Yes, We managed to get our allotment!

[ina]

(When I applied, the chap at the council called me back to check I'd put my age down right - he thought 33 was a typo, told me 'I'd have to wait until somebody died of old age!')

Sad, really - isn't it! Especially when these older people can't look after the plots properly any more, but don't want to give up something they've enjoyed doing all their lives... And I think they shouldn't have to give up. BUT: Couldn't there be a scheme where the older ones can offer half their plots to newcomers, who otherwise would have to wait for years and years?

[justskint]

Sad, really - isn't it! Especially when these older people can't look after the plots properly any more, but don't want to give up something they've enjoyed doing all their lives... And I think they shouldn't have to give up. BUT: Couldn't there be a scheme where the older ones can offer half their plots to newcomers, who otherwise would have to wait for years and years?[/quote]

Old or disabled, its a reluctance to give up, it's the daily struggle that keeps one going.

[JR]

I think the idea is a good one. Councils could offer to see if anyone would like to offer up half a plot. It may mean that more people have access to the plots and someone who is finding it too much can carry on longer. When the older member gives up the half plot it could perhaps be offered to the newbie on the other half who by that time should be in full swing and glad of the extra space.

The person who had our plot was younger (my age late 30's). He left it in a real mess. We are getting there now, slowly, I really under estimated how long and hard it would be to get it to a state to be able to plant up.

Feels strange our plot is doing great with the recent warm spell. Being as far south as it gets in this country I think the hard frosts have long past now.

Dont think it will be dry this weekend but fingers crossed I can put in the late garlic and shallotts. The garlic I planted in November is doing fab, about 6-8 inches high in the most. Most of our digging is done cant wait to get in the spuds, I may leave it another week.

[JR]

Ache a bit today after putting in more onions, shallots and the early potatoes.

Plot is doing fab, we are going to sit down and plan where to plant everything this week. Got a rough idea but might need to cut into a part of the plot we were not going to cultivate this year to fit it all in.

Pictures as promised.


Hard work starting to get results.




Forced Rhubarb doing ok!

Catch up soon.

[ina]

I bet you are already counting the days to your first rhubarb crumble!

Gosh, I could envy you - your plot looks so nice and tidy, compared to mine...

[Mal]

Got my plot on Saturday. 5 poles (but with baby, house needing decoration and garden needing much tlc, looks like about the size I can cope with for now!).

8 months I waited though, seemed like a long time - I put my name down as soon as we exchanged. Literally first thing I did! Got to get your priorities right!

[JR]

Been there, got the tshirt, I think is what you say, Tee Hee!

We had our first stems (is that the right word?) this weekend gone. I had batches of apple boiled in the freezer already. Crumble on top. It was great.

I will be in the hunt for some ideas for things to do as it is not something I have eaten much of before.

I think after eating flowers last year in batter I am up for most things.
My partners family are from rural italy so, I have to be fairly open minded as far as food is concerned. Mind you they are great as I have discovered so many different spices and tastes.

Plot is all going on great, I will post more pictures over next couple of weeks. Green house at home is full with seed trays too. Its my first full year on the plot so I am very excited with the prospect of having the garden boxes full of herbs and fruit at home plus all the wonders the plot should bring.


Take care.

[eccentric_emma]

i just picked our first rhubarb too! when i get round to it, i'l post the picture of a very excitable me holding a bunch of rhubarb like a trophy. we're going to have rhubarb and apple crumble (what else?!?) also planted potatoes in pots as well as a load of herbs and garlic.

[hamster]

Ooh, I'm now only 22nd on the waiting list. 6 months or so more to wait, apparently.

[eccentric_emma]

i'll keep my fingers crossed for you. at least 22nd is better than 122nd....you could always try putting an ad in the paper for a kind person to donate a corner of their garden (just a thought, as our allotment is the corner of a kind mans garden)

[JR]

Hi Emma, hows it going? Would love to see some pictures of how your plot is coming on.

I will post some of our plot over weekend, really pleased with the progress so far.

[eccentric_emma]

Hiya, our plot is going ok. its very messy but we have some stuff planted! i keep losing the cable to the digital camera thats why ihavent posted any photos! hopefully i'll do it this evening.......but my plot looks dreadful next to your lovely tidy one! still though, we are having great fun playing with it.

[JR]

Hi, still all going well, green house is packed with plants and plot doing ok.

Tomatoes are a bit leggy and main stems a bit flimsy but I know I am being impatient. Had trouble with squashes and corn on the cob, getting them to germinate along with some strange black cherry toms. Everything else seems ok.

Spuds, carrots, beetroot, garlic, shallots, onions and peas all coming up and fruit bushes and trees look great. Salad crops and herbs on their way too.

Slugs and snails are a pain but not loosing to much sleep! And hopefully winning the battle! I was advised to use some organic stuff on the plot recommended by a friend at a garden centre. Will post the name of it if it is any good.

Going to plant in pumpkins & squashes over next couple of weeks as plants are nearly ready. If I don’t move them soon they may just take over the green house, shall start to harden off this weekend.

Here is a couple of pictures of progress, I keep looking at the picture on page 1 just to remind myself the hard work has been worthwhile.






Take care!

[JR]

Hi All,

Most things are planted up for now, just leeks, swedes & celery in the greenhouse to go up to the plot over the next few weeks. Very pleased with the progress so far. The weeding side is much more work than I had thought but I feel we are getting there, as the plot was not cultivated for a few years in reality it was always going to be a struggle. Does anyone else find this?

Up to date pictures below.







Let me know how yours is doing!

[red]

looking good!

do you plant swedes in pots then? I'm trying swede for the first year, but have done direct sowing. are those garlic I can see?

I dont have half as much out yet as you...