cris71 Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 Hi there, My husband and I would love to grow our own vegetables, but as we both work we know a whole allotment would be a bit too much for us. Would any of you be interested in sharing a part of your allotment with us? I know some of you only use half of your patch, so why not share? We would of course pay our part of the rent, and any other expenses. We are very friendly and trustworthy (even if I say so myself!). As a bonus, as I come from northern Spain, I could bring lots of seeds of differerent produce from my parents' farm, which I would be more than willing to share. Just to tempt you, pimientos de Padrón (dwarf peppers), gorgeous tomatoes, Swiss chard ....... We live in Hillsborough, so we would be interested in an allotment nearby (ideally in the area by Harris Road, but any other in S6 will do). Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigpugh Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 I would suggest take a full one, but just cultivate half till you get sorted. Cover half with plastic sheeting/ old carpets/ etc, and forget about it. Do what you like with the 'active' half. What i did with mine was use the 'covered' half to plant perennials such as rhubabr, asparagus, globe and jerusalem atichokes, and fruit- fruiot busges such as currants and goosegogs, and some minitauere fruit trees (not officially allowed but generally getwaywithable), strawberries and rasberries. I've aso kept a largeish area which is ambitiously designated 'the patio' and may be one day, but is also a good screwing/ sawing/ working cum sunbathing/ rest area cum junk area cum bonfire zone. I foudn my friends who said they'd loved to share baulked when they saw the state it was in once we got it. I found it easier once it had been cleared tidied and half planted to get sokme mates to take 4 raised beds and help keep on top of weeds and hedge trimming etc. Hope this helps and good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zweena Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 Yeah, whatever you do don't rotivate it. It seems like a quick fix but that's all it is - it just chops the damned weeds up and redistributes the tiny bits, to emerge again with more vigour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc55 Posted September 13, 2006 Share Posted September 13, 2006 I agree that you should take a full plot - once you have it under control you'll be amazed at how little space you actually have .... I took on mine in November last year and have been slowly clearing it. I've got the final third to dig this autumn (just been too hot and horrid in the summer) and already I'm wondering where I'll put everything. I work full time and only manage to spend any real time there at the weekend, but if you do little and often its amazing the progress you can make. Keep us informed - those peppers sound delicious ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cris71 Posted September 14, 2006 Author Share Posted September 14, 2006 Thanks for your advice! I think you are right in suggesting I take on a full plot. The problem now is finding one! You might have read my previous rant about the state of many allotments, at least the ones near me (Rivelin Valley and Hagg House). But I am determined to give it ago anyway, so I'll keep you posted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobD1 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 There are quite a few being taken on Hagg House now - we have no 18, and 17 and 16 have recently been taken on our row, possibly more. When I sent off for the details (at the end of August) they had offered out about a dozen allotments at that time and other were being taken as well, so the site does slowly appear to be coming back to life. Yes they are difficult to find and look a bit daunting, but it's amazing what you can find on them, Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc55 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 contact the allotment office and ask for a list of current vacancies at various sites. Meersbrook (S8 ) has a few untended plots (so presumably available for new tennants), site security is pretty good (although where there's a will there's a way_) and we get regular deliveres of (free) bark chippings and leaves. There is also an allotment shop, open on Thursday / Sunday mornings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cris71 Posted September 15, 2006 Author Share Posted September 15, 2006 Thanks for your suggestions, mc55. But according to the Council records, there is no availability at the Meerbrooks site. I am sure there are quite a few unused plots, but this is the frustrating thing: if the unused allotment tenants keep being allowed to renew their rentals, they are stopping keen garderners like myself and others to use those plots. And we have to turn to tree-covered plots instead! Unfair, isn't it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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