Family Gardening

Now that I have some more time on my hands, I felt the need to expand my vegetable growing empire. Unfortunately, with my vegetable growing ambitions, my small garden just isn’t enough any more.

 All local authorities have some land put aside for allotment use, and allotment renting is more popular than ever. I therefore consider myself lucky to be able to visit my closest allotment site, and be able to have several plots to choose from. I’ve asked for a plot that is the least untended. I really hate digging over a plot and will avoid it as much as possible. This is why I favour the “No-Dig” method of gardening, (I’ll go into that more at a later date). However, this just has a couple of seasons’ worth of weeds, and no extensive brambles, nettles and buddleia rampaging across the plot. It also has it’s own mini-greenhouse. I’m not sure of it’s size yet, although I think it is 10 poles.

The allotment supervisor is an interesting chap. He must be in his late 70’s now. He spoke mostly to my husband during the visit, including asking questions about “your wife”!!! However, he seems a lovely man, if somewhat old-fashioned and I think he’ll be really helpful.

 So, the sooner our application goes off to the council the better. I’m keen to get started, and not to let the weeds start multiplying as the weather gets warmer. There are quite a few things that need to go in the ground soon and I dont want to delay!

The estimated cost for our plot is about £70 per annum, plus £14 for rental of the shed. This is relatively high compared to some local authorities, where you can rent a plot for £10-£20 per year. The perils of living in London I suppose.