If you were me...

[sweetiepea]

I'd have a fit if anyone touched my plot. My advice is leave well alone.

[Snadger]

Have you been given your half of the plot officially or is he still paying the rent for the full plot?

Either way you will have enough to do at this time of year to get your own half in shape without anything else.
If and when you do eventually meet him I would just be sociable and not even mention doing his bit!

After a full season of your bit kept immaculate he may ask YOU for help, but let him do the asking or he may take uppance and think you're trying to muscle in on his bit.

All the above is in my humble opinion of course!

[organic]

It's nice to see some really helpful responses here!

I've got no intention of just marching onto his side. While I'm really easy going and if someone pulled out or hoed in a couple of weeds on my plot because they knew I was stretched for time I'd be grateful (though I would rather do it all myself) - I'm aware plots are a kinda personal thing and I wouldn't want to tread on toes so I'll do nothing until we've met.

That said, I will need to weed onto his side a tiny bit as I've got to re-lay a path that's currently up the side so it goes between our plots. I'll just get on with that whether I've met him or not (careful to make sure it's dead-centre of course!) and see what happens when we eventually end up there at the same time.


Hazel - my horses are well held I'm just incredibly keen! I really enjoy gardening so it would be no chore at all to help out. I know what you mean though, there's no point getting ahead of myself.


Keith - I'll most likely have some nettles on the go for similar reasons so am aware the line between desirable and weed isn't a clear one.


It's nice that the varied responses (well, apart from the side-show between posts 10 and 14 - haha) are almost all things that I've thought about it. I think I've got a better idea how to approach the whole thing now... though of course, that could all change by the time I meet him!


Snadger
He's officially given up this half. I've payed my membership and as of next month will be on an agreement with rent paid. The secretary's view was there's no point him dealing with rent for a few weeks only for me to have to pay again soon after. I'm assured that there's no funny business and the plot really is mine. Of course, I do have a habit of looking for the best in people, I'm aware I could well be screwed over but the prevailing opinion seems to be that he's a nice guy, the secretary is decent and I've been made to feel very welcome, so I can't see it happening. If it does, I'll put it down to experience and move on.

As for enough to do this time of year - you're not kidding! Paths to lay, beds to dig, a MOUNTAIN of docks to dig up, bins to build, things to plant and sow... more than enough to stay busy for the time being.