Should I, shouldn't I?

[Sonata]

Ok, I've only been at this gardening lark for 2.5 months now, and at the mo, I don't really have time for an allotment.

But I keep thinking about it - it's very alluring, particularly as I get overexcited about sowing seeds. It's like a drug.

How long, do you reckon you spend on your lottie? What would be the min time you'd need a week - and how often do you go?

Realistically I don't know if I have the time or energy. I'm (trying to) run a biz at home while looking after the toddler, doing most of the housework etc...all on an energy tank running on (almost) empty (I'm still having treatment for leukaemia and the drugs wipe me out).

I thought maybe I could consider it next year ..get a half plot or something, share with a friend? Or just stop being so silly....

[Nicos]

Once it's up and running- I'd say about 7 hrs per week for a full lottie ( that's how long we spent)

If there are 2 of you doing it- that's only 3 1/2 hrs per weekend- or a couple of nights a week for 1/2 hr and a couple of hrs at weekend (ish)...but you'll no doubt want to spend longer down there!!!

[Alison]

Currently I'm spending about 12 hours a week there over the weekends (where possible) and snatching as much time as I can during the week although this is usually more sowing / repotting things at home ready to take there at the weekends. I've also had 2.5 solid weeks off work dedicated to getting it sorted but this is a large and very overgrown plot. The list of things I'm wanting to do isn't really getting shorter and I've had quite a bit of help from OH and my friend. However, it's really good stress relief and encourages me to get up at a sensible time at the weekend. As the waiting lists are so long, I'd suggest you put your name down now and you can always see what you feel like when you get to the top.

[zazen999]

During April I can do mine in about 1 evening a week plus a few hours at the weekend if I have any, mainly prepping the beds and planting out more hardier crops

During May, that ups to every other evening and most of an afternoon at the weekend, as I am planting out all the lovely crops

During June, every evening for an hour mainly for weeding, replanting finished crops with more in their space, and harvesting!

During August, definitely every day, might miss a day or two but really don't want to - weeding, harvesting, furtling

Sept, planting out winter crops, harvesting, mulching, composting and probably every day or two

Oct, pulling stuff up, tidying, composting, mulching, weeding last ditch weeds and mulching stuff for the winter

Nov - Jan - once a week for ground prep, mulching, weeding, harvesting winter veg

Feb, seed sowing at home mainly, prep beds for new crops - weekly maintenance visit when the rain stops to pull out any early weeds, cardboarding any beds etc.

March, more sowing, prepping, making bean areas, cleaning anything you forgot last autumn, moving old plant pots back home, and harvesting the last of the swedes/leeks etc. Early broadies out - probably about 2 evenings a week. Plus, woodwork, making new beds etc etc.

Well, that's basically my year. Although I do like to go every day I can, this would be the minimum I would be there - and my plot is 5 mins cycle away.

[Birdie Wife]

If you're not sure how much time you'd realistically have to spend, why not share a plot with a friend who has more time - I'm sure they would appreciate a hand when you're able? Or ask at your local allotments if there's anyone who would be able to give you a small part of their plot to work? You'd have to come to an agreement about what you can harvest for your time but it might be a good way of finding out just how much work it is, vs what you can afford to put it.

[Matt.]

Theres only one way you'll know - have a go and find out. After all if its too much you can cut down on the size or give it up entirely. The time issue is very difficult to answer because we don't know what your future plot is like and I suppose what your work rate/quailty acceptance is like.

For instance I've dug over my whole plot and planted spuds, garlic, leeks and onions in about ten two hour sessions. My neighbour is far more anal about removing every last weed and is only half way there but in loads more time. Granted his looks better but I'm not so bothered and I rather get something.

I have a second plot that is used for pumpkins and squash which is quite frankly a disgrace. But I don't have time to turn it into a decent plot and I just do what I can keeping the weeds down. Its fine and nobody bothers and to be honest I'll probably give it up next year if there is a waiting list.

Get your name down on the lists and see what gets offered and if you're prepared to do the level of work needed. If you go for it just play it safe early on - i.e. don't go making big investments like raised beds, greenhouses, sheds etc. After a very short time you'll understand if its for you and the you take it from there! Good luck.

[zazen999]

Just don't do what my lottie neighbour did....his name is down for a lottie, last august he was no 6. So, he did a deal with my actual lottie neighbour who must have visited about 10 times all last year, he would dig, they would pay and they would share the produce.

He has dug the whole plot over, by hand, since last sept....and the plot is now 80% full of crops. The weeds he dug out were phenomenal.

However, the person whose plot it is has told the council bloke that they want to give it up next march at the end of the tenancy. He is number 3. which means, come april, it will be given to the person at the top. Unless by some freaky coincidence, 2 more become available then or drop out, or move etc etc....he will lose the plot.

All that work

[HeyWayne]

....he will lose the plot.

All that work

I'm not surprised either - I'd be the same!

I don't spend anywhere near enough time on my plot, but I'm hopeful that will improve.

[geoff]

There is usually such a long waiting time for an allotment that even if you're just thinking about getting one it's worth putting your name down asap
It's not binding, you can always turn it down if the offer comes and you decide not to go ahead with it

But there's only one way to see what you can manage...

Try half a plot; you won't really have lost a lot if you give it up after a while, but will have gained some experience and possibly some new friends

[BFG]

Where do you put your name down?

[BumbleB]

I think it sounds like you are already very busy with lots to do. Only you will know if you will have the time, commitment, patience and strength to transform a overgrown plot. I would see how your first season fares with growing in the garden and then decide from there.

[Droppey]

I'm only helping someone with their plot who is old and it has gone to ruin - I'm not helping as I haven't been able to get out to it much lately / All I can say is give it a go, if it works go for it if it doesn't put it down to a learning experience.

Be proud of yourself tho for doing what you do as well as going through an extremely tought time with your Leukaemia, hats off to you

[miffy]

I have half a plot, am a full time mum and have a full on job in education. However i reackon that i spent most weekends for the first few months clearing the plot but now it is up and the raised beds are in and i have put down weed surpresent on the paths and cardboard i spend about 4/5 hours up there a week.
You could do it gradually like i did it has taken me nearly a year to get my half plot looking like it does now and i did all the hard graft on my own, only when the weeds were gone did hubbie and son take an interest!
Would be much easier though if you had some help. Go on give it a go. There is nothing like it for charging your batteries, de stressing you, making new friends, learning new skills and getting a great sense of satisfaction.

[dexterdoglancashire]

I would ring your local council as they will know your local sites, or if you know where they are, pop down and say hello. There should be a site secretary who will take your details. You may find there is a long waiting list, so to put your name down sooner rather than later is better.
As for time, spend as much as you can down there. I find it very relaxing and enjoy every minute. With my old job I used to be able to call on my way home. I now have a slightly longer journey, but its always worth it.
Give it a go, you never know!

[ckfe]

are you allowed to put your name down at more than one site?