If you were me...

[organic]

I'm taking over half a plot from a guy who's very busy and doesn't get to tend to his plot as much as he'd like (hence giving up this half).

I'm told he's a really nice guy, though I still have meeting him to look forwards to.

The thing is, since he can't get down often the plot is VERY weedy. The other plots around us look well kept.

Now, I'm thinking about offering to help tend to his plot (not do it all mind, just keep an eye on it) for a few reasons.
In no particular order...

1> The less weeds he has... the less I have.
2> If he decides to give up his half of the plot, well, there's always a chance my helping will mean I'll get to take it over giving me a full plot with no need to move.
3> Well it's just a nice thing to do, isn't it!

So, what would you do? I'm not exactly in the position to throw my weight around and start demanding he weeds his plot (and I'm just not that way inclined) and my motives are a mix of selfless and selfish so it's not pure alturism.

Would you offer to help on his side, or just leave him to it?

[piskieinboots]

*I* wouldn't so much offer as just do a little bit (as a tester) - say a bit very close to your half, if he comments say 'oh sorry, I got carried away' or some such mumblings.

His comment would surely be (mine would if I were too busy!) 'oh excellent, thank you' and then you can keep going.

But I guess this would depend on his personality, so maybe review your thinking when you have met him

[Flummery]

I'd be a bit cautious like Piskie. Maybe, say, weed one bed near yours and say you hope he doesn't mind but you like weeding (ok lie!). Most people would be delighted but there's just the chance you'll get a 'Get Orff Moi Laaand! response.

[zazen999]

I wouldn't do anything until I met him, in all honesty.

[Hazel at the Hill]

You've only just got on the site, and you've not met the bloke - I'd say to hold your horses! He might be able to keep half a plot weed free - you won't know until next season (weeds dying down now).

Take it from there.

Personally I'd be appalled if my new neighbour started marching onto my half plot and deciding to have a bash!

[ginger ninger]

I'd be very cautious, It could be a ploy, you do all the hard work and him reap the benefits, I agree with "zazen", wait until you meet the guy. Sorry if I sound negative. I am happy you've got chance of half a plot. xx

[Keith2202]

Wait until you have met him for the reasons above.

Plus they may not be weeds!
He maybe growing a patch of nettles to attract nettle aphids and hence, ladybirds. He could be growing some dandelions to make dandelion tea. He could be planning to train some brambles but hasn't had the time yet. etc

[HeyWayne]

Wait until you meet him - most definitely.

I wouldn't venture onto someone else's plot until invited. Even when my neighbours say "help yourself" whilst they're away on hols or some such and I'm tending their plot, or watering, I still feel funny about doing it.

[Pumpkin Becki]

Wait until you meet him - most definitely.

I wouldn't venture onto someone else's plot until invited. Even when my neighbours say "help yourself" whilst they're away on hols or some such and I'm tending their plot, or watering, I still feel funny about doing it.

Its a lovely thought, but I completely agree with Wayne, wait until you've met the chap. Plots are very personal spaces, a neighbour has just offered to help me with mine as I'm a bit tied up at the moment, but I can't bring myself to accept - its my plot, all mine I tell you!! Mwhahaha!!

[HeyWayne]

On a slightly unrelated note, I now have Altered Images "Happy Birthday" going round in my head as a result of this thread title.

[ginger ninger]

its my plot, all mine I tell you!! Mwhahaha!!

P.B run's off.... pulling a black cape over her head .

[ginger ninger]

On a slightly unrelated note, I now have Altered Images "Happy Birthday" going round in my head as a result of this thread title.

Claire Grogen's "Happy Birthday", WOW wayne thats a blast from the past.

[Pumpkin Becki]

P.B run's off.... pulling a black cape over her head .

Oh! Its all gone dark?!?

[ginger ninger]

Oh! Its all gone dark?!?

WHO said that?????

[Alison]

I wouldn't do anything until you know him and then tread carefully, for all you know he may be feeling a bit put out that he can't manage the whole plot and wishing that he didn't have to give up half so an offer of additional help (or even worse, doing it without asking) might touch a raw nerve - this newbie coming in and taking over......... and that's not your intent at all. Anyway, you'll have more than enough to do in your own half to start with so probably won't have the time!