Well, I am getting on quite well with my "downgrade" :-) I took on half the plot this year and I must admit that it is much tidier than it usually is !!! But on the downside, there are some things I would like to try and now don't have room for.
This shows the new area, you can see potatoes closest to the camera, and that scruffy area will soon be filled with the tomatoes, cukes, courgettes and hopefully some NZ spinach except I am having a damned time getting it to germinate. The pea structures are a bit scruffy too I realise; I made them with bamboo and some plastic wrapping material that I managed to cut into thick strips.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q319/antipodes_photo/Allotmentapril2014_zps7bffb193.jpgIt is frustrating but the plot is at least very very full and I now have had time to tidy and relay the paths, keep the weeds back, and put down some separators for the beds which looks tidier. I have also managed to sow some pots with flowers and herbs, to make around the shed look pretty, it was a nuclear zone up till now!!! I intend to really work on having the plot full year round, and when the garlic comes out (it looks like a early harvest this year), I will sow autumn carrots, when the onions come out, I will put in swiss chard and cauliflower. Early spuds will be replaced by leeks and late spuds by cabbage.
I have a little cold frame built and the seedlings are under fleece - beetroot, leeks, salads, and the brassicas.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q319/antipodes_photo/semisavr2014_zps64a69781.jpgThe strawberries were replanted with my wonderful friend Nathalie and they are doing very well! I have just netted them as they are fruiting. For me this is relatively weed free!
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q319/antipodes_photo/semisavr2014_zps64a69781.jpgMy broadies are also doing well this year. I will never change to another variety I think ! (Imperial Longpod)
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q319/antipodes_photo/peasbroadsapr2014_zps3660fee4.jpgAll in all, it was a hard decision to downsize but probably a smart one. I can now actually stand back and admire the flowers etc, instead of just going flat out all the time. I was always envious of you lot slurping tea in the shed etc, maybe now I will have time to get a deck chair out and do the same!!!