Do I or Don't I??

[Epiphany]

So, here it is, I have two small children (aged 4.5 yrs and nearly two) and  I work three days a week. Mr Epiph wants to be involved too.

Should I even think of getting on a waiting list for an allotment? Just how much work is it? I would want to grow basic fruit and veg, nothing fancy.

Input welcome!

[Epiphany]

[sandra Riley]

I would say go for it, we have 4 children and they love to be involved, its nice to have something that the whole family can do together and there is the bonus of lovely fresh veg  :)

[Trevor_D]

It's a lot of work and a big committment. But that's where the fun is! You'll love and so will the kids. That's how quite a few of us learned to love gardening and food - "helping" our parents when we were that age.

But - like taking on pets, or having a family - you have to want to do it and love putting in the hours. (Could go on a lot more, but I must get to the plot....)

Go for it!

[Old bird]

Why not?  Make two lists as to why you should and why you should not!

But I certainly would put my name down on a waiting list as if you do decide yes then at least you will have a chance at one.  If when you get offered one you decide you don't like it or it looks too big - you can always ask to have half a plot or not take the one that you are offered.

I think you may enjoy yourself away from family and you could have a bit of "you" time on your own in the quiet!

Workwise - if you take over a plot that has been worked - it should not be a huge starting up job!  But if you take over a neglected plot then obviously the time angle will involve you in a lot more.

I go to my lottie daily - but don't stay their long most days and probably during the summer do about a couple of hours a day.  In the winter - some days I don't even go up for a week or if I do it will be to harvest some wonderful organic fresh produce.

That is the upside - picking and eating a HUGE strawberry while still warm - Fabulous.

You can between you organise the children that one or other and occasionally both of you and children visit the plot on a regular basis.  It is good for the children as they will see and appreciate where food comes from.  I can't see any downsides really as you will also be doing a workout as well!

Good luck anyway

Old Bird ;D

[twinkletoes]

Hi Epiphany and welcome.  Yep - go for it. Yep it can be hard work but boy is it worth it. As Trevor_D says - the children will love helping out and will require constant attention. Old Bird is right too, it can be a very useful place for a bit of "you" time.
twinkletoes

[springbok]

I have two kids, one 11 and a 1 year old.

I have started off in my garden for this year, see how I get on with growing my own and see if its enough to sustain us.

What I have done with my children is give them their own digging space and let them grow what they would like to grow.  My daughter has opted for peas, and for the one year old dwarf sunflowers :)

They spend as much time out there with me and enjoy it.

[Carls3168]

GO FOR IT!!!!

I have a lad who since the age of 2 has been coming to the allotment with me, I work 5 days per week, 42 hour weeks, plus about 10 hours commuting to and from the office, I regularly travel to Scotland and Ireland for several days at a time and still managed to win 3rd Prize in last years allotment competition – up against the `old boys` who tend to live on their plots!  ;D

My tips are desgin your allotment to be "low maintinance" - maybe see if you can just get a half-plot (waiting lists might even be shorter for these)

Put beds and paths in - 1) so the kids know where not to walk when you've just finished sowing your seeds, and 2) they will make the plot alot more managable for weeding, rotation etc. Explain the `rules` to the kids and dont let them run amock on other peoples plots (you'll find though that the other allotmenters kidnap your kids though to show them their chickens etc and send them back with trays of eggs!) also try t o keep the visits with the kids to 2 hours max... I find this is about the most time my lad can spend digging, looking for worms and `watering` mud before he gets bored.

Have a look at my Blog for pics of my plot...  :)

However, having said this allotments do need dedication, weeding, watering etc ... hardly any time in the winter, but quite a lot in spring (I manage to keep on top of mine though with a couple of hours at a weekend, and one or two flying visits to water the greenhouse in an evening)

You and the kids will soon love going up there though, and spend all day looking forward to it.  :D

[twinkletoes]

.....ooops!   Meant the allotment will need constant attention....not the children  ::) ::)  ;D
twinkletoes

[gonz]

Definately go for it.

We have only had ours since Feb this year and before that I hated doing work in the garden, but loved growing chillis, herbs, tomato's etc at home in tubs.  I am now an addict!

We have no children and both work both work 40 hour a week.  Yes its hard work, but is nice hard work! (if there is such a thing).  I cant remember what I did with my spare time before I had my plot.  I wouldnt swap it for anything.

PUT YOUR NAME DOWN !!!!!!!!!!!!  You wont regret it.

[tilts]

Don't consider it, do it!!!

[froglets]

Put your name down & think about asking around for other people in a similar position who would like to share half a plot each with you.  ( set clear rules).  It'll spread the load & help reduce the waiting list.  Was gonna wax on but it raining & I gotta get the washing in.

[cleo]

Hi Epiphany-do I know you from another site? Yes go for it.

Cleo aka Stephan

[saddad]

Welcome to the Madhouse Epiphany... I would put your name down... they might have left school, before you get it, if there is a bad list in your area..
:o

[Ishard]

YES![

[manicscousers]

hiya, epiphany, we now have grandchildren helping us (well, sowing seed, picking and eating the crops), oh, and helping fill up the compost bins..there's nothing like it for kids, helps them appreciate nature as well as helping feed them  ;D

[posie]

Definitely! And your kids are at just the right age to be curious about what's going on and how things work.  Pick a few fast growing things for them when you start to keep their interest and before long they'll be hefting a barrow with the best of them!  But best of all enjoy all that fresh air and the fact that a few hours up there and they'll sleep!  ;D

[Trevor_D]

I can't bear the suspense. Put our minds at rest.... have you decided yet?

(I think we're all a bit biassed here....)

[littlebabybird]

just in case you need another voice

YES

[sheddie]

Another YES here too! - one of the best things I've ever done - love every minute of it!

I'd ummed and aahhed for years and wish I'd done it years ago!

;D

[Epiphany]

Thanks for your input every one!

Well, I have put my name down for the local council ones and am trying to find contact details for the privately owned one not far from us. The waiting list is 40+ strong on the council ones, and they move roughly twice a year, so, as someone said, I think my kids might be married with thier own munchkins by the time I get one!!

Ever hopeful though!

I used to have a veteran pony (we lost him at Easter) and the girls loved looking after him, even the mucking out, so I really want to find something "out side" for us all to do. We live in a maisonette so we don't really have a garden or much "tub space" so I think an allotment is definately the best plan.

Now I just have to wait..........