I've had my name down with a local Allotment Society since last year and they called me a couple weeks ago saying that there was one available and did I want to go and have a look.
It was actually a half plot, which would be enough for me, and this is what It looked like.
I'm on a couple allotment groups on fb so I know that compared to some this isn't too bad. What you can't see from the photos is that the previous occupant had dug holes and piled up the dirt so the ground wasn't level. It was mostly grass that would have to be cleared but the top end was really overgrown and again had been banked up, nothing grown just some tulip bulbs planted randomly around.
I seriously thought about it, weighing up the pros and cons for a week before I called back and refused it It would have been way cheaper than the Roots one I have now butthere were quite a few drawbacks. It had no shed or storage, I would have to buy compost, manure, extra tools and some water storage, plus a shed, which is a big expense. The Guy that showed me round said that he didn't blame me for not taking it on, (which made me realise I'd made the right decission), and that I could stay on the list and see if something more suitable came up in the future.
I've spent a lot of time on my Roots plot these last two weeks getting it ready for planting and thinking that I definitly made the right choice. I think I've said before that with Roots all the tools, compost, manure and wood chips are there for you to use freely, plus seeds packs twice a year and regular plug plant parties and coffee meet ups. They might be more expensive but you have to take into account what you get for that money as oposed to buying it all yourself. Plus, everyone is so friendly and helpful, sharing plants and even offering to water If you are away or can't get to your plot. I didn't get the feeling there was much community spirit at the Allotment Society one, I think you would be pretty much on you own.
Anyway, the decission has been made and I think It was the right one, for now.
This Is how my space looks at the moment.
Strawberries are growing well, but the rhubarb hasn't been too good this year though, I had to remove a flower head so perhaps that's why, I have noticed that a lot on other plots had flower heads this year too.
I'm very very happy with my cabbages. I planted four and have already taken some of the outer leaves to eat.
I planted out my broad beans this week. Only three plants survived the pigeons from the Autumn ones, so far the Spring ones haven't been touched.
I planned on having tomatoes in this section behind the seat but when I was clearing the weeds this week I discovered several raspberry plants, so I'll leave those and put tomatoes elsewhere. There were also lots of poppy plants, presents from the birds or blown on the wind? I've planted sweetpeas around the trellis since I took this photo.
I origionaly shared two plots with my daughter Joanne but she Is too busy with the children and other things at the moment so now I'm going it alone with just this one.
Mark has been down there with me today and made a bigger brassica cage for me and I've got many more things at home almost ready to go in, including some cauliflowers and more seeds to sow.
The rest of May is going to be a busy time and hopefully there will be less bare soil next time I update.
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