What do you do to keep you enthusiasm for the allotment?

[Allotmenthacker]

Hey all,

I just wanted to share my delight that I have reached six months of blogging about having an allotment (Allotment Hacker: The Allotment Hacking Blog)

I originally started the site as I wanted something to hold me to account for having a patch - but what I've found is that having the website has really boosted my enthusiasm for the allotment, as it's got me constantly thinking about what I'm doing and how I could write something interesting about it. Even if things have gone wrong I've been able to turn it into a learning experience.

I've covered everything from tips for weeding, to types of hoes, and my favourite rhubarb recipes


This month I've decided to start publishing a monthly update on my plot, to really hold myself to task, and track my successes and failures.

I'd be interested to know what devices and techniques others use to boost and maintain their enthusiasm for their patch?

[Dorothy rouse]

As well as enjoying the flavour of home grown veg and fruit, I enjoy the peace and quiet of the allotment, gives you time to think! And also good exercise and fresh air, beats going to a gym!

[Mikey]

There was a study the other day that said gardeners where happier than non gardeners. D'oh!!!

Their conclusions were a combination of exercise that is more physically demanding than going to the gym while being more enjoyable to boot, gave us gardeners a sense of well being not felt by non gardeners.

Well I can't say whether its true or not as I didn't note who created the survey, however I would comment that I can lose time on my allotment with ease. Time spend there is in a different dimension to everywhere else it goes far too quickly.

[FruityLoop]

I really just enjoy being on the plot and being able to see almost instant results when you carry out a task - such as weeding a patch or cutting the grass. It's totally different to my day-to-day existence in an office and gives me a release from the pressures of modern life as no one on the site seems to be rushing about and there are no phones/emails/deadlines up there. It also seems to me that gardeners are generally nice folk to be around so there's the added benefit of social interaction with the rest of the allotmenteers

[Dorothy rouse]

Oh yes, forgot to add, that digging is a good way of getting rid of stress!

[taff]

I was pretty despondent earlier this month at the stae of the garden. I've been unable to do anything there for about 4 months, and what little i did do was eaten by slugs or died....Then I spent a couple of hours tudying, sorting and general moving stuff about and now, it look smuch better after only even a little bit of work, so it's perked me up again. Now I don't get depressed when i go there even if it's not nearly a patch on previous years efforts and amount fo produce.
Pulling the garlic helped too, I saw a return

[veggiechicken]

This Forum keeps me enthusiastic. I read about what others are doing, picking, eating and I want some of it too
I don't have an allotment now, but I did find that more of a commitment because I had to set aside time to go there and there always seemed to be other things to do. So I stick to what I can do in the garden and do ten minutes, an hour, or all day as the fancy takes me

[WillyNelson]

I find the allotment a really good place to relax and depressurise from everyday life, especially this time of year. I go over every evening for half an hour or so to water and maybe a bit of weeding. It beats sitting in front of the TV and I can just let my mind drift while I water the plants and pull a few weeds. In the winter months it's good to get outside and get some work done, either cleaning up from the growing season, tending winter crops or getting prepared for the next year. There's no pressure, no stress and I do the things I choose to do. And it's exceedingly rewarding.

[Bren In Pots]

I'm a back garden grower and like VC I pop out and do a bit of and on during the day, plus at this time of year its like a extension to my larder.

[Snadger]

You are born to be either an enthusiastic allotmenteer or a non enthusiastic allotmenteer. I just AM enthusiastic about my allotment and don't need anything to boost my enthusiasm. Its in the genes!

[WendyC]

I enjoy the connection with the seasons and the soil, plus the regularity and predictability of seasonal tasks. Conversely I like to try a new vegetable or new variety or growing technique each year. Next year I am hoping it's going to be a second plot.

[The Allotment Shed]

I just love being there and genuinely wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world.
No idea of the reasons. When I'm there it just simply feels 'right'

[Farmer_Gyles]

I'd be interested to know what devices and techniques others use to boost and maintain their enthusiasm for their patch?

Not so much a device, but having a missus helps maintain my enthusiasm .... apart from she makes amazing food from whatever i grow, if i'm in the house she'll find a job for me to do, so i'm always finding more important jobs to do in the veggie patch!

[Jamesy_uk]

I go after work to water, weed and generally procrastinate for 30mins to an hour and I love it as it really helps me unwind before I go home. In fact when my Wife offers to come help me with my son I inwardly groan because I like to potter along at my own speed and not feel like I am under the gun for time.