should plot holders have more than 1 plot?

[Peggy Sue]

The rules down our allotment are a mystery to us all- steward choice I think! There isn't much af a waiting list, but you never getone uless you keep asking (to show you are keen?).

There are always lots empty/untended, and lots of people have more than one (one man had 10, when he died it was real trouble getting enough people to take them on- ehat did he do with 10 full size plots full of veg, we aren't allowed livestock??!!)

We got our first half size plot in July, worked hard for 2 months then We told the steward, chatting, it would be nice to have space for fruit and withing 2 weeks he had offered us a second half size plot! We took it and that plenty for us. 2 halfs make a full size so I don't feel too guilty (one's a hard work plot relatively speaking).

I wouldn't have anymore than one full size, I can't imagine having the time, the eating capacity or concience - unless we were allowed chickens!!

[Mayhem]

If there are people on the waiting list then they should be given priority over those that already have plots. This is a fair system and works well. However, at the moment in Bristol the council are only giving out half plots from now on to get the waiting list down. The other reason for this is that too many people like the idea of having an allotment but soon get fed up when they realise how much work is involved. This has only started in the last month or two so time will tell if this is a good idea. Any existing plot holder has to wait until there is no longer a waiting list before getting a second plot.

[Peggy Sue]

Most of ours are half plots now, if full size one become vacent they split them. The main problem is people who take them on then lose interest. The plot next to us we took last Sept (07), it was wild then, someone took it, dug it over then we never saw them again, then another guy took it planted some spuds, has let it grow wild -hardly been down, harvested some (madness!) then says he wants a plot somewhere else so someone else is now rumoured to have it now (no sign yet) and that only 12 months!

The steward even said to us do you want another plot, but having 2 halves we said no. But I can see his point- he knows we will use it, he waits week after week to show people around, some don't even show up to look around, others say yes and then a few months later he's back on the bandwagon.

We can grow all the veg we need for 2 on 2 half plots, if we DID have more (and I'd need to work less hours to find time for it) then I would dedicate it to fruit which I still have to buy. There may be a way to incorporate more fruit onto the plots we have but I'm not quite clever enough yet to get the space value up!

[sadie]

Well I started...

I picked an overgrown plot. I took the top layer of grass off an area about 2*2M. I turned it over & picked out the worst of the weeds. I dug 4 trenches. I placed carpet over it with bricks (from the 'skip' pile). I planted 25 (half) seed potatoes, with a little compost little water & walked away. Must've taken at least an hour, but under two. I don't think the guys on the neighbouring plots could believe it, even tho' I had already told them about my plan!

I hope I get the benefit, but really it's better for the plot to be doing something until the council get their act together. Wouldn't you have liked a welcome crop waiting for you when you first got your plot?



Keep it surreal...



Peace, Sadie, xxx.

[prison break fan]

Brilliant Sadie!! I feel like doing that to next door's garden!! Hope you manage to see it through to harvest time. pbf

[Chicken6]

If there are people on the waiting list then they should be given priority over those that already have plots. This is a fair system and works well. However, at the moment in Bristol the council are only giving out half plots from now on to get the waiting list down. The other reason for this is that too many people like the idea of having an allotment but soon get fed up when they realise how much work is involved. This has only started in the last month or two so time will tell if this is a good idea. Any existing plot holder has to wait until there is no longer a waiting list before getting a second plot.

I didn't know they were doing this. Sites in Whitchurch/Hengrove area don't have waiting lists and on our site we've just given two full size plots to new people. We also don't really have waiting lists. I did know that talbot road had small plots for people to get used to. We have had people taking on plots and then not doing anything with them and after chasing them up find they nolonger want them and this is really frustrating.

[sadie]

We have had people taking on plots and then not doing anything with them and after chasing them up find they nolonger want them and this is really frustrating.

I got to the frustrated bit. Asking around the regulars or walking the site should give you an idea of any likely plots...

Seriously, just plant something!

What do a few seeds cost?



Sadie, xxx.