As December arrived and the first year ended at Alexandra Allotments it was interesting to reflect on what had worked and what had not! Some vegetables may be more economical started as plug plants rather
As December arrived and the first year ended at Alexandra Allotments it was interesting to reflect on what had worked and what had not!
Some vegetables may be more economical started as plug plants rather than packets of seeds. Like many other plot-holders we have seen an abundance of some vegetables and total failure of others! Some plots appear to have been abandoned with rotting unpicked produce, which seems a shame, while others are in good order for over-wintering.
We kept a note of our spending over our first year and are relieved that much of it will not recur as it was on the storage box and lock, tools, propagators, composter, mini greenhouse, and watering cans. With all those items and the key deposit and £25 per year rental, our total outlay with plants and seeds too came in at under £700. Of course, we have not recouped that in produce, but you cannot put a price on fresh air, hard work and a sense of achievement! Some allotment holders obviously had spent a great deal more and have very impressive plots and infrastructure to show for it, while others may have had fewer financial resources, but much more time and expertise!
Starting an allotment on totally new plots in a time of lockdowns and Covid issues has certainly been an unusual challenge and perhaps we have all missed out on more interaction and sharing of seeds, plants and ideas as a result. Overall, we are in no doubt that taking this on has been beneficial and we are excited about what lies ahead in year two!