Allotments - have you ever?

Mike · 11-03-2009, 01:08 PM

After reading about Englands oldest allotments just down the road in sunny Wiltshire I thought Id see if anyone here has, or has had an allotment?

Its not something I have ever needed so haven't used one, except as a small boy helping my grandad on his!

Green Beginnings · 11-03-2009, 08:10 PM

I had an allotment just over the road from my home when I had 2 children. I kept getting pregnant though and couldn't keep up with it though so unfortunately I had to let it go. You really need a lot of spare time to be able to keep on top of it. I eventually got a letter asking my to keep my weeds under control and so decided that I should probably put it on hold for a few years.

accountantpete · 12-03-2009, 06:01 PM

I help the neighbour in his when he is on holiday and tbh it is almost a full time job for some of these guys - however you get to know the neighbours and there is always plenty of advice at hand.

Given the amount of work needed and the cost of materials it is not really cost effective but if it gets you out in the fresh air so what?

Alexandra · 16-03-2009, 12:02 PM

I would love to have an allotment but apparently I have black thumbs which render any attempts at growing vegetables quite useless. :(

I'm very envious of those allotment-keepers out there!

Mike · 30-03-2009, 02:04 PM

What to grow in your allotment - Times Online - Nice little intro article for allotment-ers!

Glenn · 04-09-2009, 10:45 PM

We've just received the keys to an allotment nearby.

Previously we have had a garden of our own (when we were renting), but for the past 3 years have relied on our herb planters and container pots for our vegetables.

Time and effort is required but the results are worth it.

I grew up on a farm so raising vegetables (and other 2 and 4 legged meals) is natural to me.

barleyandben · 05-09-2009, 02:56 PM

I'm on the waiting list for an allotment as a specific place to grow veg, as a close friend has one there already. My reason was because the back garden has been concreted by the people living in my house before me, and the front garden is for lots of flowers to make the neighbourhood pretty!Been waiting about 9 months though so far:-(

skeeter · 08-09-2009, 08:37 PM

I've had one for about four years. They are a great escape.

Just moved and gave it to a friend on the waiting list. It was massive. I will upload some photos if you like. They have become really popular recently.

It you do it for money reasons it is a waste of time. All I would say is do it for the right reasons, you will get so much out of it. Better produce, better life style, a reason to be outdoors, share and exchange views. Plus they are very family orientated and safe places.

caperol · 08-09-2009, 08:49 PM

I think that's so right - would love to have an allotment, as we're renting and the landlord won't let us dig up the lawn...

Used to love helping grow the veg and rhubarb when I was a kid, and would love to give my own daughter the same start.

Have found some land to rent down here in Bristol, but it's right on the edge of the M32 and I don't think it would turn out that healthy breathing in all those fumes, let alone eating produce that has been doing so!

skeeter · 08-09-2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caperol

Have found some land to rent down here in Bristol, but it's right on the edge of the M32 and I don't think it would turn out that healthy breathing in all those fumes, let alone eating produce that has been doing so!

Well there is a little piece of legislation called the Allotment Act.

It is well worth noting if you have a problem. There is (I think) a conspiracy against it from Trade and Industry and all that wash about Brown field sites. Don't think it is well known of, but.. read on....

I think it says something like...if there are no spaces on the allotment, and you get 10 people, the local council, by law have to allot you the land. I've not done my own research, but...when food starts getting exported, which it is, as commodities rise and commerce can make more money from export, land may be alloted again as people join together insted of patiently waiting on a list.

Maybe worth a little research. This legislation is very old but still stands. So you might be able to get a local patch.

11-03-2009, 01:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
Mike Big Boss Man! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Swindon Posts: 810 Thanks: 76 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	Allotments - have you ever? After reading about Englands oldest allotments just down the road in sunny Wiltshire I thought Id see if anyone here has, or has had an allotment? Its not something I have ever needed so haven't used one, except as a small boy helping my grandad on his! __________________ Cheers Mike Do your bit, invite your friends here! Follow us on Twitter - Organiclinker Have you tried our: Veggie Trumps \| Food Miles Calculator \| Egg Tracker \| Book Store ...no? why not?

11-03-2009, 08:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
Green Beginnings Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oh I do love to be beside the seaside, oh I do love to be beside the sea........ Posts: 284 Thanks: 6 Thanked 15 Times in 13 Posts	I had an allotment just over the road from my home when I had 2 children. I kept getting pregnant though and couldn't keep up with it though so unfortunately I had to let it go. You really need a lot of spare time to be able to keep on top of it. I eventually got a letter asking my to keep my weeds under control and so decided that I should probably put it on hold for a few years. __________________ Organic, natural and eco-friendly products for baby, family and home. For all your organic needs including aluminium free deodorants, organic shampoo & conditioner :thumbup: Primary School Garden Blog

16-03-2009, 12:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
Alexandra Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: West Sussex Posts: 57 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	I would love to have an allotment but apparently I have black thumbs which render any attempts at growing vegetables quite useless. :( I'm very envious of those allotment-keepers out there! __________________ Green People: Organic skin care, sls-free shampoos and paraben-free products for all the family.

30-03-2009, 02:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mike Big Boss Man! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Swindon Posts: 810 Thanks: 76 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	What to grow in your allotment - Times Online - Nice little intro article for allotment-ers! __________________ Cheers Mike Do your bit, invite your friends here! Follow us on Twitter - Organiclinker Have you tried our: Veggie Trumps \| Food Miles Calculator \| Egg Tracker \| Book Store ...no? why not?

04-09-2009, 10:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
Glenn Coffee Nut Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 63 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	We've just received the keys to an allotment nearby. Previously we have had a garden of our own (when we were renting), but for the past 3 years have relied on our herb planters and container pots for our vegetables. Time and effort is required but the results are worth it. I grew up on a farm so raising vegetables (and other 2 and 4 legged meals) is natural to me. __________________ Do you drink Coffee? - please click to answer YES - take me to a place I can discuss this or Tell me more about 5M Coffee No - I'd rather talk about Tea

12-03-2009, 06:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
accountantpete Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I help the neighbour in his when he is on holiday and tbh it is almost a full time job for some of these guys - however you get to know the neighbours and there is always plenty of advice at hand. Given the amount of work needed and the cost of materials it is not really cost effective but if it gets you out in the fresh air so what?

05-09-2009, 02:56 PM	#7 (permalink)
barleyandben Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Leeds Posts: 80 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	I'm on the waiting list for an allotment as a specific place to grow veg, as a close friend has one there already. My reason was because the back garden has been concreted by the people living in my house before me, and the front garden is for lots of flowers to make the neighbourhood pretty!Been waiting about 9 months though so far:-( __________________ Angela www.barleyandben.com

08-09-2009, 08:37 PM	#8 (permalink)
skeeter Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I've had one for about four years. They are a great escape. Just moved and gave it to a friend on the waiting list. It was massive. I will upload some photos if you like. They have become really popular recently. It you do it for money reasons it is a waste of time. All I would say is do it for the right reasons, you will get so much out of it. Better produce, better life style, a reason to be outdoors, share and exchange views. Plus they are very family orientated and safe places.

08-09-2009, 08:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
caperol Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 26 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I think that's so right - would love to have an allotment, as we're renting and the landlord won't let us dig up the lawn... Used to love helping grow the veg and rhubarb when I was a kid, and would love to give my own daughter the same start. Have found some land to rent down here in Bristol, but it's right on the edge of the M32 and I don't think it would turn out that healthy breathing in all those fumes, let alone eating produce that has been doing so! __________________ Caperol energy saving products - now with an extended range of solar powered toys

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