my family and friends for weeks at a time ( we intend to travel between the two countries) ...and STILL keep the allotment ( with a bit of help), then you can at least have a go with getting a lottie...there will always be someone ready to take it off your hands at a moments notice if you feel you've made the wrong decision!!!

Big breath in...big smile...and go for it!

Hope you get one soon