Thinking about giving up my two allotments.......

[Snadger]

........and downsizing slightly to a differnt one!

The plot I'm thinking about is next to the main gate (making it the first plot to be hit by vandals), is derelict (I like a challenge!) is oddly shaped (triangular beds anyone?) is prone to flooding (nowt that a French drain running along the front of it won't cure) is 1.5 times the size of a single plot (half the price for three quarters of present land area)
Am I mad? I've spent six years rescueing my two present plots from dereliction?

The person who rents the plot has moved to another plot (because of the above mentioned points) but has payed for this plot until April so he could move stuff at his leisure. He has now moved all his stuff methinks and is finished with it.
If i made a small donation to him I could probably start moving my accumulated stuff, greenhouses,sheds and fruit bushes from now until April ready for the new growing season

Why do I want to move? Because a big tree shades one of my plots. It would half my plot rental which is due to increase substantially next year and i need a new challenge!

[KarlB924]

I'd say do it, the money you'll be saving you can put towards new seeds/tools, or just save it for a treat! Plus, I feel if there's no challenge any more, then you've done what you can and it's time for a new challenge. That's why I just took on a plot myself, and started a horticulture course which has also given me a (smaller) plot to work on at college!

[Hans Mum]

Will your chooks be moving too & your burner ....if so go for it

[Aberdeenplotter]

well you are certainly aware of the downsides and getting rid of a tree problem( a tree will suck the goodness from a plot as well) is a biggie. The flooding issue would put me off and having my plot rumbled by a thief recently would make me think twice about exposing myself to possible vandalism. However, this isn't about me and if you think this other plot is the one for you then go for it matey. Dereliction is easily cured by hard work and you've done it before so you can do it again

[Snadger]

Will your chooks be moving too & your burner ....if so go for it

Too right they are. Chooks will have a new purpose built abode built from scratch but hidden at the back of the allotment away from prying eyes at the main gate.
Woodburner will be moving but not sure whether to site it in shed or greenhouse..........or maybe in between, don't know yet. Propose taking two 8 X 6 greenhouses and joining together. An 8 X 8 shed will also be moving with me and I may join shed or chicken coop to greenhouses.......havent decided yet. I intend leaving my purpose built greenhouse 8 X 15 with raised internal beds for new tennant along with chicken coup and one run. This has one piece 10 x 2 conservatory glass panes in the roof which I sourced myself and will be sad to say goodbuy to.

[WendyC]

I moved two seasons ago. My reasons were varied. I wanted to be nearer the water and to move away from a neighbour who had put up a tool shed just within our height limits. It shaded all my fruit so I was going to have to move all that anyway. I don't regret it at all. Just got 2nd best kept plot on my site so didn't take me too long to get back on track. I always think now is a good time for all that landscaping work.
Otherwise toss a coin. What ever your first reaction to the result will tell you what you really want to do.

[lottie dolly]

Sounds to me like you have already moved,if it feels right for you,then go for it,if not sure,have another re-think,if your positive the draining will do the trick,the only other thing is,about being near the gate,ask yourself,has that plot been hit before,if so,any more than others,as for the challenge,it most certainly will be,and will you still get club root,all the best mate,

[Snadger]

Sounds to me like you have already moved,if it feels right for you,then go for it,if not sure,have another re-think,if your positive the draining will do the trick,the only other thing is,about being near the gate,ask yourself,has that plot been hit before,if so,any more than others,as for the challenge,it most certainly will be,and will you still get club root,all the best mate,

Very perceptive LD! In my minds eye I've already moved I shouldn't count my chickens though as I haven't even approached the plot holder with my plans yet.

A chance to start again and try something new is the way I see it.

If it does come about I may post a few piccies of plot and try and get a few ideas from fellow 'viners' and go for a democratic allotment!

[Tripmeup]

Go for it Snadger...as Lottie says, sounds like you are on the way in your mind already!!

[Feral007]

I thought from the heading you were giving up gardening!

But no, you just want to do more work

Yep, apart from the vandals I think you'll be much happier. Maybe just work out a way of growing a screen of something at the front, that looks like crap so they don't get interested enough to come in and look?

[Olorin2001]

You might even start a new craze.
On our site we have three people swapping with each other, some downsizing, some upsizing.
We are calling it - Musical Allotments!
Any suggestions as to suitable music?

[Hans Mum]

Definitely go for it....as some of you know I was 'forced' to move late last year and my 'new to me' plot is brilliant.....a year in and I wouldnt go back to my original plot.
The 2 greenhouses are accessed through the shed which is brilliant idea (not my idea!!)

[Glutton4...]

I'd say yes, go for it, and as others have said, it does sound like your decision is already made! At least, if you approach the fella now, you can get your chooks installed, and they'll probably have it cleared by Christmad, ready for you to get started in the new year. Win-Win, I reckon!

[Mikey]

There is something to be said for the plot next to the gate mind. If you keep it tidy there's a higher chance you'll consistently win plot of the year.

[mrgrower]

Get ducks for when it floods raised beds a good drainage trench a shotgun against the scumbags less to pay unshaded and your up for a challenge. Are you blinking crazy? Go for it man.

I just gave over half my first plot that is shaded to my daughter the idea is to cut the amount of rent i'm paying for two plots and to get my daughter and grand kids out in the open air. Howevere I'm paying for her plot too and her site insurance, so something went wrong there hahaha