Almost got my allotment

[Oola]

Good news from the council - rang them to find out that I am currently at number 2 on the allotment waiting list, so should have one pretty soon. The plots are 5 poles, although I may get one that's only 3 poles, but that's a fair size I think. I'm going to give some space over to my Mum too, it's only a 5 min walk up the road but hopefully by then I'll be able to bike to and from there.

Quite exciting really, can't wait...anyone else keep an allotment, or had one in the past? Mum used to have one when we were young, I used to play on the sports field next to the allotment site whilst she dug, planted, picked and pruned.

[franbee]

Do you have to wait for someone to die, Oola? You might be lucky and have it for Spring, you'll have a great time planning.

[jazzactivist]

Congratualations Oola, it must be really exciting to know that will will soon have more growning space. I have never had an allotment, but really like the idea of all the chats and tips with the other growers. Have you got any ideas about what you want to plant? I believe that on some you are now allowed to grow small fruit trees.

[Oola]

No franbee, what happens is sometimes people just give up their plots, or leave them overgrown and the council basically decides to reclaim the allotments. Over recent years they've also been adding two or three extra plots a year, which is what they're doing soon. The new plots will only be around 3 poles rather than 5, but there might be some to choose from so we'll see what happens.

Yes I've got a few ideas, probably the 'staple' foods that take up a fair amount of time and space, like potatoes, onions and carrots....leaving the experiemental and more intensive veg for here at home. It all hinges really on when it becomes available...

[Oola]

Got the call today - got my allotment! They're going to send me through the agreement, I just have to pay the rent and it's mine :) :) :)

[jazzactivist]

That's fantastic news, Oola. Congratulations. Is it within fairly easy reach of your home, and how big is it, what condition etc. Or do you get to choose?

[Oola]

Hi jazzactivist, well she there were two available which were both 5 poles, as one guy gave up both. It was on a first come, first serve basis. I said I'd take either one now because I didn't want to lose out, although she said I could go and have a look. But I was rather eager, so I hope I don't end up with a plot full of thistles!

The allotments are literally a 6 or 7 min walk from my front door, I could cycle or if I have to take loads of tools, drive and be there within 1 or 2 mins, so really easy.

[Ivy]

Congratulations hope it turns out what you wished for

[Redstart]

Super Oola and well done. Tell us what you plant and where!

[Oola]

Will do Redstart :) I'd already earmarked all my plots at home, but this news has thrown all of my plans into disarray!!!! I'll have to do some shuffling around, but I think for the most part I'll be growing a proportion of my 'staple' veg like potatoes, carrots and onions, but not all at the allotment in case they get disease ridden or attacked by pests.

I'm still on the lookout for a few more seeds, my local garden centre is running a all half price seeds deal until the end of Jan which has saved me an absolute fortune. My cousin and I went yesterday and between us we saved £26!!!! Brilliant.

[magic cochin]

Hi Oola
I know you say you don't like salad - but do try some mixed salad leaves and use them when they're young. They taste so much better than bought salad, you may be converted!
You could even try micro greens - seeds germinated and grown to the seedling stage in a tray (on damp paper towel or a little compost), then harvest and use. They are the latest thing in top notch eateries! Popular seed to try are basil and fennel, but you can experiment with all sorts of leafy veg and herbs.

Celia

[sunflower]

Wonderful news Oola about getting your allotment. That was sooo quick after they said where you were on the list. This is the best time of year to start as well. Have lots of fun. You are going to be soo fit!!! lol

[Oola]

HI magic cochin, I don't mind salad when it's with other things, I did try growing salad leaves at home last year but the hens got a taste for them, and after that it was curtains for my lettuces!!!!

I'll probably try growing some on the allotment, I used to eat spring onions straight out of the ground whilst working on the veg plot (peel the outer skin off and the fresh skin inside was nice and clean) too, so I might try some of those to go in accompanying salads.

sunflower, I'm either going to be really fit, or crippled from all the bending and digging!!! But last year I managed to get into fairly good shape with the amount of time I spent outside, definitely looked and felt better for it. Just about to procrastinte on my work and go outside and spend a little while out there. There's so much to do, I'm actually quite glad Mum is taking on some of the allotment with me.