Anthony's allotment thread!

Heehee, I liked the playmobile plot. Looks like you've got everything covered. I've got my name down for an allotment but on't find out until new year how high up the list I am. It's all exciting though isn't it. Good luck and hopefully we'll see lots of pictures of your lovely plot once you've got it up and running

 

Hi Anthony
How much do you have to pay each year, I am trying to find an area we can use for allotments near Newhaven East Sussex as the council list is so long, I am number 25 on the list at the moment and also on other lists that I am told never reduce.

I am going to speak with the council again about the lack of allotments in this area but have a feeling I will be told there is no room or land available for that purpose.

Its a job to know where to go from there. I did leave an earlier post regarding private allotments but have not progressed it futher as work committments do not allow for much time. I am hopeful that if I work all the figures out and take the information to the local farmer he may change use of one of his fields to allotments!!

Thanks

Dave

 

Hi Dave
I have said many times (down on our plots) that the allotment committees should really take into account that some people are not lucky enough to be retired and so may not have the pleasure of having too much time on their hands to enjoy the wonderous world of allotment gardening.

One idea I have tried to put forward is having a large plot that a group of different families can manage between them.

I mean it's a very simple yet brilliant idea because all they would need is a little shed (which each family has a key) to house their tools the cost of which is split between the families which in turn will make the initial outlay mere peanuts!

Include an allotment diary to inform each other what has been done and what needs to be done next so each person can come along when they find the time do their 'bit' , log the work done until the next person comes along.

This idea would make the waiting lists in some places disappear and make a bunch of strangers become great friends....... after all the allotments are not just for 'growing things' but to socialise too and both Bob and I have made many great friends since getting our allotments.Hel.xxx.

 

Helen, this sounds a clever idea but there is always the possibility of the project not working because one or two are not doing their bit.

On our allotment we have a community plot , each plot holder plants veg. or flowers and on the open day produce was sold to the public. My part in it was to plant Pumpkins and squashes.
We tried this for the first time this year, already we are planning for next year.

 

Hi Dave.

I'll be paying £200 per year my plot which is two joined together. I know full well that this is a lot more than what I'd pay if I were having a council plot but I think that's a fair price for a private plot of this size. (11mx25m)

Speaking to the land owner he'd had plenty of people who'd laughed and walked away when he told them the price. I thought it reasonable since the plot is a decent size, I get my own tap with unlimited water included and free horse poo from the stables. Plus he's invested a lot into the site make up with a large well lit gravelled car park, decent gates & fencing.

It works out at just under £17 a month which, to me at least, doesn't make a dent in my finances.

Ant.

 

Hi Ant. £200 for your plots is overstretching the mark but hey look what you are getting for your money. I only pay £7 per year with unlimited amount of water and the allotment is gated spiked railings all around. My brother Nick has the biggest plot on site and he pays £20 per year.

Good luck with your new allotment mate.:thmb:

 

Fancy.

Yup, I know it's not cheap and I realise that there are some who'll think i'm crazy. I also weighed in the landowner wanting to make a profit on his investment.

Ant.

 

Hi All

Thanks for the replies, sorry if I have hijacked your thread Anthony, I do agree that £200 is a reasonable price to pay, after all you get what you pay for and with the water and compost thrown in a good deal I think.

It is funny I had a price of £100 for a single plot in mind as a max figure (depending on what was included).

I did not get a chance to ring the council today but will do and also speak with the farmer about diversifying a field to allotments. The trouble with the council allotments is that they lock the gates at 4pm so very limited times for people that work.

Thanks again

Dave

 

Hi Dave.

You hijack away! :D

Ant.