94th on waiting list :(

[ckfe]

Well how badly do you want a plot? Where's your mustard?

Our plot has locked gates too. I just kept going past until I saw a person, shouted Hullo and they let me in to have a look round.

how long did you wait for a plot two_sheds?

[Incy]

Our council has a very clear set of instructions on how to apply for a plot which includes contacting the allotment manager and going down to your local site and getting your name on the list there. Hopefully it will work although we have so far managed to get on the list at the site and have only reached an answer phone for the allotment officer. Sadly the lists are also long here oh well at least we are on it.

[Two_Sheds]

how long did you wait for a plot two_sheds?

About 6 months in each case, before I took matters into my own hands

[ckfe]

you have to fill in an application form and send it to our council but i've also got my name down on two self managed sites (they're the ones that i'm 41st and 10th on)

[Two_Sheds]

Our council has a very clear set of instructions on how to apply for a plot which includes contacting the allotment manager and going down to your local site and getting your name on the list

Of course it does.
However, allotment officers have lots of other jobs to do as well, and some are a bit lax at filling empty plots (or even knowing there ARE empty plots).

Don't make a pest of yourself, but look keen.

[ckfe]

About 6 months in each case, before I took matters into my own hands

how many were on the waiting list and what do you mean by took matters into your own hands??

[Two_Sheds]

I put my name down on 3 sites, waited 6 months, heard nothing. I then literally walked onto the site one day and talked to the Site Rep, who said "oh, we've got loads of empty plots". It's so frustrating.... the Secretary hadn't contacted the Site Rep at all.

Allotments aren't very well organised - people don't talk to each other, enquiries don't get followed up.

Same thing with my new plot. I wrote, I phoned ... nothing. So I walked up there, saw an empty plot covered in brambles, and made a nuisance of myself until they let me have it!

how many were on the waiting list and what do you mean by took matters into your own hands??

See my previous post.

No idea what "number" I was. They don't count round 'ere, but they can drive a tractor.

[NOG]

just had a letter from croydon council offering me a plot - have been on their waiting list for 2 years - there are about 20 plots available on a site with about 120 plots.

I have always found that when you are on a list ...make a pain of yourself. Phone every week but be nice....they you either make a friend of the person or are a nag and either way they want to be rid of you.

[bluemoon]

Also, lots of people take on a plot, spend an entire weekend clearing it, disappear for a month, then walk away never to be seen again because the weeds have had the audacity to grow back. Take heart the list might not be as bad as it at first seems and, as Two Sheds says, nag.

[PAULW]

Early on in the year we had two plots to let the site manager went through 14 people on the list before he got to someone who wanted a plot, excuses like "i dont want one right now i dont retire for another five years" or even worse " oh i aready have a plot on another site" some people are just to ignorant to let people know they dont want/have a plot somewhere else.

[NOG]

Yep that happens all the time.

[Pies]

Thats what must have happened to me.I emailed the council and as expected i was something like 34th on the waiting list,so no chance of getting one this year

Roll on one WEEK i get an email saying there is a plot available if i want it

It did at first look bad but this was just neglect ,the soil is pretty good for clay,im guessing alot of people didn't want a plot now,or didn't fancy this particular plot

[NOG]

Where are you Pies....good to see you on here

[Pies]

Been lurking a while its good to see so many establised gardeners here

I'm from Ashford in Kent

Wasn't expecting a plot for a year or two got one now sow just mainly clearing the site not planted much so far,
beans (french and runners)
sweetcorn,
way too many courgettes (16) and a second lot germinating
2 x BNS
Toms
Peppers

Just looking to cover ground

[Bramble_killer]

I wish that was the case here the allotments are quite busy (well, busy enough to have the gate opened and closed every few minutes at the weekend). We'll wait and see until the growing season is over as I doubt anyone will give up their plot now.

well done to you pies!