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Frustration

• Message 1. 

  Posted by allotmentangel (U14129635) on Wednesday, 23rd June 2010

  Hello all. This is my second year on the allotment but due to work commitments at the moment i can only spend one day per week on my plot. Compared to last year i do not feel that i am as organised and the weeds are growing amazingly fast . I am feeling like an allotment failure!! Can anyone offer any tips that might help? Thanks for reading.

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by bookertoo (U3655866) on Wednesday, 23rd June 2010

  First and foremost remember that this is not a competition, there is no failure involved, you can only do what you can do! You take on an allotment to enjoy it, so try doing just that.
  
  Dig over a small bed that you can manage, get some saladings in there and see them grow as quickly as the weeds - you will feel then that you are succeeding and producing.
  
  Don't feel you have to produe from the whole thing, an allotment is a large area to garden, in one day a week you cannot do that, it's not possible, concentrate on doing what is possible and no more.
  
  Maybe you can cut the weeds down, and couple of square metres at a time, not all at once, that always makes you feel better, and maybe put some weedkiller on, roundup or something like that which will not harm the soil. Get some mulch on it if possible, or cover with plastic, not lovely but keeps the weeds down.
  
  
  Most of all stop judging yourself, no-one else is, try enjoying the fresh air, the sunshine, the bird song, and whatever bits are going well.
  
  Good luck, and enjoy......
  

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• Message 3

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  Posted by Calendula (U2331338) on Wednesday, 23rd June 2010

  I know exactly what you mean. I went away for a week and then wondered if I had done the right thing (OH would probably have murdered me if not!) There are one or two absolutely immaculate plots near me, and of course I always compare mine to those rather than the good many ones which have a far worse weed problem. I also find I'm so exhausted by the time I've finished working on it I never really "see" it in it's best state - the next time I go there it's straight back into the work.
  
  BUT - I work 35 miles away, full time, and I can't be in two places at once. My advice is little and as often as you can, and visit on occasion (or take a flask and a sandwich for a break) to just look and feel proud. Talk to your fellow allotmenteers - everyone does the comparison thing and I'm sure you will come across people who envy the state of yours. And in the end I bet your veg will taste just as good!

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• Message 4

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  Posted by Playingtimeaddedon (U14150224) on Wednesday, 23rd June 2010

  Keep using your hoe!
  
  Cut off the tops and eventually the roots will die!
  
  

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• Message 5

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  Posted by annaw1 (U14287763) on Wednesday, 23rd June 2010

  When I find anything getting on top of me I tell myself, "Prioritise" and "Break it down into steps and do one step at a time."
  
  Like someone else said, dig over one small area then I would grow something that you particularly enjoy eating or something that is easy to grow (or both!). Take care of what you have sown/planted as a priority then gradually make a start on another small area etc.

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• Message 6

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  Posted by allotmentangel (U14129635) on Thursday, 24th June 2010

  Thanks for all your advice. It is good to know it is not just me that feels like this sometimes and its true that you only compare your plots to more tidy ones!! I def need to work on smaller bits at any one time rather than trying to do it all at once. I had even considered giving it up but that would make me more unhappy! The plot is a bus ride and then 20 mins walk away so am motivating myself by saying it will be easier once i have passed my driving test - hopefully by the end of the year - fingers crossed

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• Message 7

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  Posted by Formby_Asparagus (U7704501) on Thursday, 24th June 2010

  Allotment,
  
  While waiting to pass your driving test, could you mkae the trip by bicycle?
  
  F_A

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• Message 8

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  Posted by londonplantmad (U2392946) on Thursday, 24th June 2010

  Allotmentangel.
  Is there anyone who could share your plot with you who has a bit more time. If not you could try covering some of the ground were you are not growing crops to stop the weeds. Then plant some things that do not need so much attention like fruit bushes and dwarf fruit trees. This way you will have some things that come every year and do not need so much care. Once you get more time you could then concentrate on other crops. Maybe you could ask people on your plot to water a few things to help you out. Most gardeners are helpful if you ask them. I think sharing would be good especially at the moment while money is tight.

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• Message 9

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  Posted by ClaireWillis35 (U14367964) on Thursday, 24th June 2010

  How about growing lots of the same crop, that keeps things simpler and means you can do one job each time you go....one week weeding, next week pruning etc etc...
  
  Or go for vegeatbles that are notoriously simple to grow.
  
  Or, as I did, ask for 1/3 allotment plot rather than a whole one...I am certainly not self-sufficient but it is still satisfying.

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• Message 10

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  Posted by allotmentangel (U14129635) on Friday, 25th June 2010

  I think at the moment growing a lot of the same is maybe the way forward for me! I had great aspirations this year to have a wide variety but until i get a bit more organised i should just get on with what i can and at the end of the day it will all be enjoyed. I could cycle there but i normally take my dog with me and he would not appreciate sitting in a bike basket

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• Message 11

  , in reply to message 10.

  Posted by Formby_Asparagus (U7704501) on Friday, 25th June 2010

  RE : I could cycle there but i normally take my dog with me and he would not appreciate sitting in a bike basket.
  -----------------------------------------------
  
  Thought about buying a trailer for your bike?
  
  F_A

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