Old hands should help newcomers find their feet
Autumn and winter are times when some plotholders decide to call it a day. Changes in family circumstances, job commitments or ill health can play their part in this decision. The annual demand for plot rental sometimes prompts the plotholder to re-assess their ability or desire to continue.
Every departure leaves an opportunity for someone off the waiting list to get started. The phone call or email letting you know that a plot is vacant for you can be a bit of a life-changing experience. For me, that call came sooner than I had expected. With four children under the age of seven, I hesitated and wondered if I could find enough hours in the day to manage a plot. I’m so glad I did.
It’s a sad fact that far too many new plotholders give up during the first couple of years. After languishing on a waiting list for a long time, it’s a shame for them that the reality of having an allotment doesn’t match up with their original dream. It’s sad too for the allotment site. A plot that frequently changes hands suffers from lack of sustained cultivation. Even if the person giving up leaves the plot tidy there is an inevitable gap before the plot can be re-allocated when the weeds keep growing.
As a former site secretary, I remember showing aspiring plotholders their new plot on dreich winter days. The only crops left would be some bedraggled brassicas and a few leeks. I couldn’t help speculate what they would make of the task ahead. Even if the new plotholder has some gardening experience, getting to grips with an allotment can present
In dry weather beds can be prepared for next spring and fruit bushes planted. Maybe a hut needs refurbishing
some quite different challenges.
Actually autumn is an ideal time to get a plot knocked into shape. In dry weather beds can be prepared for next spring and fruit bushes planted. Maybe a hut needs refurbishing and some compost bins need made. Some sites give new plotholders a welcome pack with essential gardening tips. This is excellent but more important is making sure the newcomer knows that they have joined a thriving community of likeminded folk. A friendly word from existing plotholders passing their plot can make all the difference to whether or not they enjoy their early experiences and subsequently settle into becoming established plotholders. Some sites run excellent discounted seed schemes tailormade for allotmenteers. The new plotholder may welcome a bit of help making choices. n