shed-tastic

[davidparker]

Hi everyone,

I'm a returnee [of sorts] to the world of allotments, having last tended one alongside my father when I was fairly young. I have fond memories of those times and am really looking forward to getting my two young sons involved now that I'm a parent myself.

But I'm conscious that things have moved on a bit since the 1970s. There are a lot less 'shanty-town' style sheds around. And I don't want to alienate my new neighbours by making a shed from salvaged bits and bobs.

So my question is: can anyone recommend a good, strong, cheap shed! What's best - metal, plastic or wood?

And a supplementary question. I'm planning out my allotment now - it's 10 rods - and I wondered if anyone might suggest some options for paths between the beds? Paving was what I was thinking of - but it's more of a hassle to sort out to begin with. Any other ideas?

Many thanks!

[davidparker]

[slyfox-mal]

welcome mate and keep  reading the posts on here thers loads of info  almost daily  im  new also only just got my plots a while ago from what ive read on here  beds are mostly about 4 feet wide by however longwith paths between so u can work them without walking on themive done mine like everyone else around me on my site about 5 meters by 4 meters the way i look at it if its good enough for the old timers on my site then its ok for me  as for sheds u should see  our site  lol its a right old shanty town just about anything goes  shed wise but not all sites are so free to do as  u wish mines in middlesbrough
anyhow im rambling on  good luck mate and take it easy

[davidparker]

Thanks mate. I wish I could make a shed up from scrap wood! But they won't let me and I hear this is getting more common. So more power to you and your neighbours and your mix n match sheds!

I think I've found a bargain at my local DIY centre actually, so I'm going to start setting up properly at the weekend.

[Roy Bham UK]

Hi David and welcome from another newbie, I would have thought a metal shed would be more suitable in this day and age as they are more difficult to burn and kick in, it's awful that we have to think on those lines but this is the real world and it happens.
I have seen some bargains on Ebay… http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=90746&item=4350154407&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
Our allotment has been closed for over 2years due to vandalism and the area has since been redeveloped so I will give it a year and if things appear to be near normal and vandal free, then I will invest in one, for the time being, I’m sticking out for a freebee. >:( ;D

[Doris_Pinks]

My shed unfortunately is the back of my poor car!! 2 got burnt down on our site last year, and it certainly makes you think about the money and effort of geting one! I have been umming and arring for years, but think the back of the car is the safest place for my tools! (though everyone complains my car smells of fertiliser!! ;D Dunno whats wrong with them, I quite like the smell of B,F&B!)

[davidparker]

thanks very much for your thoughts. I was also thinking of a metal shed - although the pent ones (as on ebay) have no floor and so would need some solid paving to rest on...but I guess that's no problem.

I have a day of digging tomorrow so I'll ask around down at the site and see what others think.

Cheers

[Mimi]

Have a look around the local free ads and local papers.  They often have sheds for sale... sometimes they are even given away if you are prepared to dismantle it for someone. 

[Plottie]

David
We sport the 'shanty town' look on our site and I find it fascinating to see the ingenious structures that are there.  most of them look like they've been there for many years.  My own inherited shed is an incredibly strong box shaped thing made out of old (and very solid) doors.  It was built by the last but one occupant of my plot - an old Polish gentleman who arrived in the UK as a refugee during WW2.  I feel very proprietorial about it and will try my best to look after it as it has so much more character than a new one.  The only maintenance required on it since i took over the plot has been to repair the roof but a piece of roofing felt has sorted that.
As far as paths go, i have used some paving around the shed but paths in the plot have been made by laying out strips of old stair carpet or plastic membrane covered with wood chippings.  This means that if I want to change the configuration  eg to change the shape of the beds the paths are easily removed.
hope this helps and good luck with your plot
Plottie :)

[Ceri]

I bought my shed from e-bay - 6 x 4 metal pent shed, just like the one in the picture for £33 - second hand and I'm going to pick it up this weekend.  I've been looking out for one close to home for nearly a year now so hoorah!

[Mrs Ava]

Congrats Ceri!  Love my shed, shelter from the rain, rain catcher, tea room, tool store, loo  ::), and landmark!

[Ceri]

Thanks EJ - it also means I can finally get my chickens as I'll have somewhere to keep the feed and stuff dry.  I'm going to invest in a wee barbecue and gas bottle ring thingy this summer so I can invite friends (and their gardening tools) to the lottie - one lamb kebab for each row weeded - should do well!

[Andy H]

We have a small metal shed that was on the plot. We put big padlock on it and the roof was removed! So I riveted the roof down now just leave the doors open with nothing of value in it. The back of OH car is the tool shed as safe. Shame cos have to keep Roti at home and put in trailer to get it to the plot.

[TrailRat]

We have a strict policy regarding sheds at a our plot in enfield but after seeing some of the "shanty towns" in other enfield allotment site I'm thinking I could bend the rules myself. There is only one other shed on my site.

I'm planning an 8 x 4 monster. Mainly because I don't have a garden at home or much storage space for garden stuff either. It shall sit in a trench 2 and a half feet deep and have a false floor storage space for the exspensive tools, not that we really have a problem with vandalisam on our site. Also we're only allowed a certain height and with the one they are allowing I would bash my heab on the apex so I'm adding height below me.  :D   

This creation shall be built by me out of recycled lumber where possible and already scrounged solar panels for me kettle and heater.  :)

[Andy H]

Tailrat
Keep us informed! Get pictures.........

[davidparker]

deeply jealous of all those able to make their own sheds! And the fantastic sounding solid structure made by the WW2 Polish refugee sounds amazing. Look after it!

I am laying some paving next weekend, ready to receive whtever shed I end up choosing. Still undecided. ???

[Lady Cosmos]

On my veg plot we are not allowed to have a shed at all. No buildings higher than 1.20 mtr are allowed. On the other hand we have a huge type of summerhouse full of all different types of rakes, spades, forks, watering cans, and other equipment, wheelbarrows etc. So never the need of carrying tools. Only when it start raining.... I have to run ;D ;D