We all submit our application for a plot and wait. Like
waiting to win the lottery it can take a very long time. Sometimes, we may get
updates from the Society informing us where we are in the queue, sometime out
of frustration we ask and are told, ‘our plots are very busy at this time, you
are now fiftieth in the queue and we will be in touch when you get to the top
of the list.’
You find yourself passing the allotments and peering in through
the fence and dreaming of that smart looking plot full of vegetables with a
freshly painted shed to boot. You avert your eyes from the one next to it that
resembles Tracy Emin’s ‘My Bed’, knee high in nettles and an assortment of
weeds and a shed that looks as it may collapse if you applied a coat of paint
to its fragile surface. You dream of what you can grow and the exotic vegetables
you will try to grow and of course the bumper harvests you will reap.
You can’t wait to be one of that select group ‘an allotment
holder’ and wear it as a badge of honour and talking point at social gatherings.
The day comes and you receive that call to attend the site as
you are now finally top of the list and a plot is now awaits. You have won the lottery;
your long wait has been rewarded and you spend time trying on different
gardening attire so you can make the right impression. That list of tools you
have quietly been compiling comes out of the draw and the reality of the
investment starts to sink in.
You arrive onsite to be greeted by the Secretary, Site
Manager, Treasurer or whoever performs the induction course. First there is a
quick tour and welcomes from those on the plots. Where is everyone you find yourself
asking? I thought once you had a plot you would spend every daylight moment
working the soil, having endless cups of tea with fellow plot holders, whilst
you discuss, seeds, plants, composting and plots.
Most plots turn over either at the end of the season when
the plots need putting to bed for winter, or the beginning of the season when
they need preparing for the season ahead. These are often the periods of
hardest work and least reward. On top of which starter plots often have become
available for a reason, which often means that they haven’t been fully or consistently
worked. If you are lucky you may get a plot where the current occupier is
moving to another plot so it’s in relatively good shape, but this is more the
exception than the norm. I remember my plot had been cleared but not dug over and
the extension i was offered was waste high in brambles, weeds and even had a
concrete pond hidden under the jungle.
Next the paperwork, the rules, the checks and the exchange
of money. At this point you let it wash over your head. After all you can read
it all when you get home and its cheap, or relatively cheap and how many rules can
an allotment need?
The plot may not the one you admired through the fence but more
often Tracy’s ‘Bed’. Your heart may sink a bit, but you have a plot and
envisage little problems as you’ll soon get it in order. during those early
days you keep reassuring yourself.
According to your experience and what the state of the plot
you inherit, that first season can be hard. The effort together with the set-up
costs is often underestimated. Many do appreciate the amount of effort and time
needed.
At our allotments, we give new members half ‘starter’ plots
and encourage them to work their way into it. After all you have to train to
run a marathon and few can just turn up and run it. After a season and if they have
worked it then they can apply to move to a full plot. Some are happy to remain
on half plots, some just want a plot and to them size doesn’t matter!
Importantly, after that long wait you have finally joined and
become an allotment holder
Love to hear your starter experience and lessons learnt
