Thinking about downsizing

[Plot10]

My son will be moving away from home from later this year and OH and I will be on our own so I won't need to grow so much. Also we'd like to spend more time going away for weekends and short breaks.

I'm considering asking for a transfer to a smaller plot, the same distance from home but only 5 minutes from work, though I don't know how long I'd have to wait.

The advantages would be firstly, as it's so close to work I could get a lot done before and after work as well as pop over at a lunchtime. Currently if I want to do that I have to take the car to work which is a waste of petrol and parking fees (current plot is 1.5 miles from home but 3 miles from work). This would also free up more of my weekends.

Secondly, as it's smaller the rent would be cheaper, though that's not a major consideration (saving about £20 per year).

Thirdly, as it's smaller I'd find it more manageable whereas sometimes at the moment I struggle.

On the other hand, I've put a lot of work in at my present plot over the last 5 or so years, transforming it from totally neglected rough pasture to reasonably well tended plot. I've planted a lot of fruit trees and bushes and don't know how well they would take to transplanting. I've also had a fair bit of help from friends and family over the years and I'd feel a bit guilty about giving it up after their hard work.

My current plot is approximately 5 meters by 25 meters and the plots at the other site look to be around 1/4 to 1/2 of that.

Doea anyone have any thoughts or experiences they'd like to share?

[Fleurisa]

At our allotment site they are happy to divide the full size plots in half, so that more people can have allotments. Ask your committee if you could do that.

[kathycam]

When I moved recently, I didn't want to give up my hard work. But the drive was far too long and you would have had to grow a lot of veg to make the petrol money worthwhile.

We gave up the bigger plot first as we'd only had it a few months. And we kept hold of the small plot, but the times we made it there dwindled. And then some road repairs damaged a lot of my hard work, so it wasn't worth keeping it on. Now we've a large garden and we spend a lot more time on it. We've managed to move fruit trees, fruit bushes, herb plants and even globe artichokes here and they are all doing fine.

Put your name down, you can always change your mind if you need to, as it could be a while before a new plot comes up!

[WendyC]

Put your name down for a new plot. As already said you don't know how long it might take. In the meanwhile start preparing for a move, e.g. by taking cuttings. When a new plot comes up you'll be clearer in you mind as to what effect your son leaving home might have had. I moved plot a few years ago, albeit, on the same site and don't regret it as all.

[Bigmallly]

Am I right in thinking you don't have the scope to grow in a garden, even if it is in pots & tubs............sorry, forgot dustbins..............

[Alison]

My current plot is approximately 5 meters by 25 meters and the plots at the other site look to be around 1/4 to 1/2 of that.

You lay out some good argument for moving but do you really mean that the new plot could be only a quarter of your current one. If you're current one is only 5m wide (admittedly a better length) then you could be left with a very small growing space. I'd go up to the other site and have a look around, check out availability and see if they really are that small. I understand that you want a bit less space but you still need to have sufficient for your needs and if you're only reducing your mouths by a third you don't want to reduce your produce by three quarters.

[Plot10]

Thanks for the advice.

Fleurisa, I have considered asking to halve my current plot but that would still leave me the travel issue. Also I’ve noted that when new people take on vacant plots around me, they always moan about the condition it’s in and I would feel awkward with a new tenant on the other half – particularly as the bit I’d like to give up is the boggiest and most recently reclaimed bit and a new person may feel they’d been dumped with the worst bit (true). I’d feel I had to spend time making it pristine before handing it over and that rather defeats the object. I’d also still have to move a lot of stuff as all my fruit trees and shed etc are on the boggy bit.

Another advantage of the new site being close to work is that I’d be able to pop over during the winter at a lunchtime whereas I rarely get near my current plot between October and March during the week as it’s dark when I leave the house and dark when I get home.

Mally, I have a tiny garden but do grow things like tomatoes at home as it’s easier to keep on top of the watering. I also have a gooseberry hedge to keep the cats out (it doesn’t work).

Alison, not totally sure of the size, I could be wrong but they look quite small – I can’t get in as there is a padlock on the gate and I can’t really see the plot boundaries on Google. I don’t really need all the space I’ve got at the moment.

Kathy and Wendy – You’ve confirmed my thinking. At least if I apply and there’s a long wait, I still have the option of reducing my current plot. I suppose I’m scared of feeling like a failure but If I don’t there’s a risk it’ll turn into a sort of tyranny that I keep going for the sake of it rather than something I enjoy.

It’s great how just sharing something and getting other people’s opinion can clarify the mind.

[Bigmallly]

The last thing you want is for it to become a chore so you do what you feel best to make it a pleasure.

[AllInContainers]

Agreed! If it's not fun, you're doing it wrong

I have a small garden, and last year even that became too much of a chore, so I've gone for a combination of lower maintenance and stuff that's expensive to grow in the shops this year. For example, I didn't feel that toms and carrots were worth my time in the garden, so switched to fruits and exotic veg instead ..... and a lot of them With a bit of thought, you can acheive a lot more than you'd expect in a small garden, and having a smaller/easier to manage plot as well would be a cherry on top.

Don't be afraid of "being a failure" because you downsized. You're only a failure if you don't fix what isn't working. Go for what works for you with no regrets. Better to have a small plot that's well maintained and productive (whether lottie or at home), than a large plot that you don't go to

[Plot10]

Thanks again. I discussed it with OH last night and he said he thought it was getting too much for me but didn't like to mention it "for fear of getting his head bitten off" which maybe says something about how it's getting on top of me. I'd thought he might be annoyed as he's spent a lot of time putting up a fence and shed and greenhouse for me but he was right behind my decision.

So I've e-mailed the Council and asked for plans of the site I want to move to so I can see if it will be suitable.

[Bigmallly]

And I am sure he will be behind your decision this time.