I just had the phone call!!

[vegtable newbie!]

As some of you know at the beginning of feb I phoned up about an allotment and was told I am on a waiting list!

Anyway, jumping with excitement, I have just had a phone call to say one has become available!! I cant believe how quick it has happened! It's 7 rods - what's that pease? Ok for a first timer who has no idea what they are doing?!

The site manager is phoning later to discuss it and I am hoping to go see the plot tomorrow. What questions should I ask please? I have thought of some shall I tell you all them so I don't make a complete fool of myself?!

Thank you all very very much

So so so excited (& slightly apprehensive!)

Xxxxxxxxx

[veggiechicken]

Congratulations!! By all means practice your questions on here!

[Kleftiwallah]

Two things to say,

you don't have to accept the first plot that comes up. It may break your heart when you see it, better leave it for someone who has 'been there, done that', i.e. "an old sweat who may be coming back to allotmenteering". If it is in a state, ask for a rent reduction for the first couple of years.

If you do decide to take it on ask the council rep if there is any chance of a hand to clear it. BUT, it may be in good order and I hope it is.

Ask as many questions as you want here, please give all relavant information so we can help you. Best wishes. Cheers, Tony.

[alex-adam]

................ It's 7 rods - what's that pease? .................

Hi Veg Newbie,

7 rods is approx 210 square metres / 2000 sq ft so about three quarters of a full size plot. Should be more than plenty to be honest.

Questions to ask: Water supply? / Restrictions on sheds - glasshouses etc., / Security

Then look yourself - Is the plot at the bottom of a slope - possible frost pocket / Are there overhanging trees- dense shade.

No doubt other members will have more information for you too.

Best of luck,

a-a

[veggiechicken]

If it is weedy, have a look at the type of weeds. I was offered one once that was full of mares tail - I waited for something better to come along and it very soon did.

[Bigmallly]

If you can, ask fellow plot holders what the previous tenant grew, what the soil is like. When I got mine, I was offered the choice of 2 and would not have chosen the one I have if it had not been for advice from other holders. What looks the easiest plot does not always mean it is the best for growing.

[vegtable newbie!]

Thank you all!

So the questions I have listed to ask, are:

Is there a shed restriction size?
Can it be painted?
Can I have a greenhouse? Is there a restriction size?
Is there water?
Is there a shop?
Is there toilets?
Can I have a soft fruit cage?
Can I put fruit trees in?
are raised beds ok?
Where does the sun rise?
What's security like?

Please be honest - what do you think of these questions?

Thank you all again

Sue
X

[dirtgirl]

How exciting for you. It's nearly a year since I got my plot, like you earlier than expected, and it's a great time of year to start a new plot off.
If it's in a state then I would ask how long you have to get it in order before they send out a non-cultivation letter. Also, are they happy for you to cover half of it while you work on the rest?

[Nicos]

Is it prone to flooding???
( good in a drought year- but heartbreaking in a wet one)- best to be avoided in reality.

Of your questions....

Security
Water supply
Excessive shade

are the most important

*ALSO- V important here...have they had problems with weedkiller in the manure on the plot- renders it almost unusable for several years*

the rest are of interest and their importance depends on your plans.

Check also for rubbish on the plot- lots of broken glass is no fun to clear.

Weeds- brambles are horrendous to clear- but do-able if you have the time and energy- docks, thistles couch grass mares tails and bindweed are a pain but are manageable with repeated effort,

Some places will offer to rotavate it for you- don't let them !!!!!( spreads weeds and will give you years of extra work unless you are absolutely sure there are no 'bad' weeds present!)



(..te he!!..congrats by the way!)- let us know how you get on!

[Snadger]

Any history of clubroot or onion white rot would be my first question as this severely restricts what you are able to grow for a number of years. There are ways around it though, but forewarned is forearmed!

[di]

Good luck....and Yay!!!

I've got nothing to add, just don't be put off if it is overgrown. There are so many threads on here, as I'm sure you've seen, with tips on how to manage it....and the sense of satisfaction once it's cleared...immense.

Hope it's just what you want and by the time you read this you're a plotholder. x

[Two_Sheds]

Is there a shed restriction size?
Can it be painted?

Can it be painted blue ?

[Two_Sheds]

Is there a shop?
Is there toilets?

Coffee shop?

No, don't ask about toilets: you'll look like a softy. "proper" plotters go in a bucket, then pour it on the compost heap

[di]

I might petition for a coffee shop on our plot. How nice would that be?

[Snadger]

I might petition for a coffee shop on our plot. How nice would that be?

And guess who would get the job of staffing it Di..............