I think this is a sign....

[hamster]

I got an email this morning from our wonderful veg box scheme saying that they are closing down and I was absolutely devastated, though I recognise my reaction was a bit out of proportion.

I then got a phone call from the council saying I finally have an allotment!

[Shirley]

Congrats on the allotment... shame for the veg box service though

[red]

yup - its a sign!

congrats! is it a full lottie?

[Penny Lane]

So great about the allotment but so very sad about the veg box scheme - I think we'll be seeing more of these going under

[Thomzo]

Unfortunately, so do I. But congratulations on the lottie Hamster.

Zoe

[Flo]

I suspect that it's the cost of the delivery that is the killer with the rising price of fuel.

You'll need to be looking for good offers on seeds, free manure (assuming that you can obtain it and be sure that it's free from the chemical contamination that hit so many allotments last year) and get down to making your own compost. But you have the winter in front of you to get your plot into good heart for growing vegetables next year. Oh and a few months to learn the basic skills eh?

[Bluemoon]

Congratulations, Hamster. Sadly for many people the veg box is a fad and the first thing to go when things become tight.

[witch way]

When one door closes, another opens, good luck with the allotment. ww.

[Green Aura]

Shame about the box scheme. I'm not totally sure it's always a fad - if times are tight sometimes principles have to go out of the window. I know I've had times when I've had to resort to cheap supermarket veg. Straight back to the organics when the money's allowed.

Great news about the allotment though - you just need to work out how you'll survive until you've been able to grow something

[hamster]

...

Great news about the allotment though - you just need to work out how you'll survive until you've been able to grow something

Well, I've just been to look at the plot and it has two apple trees on it, so maybe those will see me through the winter...

[Amaranth]

look at the plot and it has two apple trees on it, so maybe those will see me through the winter...

That's good news! And you can continue to graft more apple varieties on to them.

Also check with the gardeners near your plot. They may know about plants that have died back a bit and about where they were located so you can watch for them to return in the spring.

[Helsbells]

Wow thats great (about the allotment)
Let me know if you want a hand any time!