Why do plots get so bad before people give up?

[alldigging]

Why do plots get so bad before people give up?

A few thoughts:

No refunds on plot fees. If you could get some cash back would people give up a plot they didn't really want any sooner?

Optimism. People thinking they will find time next week...

[Newishgardener]

I think it could also be a little bit of denial that they just don't want to admit defeat an associations are scared of kicking people off in case they are taken to court over it.


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[alldigging]

I think it could also be a little bit of denial that they just don't want to admit defeat an associations are scared of kicking people off in case they are taken to court over it.

One thing we do is take photos so you have plenty of evidence of showing an untended plot over time.
The idea of being taken to court by someone who doesn't want an allotment plot is mad though.

[Bill HH]

I would say its optimism, we all think we will do it next week and before you know it its next month/ year.

[Newishgardener]

This is only out second year on out plot and I was talking to one I the guys at my allotment yesterday and the plot next to his the guy has one of the biggest plots on there and he does practically nothing with it he has had a few people up to turn it over for him (same as last year) and last year all he grew were a few beans.

He seems to just sit in his greenhouse and drink white lightening then stumble home.

But the guy I was talking to said the association when he was on the committee had kicked someone off as they weren't tending their plot an thy he had taken them to court for doing so and because of that they haven't kicked anyone off since they just send letter after letter.


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[alldigging]

But the guy I was talking to said the association when he was on the committee had kicked someone off as they weren't tending their plot an thy he had taken them to court for doing so and because of that they haven't kicked anyone off since they just send letter after letter.

Gawd what a nightmare. Do you have details of the court case? Is it one that's been in the papers?

[Bill HH]

This is only out second year on out plot and I was talking to one I the guys at my allotment yesterday and the plot next to his the guy has one of the biggest plots on there and he does practically nothing with it he has had a few people up to turn it over for him (same as last year) and last year all he grew were a few beans.

He seems to just sit in his greenhouse and drink white lightening then stumble home.


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He probably just wants to get away from his wife, maybe he even buys veg on his way home to prove he's working hard.

[Hazel at the Hill]

But the guy I was talking to said the association when he was on the committee had kicked someone off as they weren't tending their plot an thy he had taken them to court for doing so and because of that they haven't kicked anyone off since they just send letter after letter.

Ridiculous! You want to get your 'conditions of tenancy' sorted out so that you have a procedure for these things!

[The Nichols']

I think part of it is the daunting prospect of an untended plot. Very few people see small steps as an option and just look at the whole thing as a massive job they can't possibly complete so they don't even start. Beaten before they start.

[ancee]

It can be a bit daunting, but then, they knew this surely when they had a look at the overgrown mess they were offered?!

[darcyvuqua]

Can't really say anything as mine has not been worked but then my wife is going up and sorting it out


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[Nicos]

I think after all the effort peeps put into a plot they sort of feel they 'own it'.
It's hard to give up something to a total stranger which has been such hard work and had good money spent on it...
Maybe once it's in such a bad state peeps finally realise they don't have the time/energy to bring it back to 'perfection' and then just relieved the worry has gone?

[Methe]

Tbh I think rents are so cheap that it costs a person nothing to hold on to a plot for years and years even if they're not using it and have no intention of ever using it... At least they can say they've got an allotment!

It ought to be quicker to remove people if theyre are not utilising the space and it ought to be after a year.

[noviceveggrower]

Hi,
My council seems to be the other way. I was told by another plot member to be careful as a plot holder there goes round other plots then goes to the council to tell them that a plot is being unused and been over grown etc. So then the council sends a letter out. He got so bad one year council told him to give it a rest as the weather was so bad no one was able to sort their plots out.
The council also sent everyone a letter about not using hosepipes unless its to fill a water but up and another telling everyone where they can park their cars.
But really on our plots we have a good committee group who do get in touch with people if they think they are struggling with their plots and if they need any help or to down size.

[Kristen]

Long Timers, having spent years getting the soil really productive, might fall ill for a prolonger period, etc.

But I wonder if Newbies could be given different criteria - particularly if there is a long waiting list. One season to get it under control (or half of it in season one, whatever is achievable), and if not performing then hand it on to the next person in the queue.

There must be lots of Newbies who think they will be able to grow-their-own but who then find it too difficult? Perhaps they hand their plots back readily? but if not then I wonder if different rules could apply, compared to someone who has tended a plot, faultlessly, for N years?