How much?

[hellou76]

I was wondering how much time people spent on their allotment? (how long is a peice of string? I know) Been thinking about it for a while now and there are some empty plots only a 10 minute walk from where I live but I'm not really sure I'm going to have the time. I am guessing that this is a busy time of year on the allotment. It would be really helpful for me if you could let me know on average how many visits each week and for how long each time.

[Snadger]

Every day for a couple of hours and a full day at weekends!

[CaroltheCarrot]

I try to go everyday when i can, but other plot holders only go at weekends.I would say I spend about 10-12 hours a week

[Jeanied]

I do about 4 hours a week averaged over a year - busy months, an hour a day and 3-4 hours on a weekend - quieter months (Nov - March) 2 hours a week max. Some weeks when there is snow on the ground - nothing!

[walldanzig]

every day for 1/2 hour as the chickens are up there. It gives me time to feed and water both plants and chickens

[Nicos]

We worked out about an hour a day for a full plot- so 2 of us could cover everything in a morning at weekend- plus nipping down to crop fruit /beans etc for 10 mins a couple of times during the week ( bit longer if watering was needed).
November to February, hardly anything apart from collecting veg.

That was with raised beds which makes life much easier.

Choosing low maintanence crops helps reduce time too.

...and for us, that was the minimum time- problem is that it could take much longer if you stand and natter to your neighbours- or just stand and stare and lovingly enjoy yours and natures creations!

[Alison]

If I can then I'll go up once or twice a week after work in the evenings for an hour or two (it can take that long to pick crops and water the polytunnel) and then at least one, if not two full days at weekends by preference but a minimum of a couple of afternoons. Probably between about April and October I like to spend an average of 16 to 20 hours there or I feel I'm fighting a losing battle. However it's worth mentioning that I'm still claiming parts of my plot as I've had it less than two years so far but to be honest I can't see me wanting to reduce the time much. One of the other plot holders can only get there for about 5 or 6 hours max a week and as a result, their plot is far less productive.

[Hans Mum]

mines a 5 minute walk from home so pop over 2 or 3 evenings a week after work for bit of watering & harvesting, then as much time as I can at weekends for me its a place to relax and chill as well as growing and as its now under reasonable control its more maintenance than anything else.

[susieq100]

During school holidays I will spend up to 3 hours per day down there - but not every day. When I am at work might be able to pop down in the evening for 30 mins or so to harvest and water (have to drag OH with me then otherwise it would take longer) and at the weekends ideally at least 4 hours. It depends how fetishistic you are about weeding etc. I can't be a perfectionist, I don't have the time, but my plot is productive and definitely worth it financially and in terms of the satisifaction I get. I have made 20 lbs of piccalilli this week with home grown ingredients and the most expensive item I used was the mustard! This is the best time of the year - HARVEST TIME!

[The Large One]

stop off nearly every evening on way home from work, for any watering needs and harvesting.
weekends normally a whole day or 2 1/2 days, but a large part of weekends is coffe and watching world go by broken up with a bit of weeding or planting

being new to this i like to keep an eye on everything as best i can but other allotment holders on the plot you may see once a week at most

[Hans Mum]

but a large part of weekends is coffe and watching world go by broken up with a bit of weeding or planting

hard work that bit...i keep practising

[Currysniffa]

I like to get to my lottie for a couple of hours a day usually (more if its dry and needs watering) but as its the school hol's (I look after our son full time) and raining most of the time I'm only making it for an hour to hour and a half twice three times a week,

I'm getting withdrawal symptoms

[The Large One]

hard work that bit...i keep practising

my wife says i've got it down to a tee

[taff]

if you're wondering whether it's too much work, there's a book called , I think, the half hour allotment. Ask in the library or something... It's got a lot of good advice on how to cope with what you're growing and where to spend time for maximum return.

[jackyspratty]

I would love to spend more time at mine. I used to have 3-4 hours every sunday guarenteed for 2 qurater plots (different sites, one was my friends). Plus would go to my local one which is walkable for 1-2 hours 2-3 times a week. My friend has now stopped so am trying to do both still. However I am ow trying to do both with my OH and 2 boys (Bless em!) however it now something that is fitted in amongst everything else, rather than me being able to savour my little bit of heaven!

I have found that the cover and mulch technique as recommended by the great grapes on here has beena wonder. It has meant minimal weeding and I tend not too water, unless very very dry. I would defo advocate this as a way to minimise work.