Puzzled

[flowerofshona]

Ok we have rented 2 plots out on site to new people.
They have been up looked, measured, talked, done the same thing a few more times, stood, shook heads and left !!
The plots are in good condition as the old plot holder mover to another bigger plot on site.
Now its been 3-4 weeks since they took these plots on and the weather has been quite good but not one spade or fork has hhit the ground !!!
Now i dont know about you lot but as soon as we where told we had our plot i was down there digging, clearing and was soooooo excited.
Now why would you get a lottie and not do a thing ?? surely if you can get going with that first 'flush' of excitment it does not look good !
They have 3 months to show they are working their plots or they lose it.
My though is 'first dig your plot' find out what the soil is like and make a start !
What are your thoughts ???

[zazen999]

My first step was to put weed fabric down to mark out my beds and then potatoes went in the next day. I had to wait a week for the plot to be rotavated by the council as that was part of the deal of us taking the plots over.

Perhaps they are sowing seeds like mad? Or perhaps they are scared stiff of what to do next?

[FionaH]

It's beyond me. I would be camping out down there

[jacob marley]

They probably not been told that you can do gardening before Whitson and Easter that is when the summer gardeners start with a big rush on our site....jacob

[zazen999]

What about a mentoring system? As suggested by Dale on another thread.

[flowerofshona]

They had a mentor session !! they have been talked to by 3-4 of the old guys on site and one has spent time giving lists of good varietys ect but not a fork has been seen !!
The plots dont need rotavating they are not that big so not daubting !!
Its the shear lack of enthusiasm thats getting many of us up there !
We have a huge waiting list and many who would like to get there hands on the soil.

[HeyWayne]

Maybe they have a newborn baby...

[zazen999]

Perhaps the old guys put them off!

If it might head off a revolt...perhaps a phone call to check they are ok and offer some seedlings you've got spare [or any excuse!!!]. You never know they might regret taking it on and be happy to give it up or they might just have something more important going on.

[jackie j]

I got mine on a tuesday evening and I was down there on the saturday digging and mine was in good nick. I would ring them and ask if they are ok and do they need any help.

[vicky]

Could they be measuring up for a fruit cage or chicken coop?
I'd agree with Jackie and give them a ring

[flowerofshona]

No chooks allowed on our site.
They have been up a few times but ones wife sits in the car looking bored and the hubby is not dressed for lottie work the other one came once and that was it !
They are told if they have any problems or need help to ask the site manager who is there every day !! We are a very friendly bunch and happy to help anyone get started but as i say if they cant find time to do something on their plots in 3-4 weeks when they know they are on a 3 month probation does not bode well
Its just so frustrating when on a daily basis i have people asking me where they are on the list and more wanting to join the list !
There are loads of free seeds available to anyone and our website holds loads of helpful advice and tips on what to sow now.

[yoanbob]

Im with wayne, give them a bit longer, you dont know what the home situations are at the mo, if things dont improve in time you could bring it up then

[Norburger]

interesting...

I have found if you listen too much to the old hands on the sites you could be put off for life... you need to try and find a few folks of different age ranges and backgrounds to talk to.

[Pumpkin Becki]

I think the chap will struggle if his wife/partner isn't remotely interested. Getting a plot going is probably the most labour intensive part, my OH and I would probably both have given up quite quickly if we weren't doing it together (We were setting up raised beds on a previously uncultivated area), now its all set up its an absolute doddle and I or the OH can potter on our own quite happily.

[Tori]

Yep give them a bit longer, maybe they have had problems at work or at home, you just don't know. I have had my plot since Dec and apart from clearing rubbish out of shed and building a rather spectacular (if i do say so myself) double compost bin, and marking out the beds I haven't done much at all. The rotavator is on hire for this weekend though now that the ground has had a bit of time to dry out (its clay). I really haven't been able to do much more as it was so wet (if not covered in snow!)
And I also have to say I am planting like mad in the greenhouse, but its still too cold to move much out.