Just got my first allotment!

[Mrs Jackson]

We'd been told there was a 3 year+ waiting list for the local allotments so I went on the list last year just after my youngest son was born thinking that by the time we got one he'd be old enough to come with me and 'help'. Anyway, they told me last week that I was top of the list and now I have my very own half plot! Well, not quite half as it's only 4 poles, but it's all mine! There's no marestail or brambles, but there's plenty of docks, thistles and bindweed to contend with, the weeds are all taller than me and everything's seeding everywhere. I did find a frog though, so that cheered me up a bit! I can't afford to hire a petrol strimmer, so this weekend I'm tackling the lot with some of my Mum's old shears and covering it with some tarpaulin whilst I concentrate on digging some beds at the front of the plot for some seedlings I'm starting off at home. Hopefully we'll have a dry weekend and someone will offer to look after the boys for a few hours so I can actually get something done. I'm wondering if I'm going to be totally out of my depth and fail miserably (as everyone else seems to think I will), but I'm hoping to prove them wrong

Mrs J

[ckfe]

We'd been told there was a 3 year+ waiting list for the local allotments so I went on the list last year just after my youngest son was born thinking that by the time we got one he'd be old enough to come with me and 'help'. Anyway, they told me last week that I was top of the list and now I have my very own half plot! Well, not quite half as it's only 4 poles, but it's all mine! There's no marestail or brambles, but there's plenty of docks, thistles and bindweed to contend with, the weeds are all taller than me and everything's seeding everywhere. I did find a frog though, so that cheered me up a bit! I can't afford to hire a petrol strimmer, so this weekend I'm tackling the lot with some of my Mum's old shears and covering it with some tarpaulin whilst I concentrate on digging some beds at the front of the plot for some seedlings I'm starting off at home. Hopefully we'll have a dry weekend and someone will offer to look after the boys for a few hours so I can actually get something done. I'm wondering if I'm going to be totally out of my depth and fail miserably (as everyone else seems to think I will), but I'm hoping to prove them wrong

Mrs J

congrats mrs j!!!.. gives me a bit of hope that you don't always have to wait as long as they say.. hope you have tons of fun

[rustylady]

We'd been told there was a 3 year+ waiting list for the local allotments so I went on the list last year just after my youngest son was born thinking that by the time we got one he'd be old enough to come with me and 'help'. Anyway, they told me last week that I was top of the list and now I have my very own half plot! I'm wondering if I'm going to be totally out of my depth and fail miserably (as everyone else seems to think I will), but I'm hoping to prove them wrong

Course you won't fail!! It may take you some time, but you will get there. Chop down (with shears if necessary) and cover as you said. Clear a bit at a time and get stuff planted so you can see some results. If you can keep the worst bits covered it will soon be Autumn and weeds will (hopefully) stop growing so you can carry on with the clearing. Good luck

[Snadger]

Well done Mrs Jackson and ENJOY!

[Two_Sheds]

well done! I'd tackle it the same way you are ... cut it down, cover it up. Dig it once the roots are seriously weakened.

btw, you don't want to be strimming if you have frogs ... they don't have the sense to get out the way, and it makes an awful mess all over your shoes

[Incy]

Congratulations! Very jealous, Hope the list we are on goes down as quickly!

[stupot]

Well done! Lots of work for the first year or two but well worth it. As said above, chop and cover is the best way. If you can get hold of old carboard boxes they work well as cover too.

[jackie j]

Well done, my inlaws had the same response, they didnt say anything but I could tell by the way they rolled eyes, but I have prooved them wrong, now they look forward to their veg boxes. I dont have any littleis to worry about and my time is my own. Tackle it bit by bit, plant or sow something when you have cleared the first bit, it does wonders for you to see something growing. Dont try and clear it all at once.
Good luck and happy growing.

[susieq100]

I second the cardboard box idea - I use them for all sorts of things - it's the ultimate recycling! Good luck and enjoy. You will have a huge sense of achievement every time you look at what you have done ... no matter how little you think it is .. quick look at the photo you posted and it will spur you on.

[TEB]

You dont sound like the type of person who will "fail", yes it will get a bit depressing with all the back breaking ground clearance but once you start to put seeds in the ground you will have the pleasure of looking forward to that moment when you show your produce to all your detractors, you will need to practice a "smug I told you so look".

[ckfe]

I'm wondering if I'm going to be totally out of my depth and fail miserably (as everyone else seems to think I will), but I'm hoping to prove them wrong

Mrs J

just wondering if any of the grapes on here has had an allotment and then found out they couldn't cope or just basically got bored with it? cos like mrs j i wonder if i'll be totally out of my depth (when i eventually get an allotment that is!!!! )

[greengas]

Congratulations you will not fail and with the good advice of so many grapes on here you will be inspired just like i have.

[lainey lou]

Congratulations, sounds like a good plan.
Course you wno't fail, just keep at it little and often.
Mine looked like yours when I first took it on, I'm so proud of what I have achieved (with a little help from my OH!!)

[Nicos]

Fantastic news!!!!...bet you keep finding yourself grinning .....

[Pumpkin Becki]

Chuffed to bits for you! You'll be absolutely fine, nature is very forgiving. As everyone has said, just tackle manageable sized bits at a time, don't over-face yourself because that will be disheartening. I like to start lots of things off at home first, so I'm putting little plants into the ground, not just seeds, then when you step back you've got instant gratification.