Question
I am interested in taking on an allotment and the Albemarle Allotments are the closest to my residence. I have never had the opportunity to take on an allotment before and have done little gardening beyond a few pot plants. I was wondering what kind of support, if any, is given to new plot holders? Are there targets to be met, and how rigorously are these enforced? How long am I likely to have to wait for a plot? What kind of social activities are run within the society?
Answer
We currently have a couple of vacant plots, and if you are interested in renting one, please email Jan Davis Pickford at albemarle13@yahoo.co.uk - as soon as possible. Allotment gardening bears very little resemblance to patio gardening (If that sounds condescending, I am very sorry). It is more like farming. It is very hard work in the beginning, digging up all the weeds and their roots, clearing the land and keeping it clean from annual weeds, so you can sow your seeds. Brassicas (the cabbage family, which includes Broccoli, Sprouts, Turnips, Swedes, and many more) can take from 4 months to 12 months to mature - i.e.produce a harvestable crop. You get dirty, and you get sweaty, but the fresh air and the sunshine nearly make up for it. Your sense of satisfaction for a job well done adds the cherry on the cake.
Our allotments don't have a training programme for beginners, but we do have a lot of very knowledgeable old time gardeners on the site who are very amicable and will willingly share their expertise. Also our experienced Committee Members will gladly advise on all subjects of allotment gardening.
About targets. Yes, there are targets. All of us allotmenteers have to agree and sign up to the rules and regulations of the Manchester City Council, our Landlords. Rule 2 specifies that in the first 3 months a quarter of the plot is cultivated and free of weeds, and in the next 12 months the entire plot must be cultivated.
Even on a half plot (150 to 200 sq metres) this can be difficult, and our Committee understand this, and are very willing to advise and suggest options to struggling, but enthusiastic new allotmenteers.
I am interested in taking on an allotment and the Albemarle Allotments are the closest to my residence. I have never had the opportunity to take on an allotment before and have done little gardening beyond a few pot plants. I was wondering what kind of support, if any, is given to new plot holders? Are there targets to be met, and how rigorously are these enforced? How long am I likely to have to wait for a plot? What kind of social activities are run within the society?
Answer
We currently have a couple of vacant plots, and if you are interested in renting one, please email Jan Davis Pickford at albemarle13@yahoo.co.uk - as soon as possible. Allotment gardening bears very little resemblance to patio gardening (If that sounds condescending, I am very sorry). It is more like farming. It is very hard work in the beginning, digging up all the weeds and their roots, clearing the land and keeping it clean from annual weeds, so you can sow your seeds. Brassicas (the cabbage family, which includes Broccoli, Sprouts, Turnips, Swedes, and many more) can take from 4 months to 12 months to mature - i.e.produce a harvestable crop. You get dirty, and you get sweaty, but the fresh air and the sunshine nearly make up for it. Your sense of satisfaction for a job well done adds the cherry on the cake.
Our allotments don't have a training programme for beginners, but we do have a lot of very knowledgeable old time gardeners on the site who are very amicable and will willingly share their expertise. Also our experienced Committee Members will gladly advise on all subjects of allotment gardening.
About targets. Yes, there are targets. All of us allotmenteers have to agree and sign up to the rules and regulations of the Manchester City Council, our Landlords. Rule 2 specifies that in the first 3 months a quarter of the plot is cultivated and free of weeds, and in the next 12 months the entire plot must be cultivated.
Even on a half plot (150 to 200 sq metres) this can be difficult, and our Committee understand this, and are very willing to advise and suggest options to struggling, but enthusiastic new allotmenteers.