Allotments are amazing!

I was at the allotment last week. It was a beautiful warm summer's day, I was picking flowers and produce for lunch and dinner. Other people were up - one man with his grandson and I just thought this is just so good. I get fresh air every day, exercise, good food and flowers, people should be prescribed a plot on the NHS.

It would be easier if I had the space at home to grow everything I wanted. I'm forever getting to the allotment and forgetting something I needed or need the toilet or get caught in a torrential downpour and there is nowhere to shelter. I'd prefer to be able to go into the garden and pick some lettuce in my pyjamas rather than lying in bed remembering I need some lettuce for my husband's lunch box and having to pull on my jeans and go up to the plot. But despite all this I have loved my first year on my plot.

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Permalink Reply by elaine rickett on July 7, 2011 at 16:42

I know what you mean - I go to the allotment every morning with the sole purpose of picking veg for the evening meal - I get so carried away with other things whilst I am there - I forget all about picking the produce.

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Permalink Reply by Debbie on July 8, 2011 at 22:06

I agree with everyone and everything so far. I find I do that more when I'm on the lottie. Just wish I could drag it down the hill so that it was nearer home and along the flat!

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Permalink Reply by Debbie on July 9, 2011 at 8:21

The plot is alive with the sound of muuuuuuusiiiiiiiic

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Rideout on July 9, 2011 at 11:40

Good thing about the allotment not being on your doorstep - you feel like you've been somewhere and chatted to people you wouldn't have done if it was your back garden - ours is on top of a hill so i get a view over the whole town which is a good way to literally feel on top of things - need the loo? do you have a shed? And a bucket? And a compost heap?! Strictly for wee's though!

Doing on-going research into a compost loo which is acceptable to all on our unsecured, Town Council owned site. would like any comments but will start another post.

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Permalink Reply by Debi Williamson on July 17, 2011 at 18:48

I use the back garden to grow my veg, which yes is handy!! But I would love the social aspect of the allotment, swapping produce, and tips. and of course seed companies also have schemes for seed orders thus getting discounts us back garden veg gardeners dont!! I live in the middle of norwhere with our nearest shop over 6 miles away, so there is no real chance of plots coming to us!!!

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Permalink Reply by Peter Pearson on July 17, 2011 at 21:04

Although a new allotment is hard work involving many trips to the tip etc the satisfaction and taste of that first produce makes it all worthwhile.It also helps to have a helpful lottie neighbour which luckily i have.

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Permalink Reply by Darren Blick on July 19, 2011 at 19:47

My allotment is fantastic

It is all enclosed with corrugated tin sheets to keep the rabbits out and then 6 foot high mesh fencing supported by 8 foot posts in the ground, with two locked gates, giving total protection from any light fingered neighbours.

The shed restrictions are not enforced on our allotments, so I have a 7x7 shed attached to a 16x10 shed in an L shape. I have full table and chairs in there as well as a kitchen with gas stove.

We call it the cafe and a small group of us, have a breakfast rota on Saturday's.

To be honest, I think we chat and drink more tea than anything else.

If you have seen the allotment comedy, "grow your own" you will know what I mean. If you haven't, it's well worth getting if you are a plot holder.