There's much talk of allotments these days.
Magazines and tabloids espouse the virtues of allotments with slogans like 'grow your own' or 'save money on your food bills'.
Last year my partner and I decided that we would get an allotment too! Some of us are lucky enough to start with a well tended allotment but many more of us begin with waist-high couch grass, weeds and brambles. Daunting to say the least! Where oh where were the nicely turned beds of fluffy soil, neat walkways and raised beds that I see pictured in the magazines?
We have ten rods (“allotment-speak”) but to you and me that’s 10 x 22 meters. Unfortunately it was of the 'untended' variety. To begin with, the clearing and cultivating of the plot took a great deal of time, energy, effort and considerable commitment. But after weeks of 'hard labour' and a whole growing season under our belts the allotment is, well, looking like an allotment!
The joy of planting, harvesting and eating veggies we've grown makes us very happy. All the hard work, time and energy that it entails are worth it. There's nothing like picking your first crop of rhubarb or runner beans to make you feel good.
Here are a few tips for the beginner.
If waiting lists are too long in your area see if you can share an allotment or volunteer to help out a friend and share in the harvest
Don't be tempted to cultivate too much ground at once. Start with small plots that can be easily maintained.
Grow easy veg to begin with. Potatoes, beans, peas and herbs always produce a good crop and help the soil, too.
Don't forget to plant flowers which can be cut for the house and encourage biodiversity.
Go to car boot sales and second hand shops to find inexpensive tools and equipment or join your local 'freecycle' network.
Seed swaps and plant exchanges are a great way to get free plants.
Check out the National Society of Allotment and leisure Gardeners Web site athttp://www.nsalg.org.uk.
Read all you can and talk with other allotment growers. They will have a wealth of information to offer.
Most of all enjoy your allotment, take a flask of tea and a sandwich, sit back and relax for a little while (at least!).
