How much is it all costing....?

[galina]

Thanks Galina - what a great round up of good common sense ideas.  I am going to try a few myself.

We have a costa coffee here on site and we must throw hundreds of paper cups away every day.  The make excellent pots and are quite deep - not sure if I can plant out the whole thing intact as the cups are waxed (i think) and may take too long to disintegrate..
Also must remember to ask them to keep some some coffee grounds for the compost..

Hope you have luck with Costa.  I got a flat refusal.  Starbucks on the other hand have a policy of recycling and are more ameniable.  If only we had one nearby .....

[galina]

[artichoke]

Root trainers are expensive and fragile. I agree with making paper pots (newspaper wrapped around various bottles, cardboard tubes and glasses as described) and stuffing them into any container available that is deep enough to hold them tightly together.

Have I missed mention of loo roll centres? I have saved 100s over the winter. I only make newspaper pots when I have run out of loo rolls.

I often read that these home made pots need bases. Not at all. Once the roots have grown throughout the loo roll or newspaper pots, no compost falls out when you plant them.

Another thing I may have missed is making own compost for nothing? All kitchen waste here goes into two bins. Today I emptied out the older one to take to allotment. I am annually amazed that peelings and choppings and smelly stuff always turn into sweet smelling black crumbly stuff full of happy worms.

Except for eggshells. I cannot believe how many eggs we have eaten over the last year.......but eventually they do disappear into the enriched soil.

[Nigel B]

Well blimey!
Thanks for all your responses of both practical advice and the offers of seeds and cuttings. You are one very kind bunch of people!
For added background we are grandparents, with a daughter and her son living with us in our council-owned house in North Wales.
Mrs Nig works somewhere between part-time and full-time at basic wage. I can't due to health reasons, but only receive the lowest level of disability. Less than £20 per week last time I looked, it goes straight into Mr Nigs' account.
The allotment, 300sq yards, is not just new to us but also new to the village, so there aren't the bank of  'established' members one would normally be able to rely on for advice about what grows best where, seed-saving and so-on, and there is no-one on the committee that wants to run a seed-bank or whatever.
The allotment costs £25pa with an additional charge last year of £20 for the water. (Five taps for 22 full-plots although many are sub-divided.)

Last year, our first, was super-dry in the spring and we had to resort to buckets of ditch-water or water from home in a wheelbarrow to keep stuff going while we waited for the water to be supplied. Still, we managed to grow a useful amount of veg with some mixed results.
All of the Brassicas did well , we had very nice cabbage and sprouts. The potatoes did less well as a large amount were riddled with wire-worms, although the row grown in straw in the no-dig fashion (Something I'm going to have to apply) did very well, producing some lovely, clean spuds with shiny red skins.
The sweetcorn were a flop. Three packets of seeds wasted. Some as greenhouse-raised plantlets, the rest sowed in-situ, but the place is so windy, they almost all failed to get their feet down properly... Another lesson learned. Plastic bottles next year. And some sort of windbreak. (We can see the sea from our site. Just.)
I planted a few runner beans which did well, but I tended to browse on them as they were growing so only saved enough to plant out again. I also grew some cheroke trail-of-tears which produced enough beans for a full row this time, so we'll have those with enough to spare to spread around hopefully.

The borlotti beans sound perfect to use as a filler in casseroles and stuff, and as long as they don't mind a fair bit of wind they should thrive. If anyone can spare a few of those I'd appreciate it very much.

Carrots were good, but two packets was nowhere near enough. Even the dog likes them though.
Squashes and pumpkins did really well. They were mostly planted as a weed-suppressor as we didn't have enough stuff to fill the entire plot with and they did their job well, but no-one in the house, except me, can stand the taste of them. I've even tried sneaking it into casseroles only to have them inspect every bite....
Peas... were great. Again, nowhere near enough, but all we had. We also had some nice lettuce and spinach and still have one or two suede still in the ground.

Getting a real hold on the full amount of space there is, is difficult for a first-timer. There's no shed, but there is now a compost heap and we made a small wildlife pond so, fingers crossed, we'll have a band of froggy soldiers helping us in the war on slugs.
I have a wheelbarrow, an azada, a rake, trowel and hoe so I'm ok for tools. There's not much that can't be tackled with them.
I'm having to go the no-dig route where possible as digging is a "can't do." It's that bit where you lift the soil to throw it foreward, but I can turn the top over with the azada.
Saving enough for some straw to make no-dig areas, as well as seed potatoes look like being the biggest expenses. If I can't get the straw it won't be the end of the world, it'll just mean I can't do it on my own is all. I'll have to recruit to get them in and out.
Shop potatoes were mentioned. Is that really a viable way of getting spuds?

Galina. Such a practical and helpful post. We'll be certain to using some of your advice for sure.. The bits we don't usually do anyway.

Again. Thanks all. You've made a very useful thread absolutely packed with good practical advice.

Nigel.

[alexE]

. And some sort of windbreak. (We can see the sea from our site. Just.)

Getting a real hold on the full amount of space there is, is difficult for a first-timer. There's no shed, but there is now a compost heap and we made a small wildlife pond so, fingers crossed, we'll have a band of froggy soldiers helping us in the war on slugs.

I'm having to go the no-dig route where possible as digging is a "can't do." It's that bit where you lift the soil to throw it foreward, but I can turn the top over with the azada.

Nigel.

Blackthorn will grow from hardwood cuttings, and act as a windbreak and give you a crop of sloes to make wine/sloe gin/sloe jam from, are there any in hedges near you?

local carpet fitters may be able to supply you with old carpets (they have to pay to dispose of it) that you can use as a weed barrier on areas before you dig them. they may even deliver to the allotment

Lastly, get in touch with your local explorer scout leader. that's the age group 14 -18yo and they all have to do Duke of Edinburgh awards as part of their programme, which requires them to do a service, such as digging your allotment for you. that way you get a team of about ten poeple who will do it for free (well for food, which they'll even cook for you if you provide it for them)

[gavinjconway]

Thanks Galina - what a great round up of good common sense ideas.  I am going to try a few myself.

We have a costa coffee here on site and we must throw hundreds of paper cups away every day.  The make excellent pots and are quite deep - not sure if I can plant out the whole thing intact as the cups are waxed (i think) and may take too long to disintegrate..
Also must remember to ask them to keep some some coffee grounds for the compost..

Barrie - I would make a newspaper cup inside the coffee cup so when planting time comes you just plant out the newspaper and plant all as one.. then re-use the cup possibly for a second time.. No root disturbance this way.. I would trim the bottom of the newspaper tho to let the roots grow into the ground
quickly..

I'm going to do my sweetcorn in toilet paper rolls and plant the whome thin when ready so not to disturb the roots.

[Allotment-junkie]

I'm in Sutton-in-Ashfield..Sandwiched between Nottingham and Chesterfield.
My sister in law used to live in Long Eaton so I know that area.
As for the price..it is cheap..but it is 'no frills' allotment..we don't have water supply unless you do harvest rain water or dig a well. No free compost or manure..no nothing. Only facility is our lottie shop..basic but good one and not bad prices neither.
I'm not the only one bonkers here with seeds..other just don't make as much noise about it.. ;D ;D..or should I say they are more subtle about it.. ;D

My Grandad had 2 allotments in Sutton-in-Ashfield in the 40's and 50's first one I think was near the pub Speed the Plough and the second one was at the bottom of Jephson road
I have 3 allotments 13.00 per year each one with running water so with seeds etc I spend about 120.00 a year well worth the money both the veg etc and the exercise I get far cheaper than a Gym Membership

[Nigel B]

My Grandad had 2 allotments in Sutton-in-Ashfield in the 40's and 50's first one I think was near the pub Speed the Plough and the second one was at the bottom of Jephson road
I have 3 allotments 13.00 per year each one with running water so with seeds etc I spend about 120.00 a year well worth the money both the veg etc and the exercise I get far cheaper than a Gym Membership

So what is it that you (all), as fully-seasoned and self-admitted Alotment-Junkie(s), simply can't[/b] avoid spending money on?



And here's another general question....
If I had a packet of early peas and sowed some of them as soon as was practical, would there be enough time to crop them and plant the peas they produced, in time for another crop? . Stupid question? . It's ok, you can tell me. :)


Meanwhile though, what an amazing bunch you people are!  ;D
I have had some super-generous offers of seeds from some members here. I won't embarrass them by naming them, except to say a very humble 'Thank You' to you-know-who-you-are. Your kindness has made a real difference, and will continue to do so because generosity of spirit is never forgotten, and always passed on.  8)

I have also sourced some of those waxed-paper or card cups to use as pots. I'll line them with newspaper to avoid root-disturbance by pulling the paper liner out at planting time and planting that.... Oh! And our grandson has promised to drink all the pop he can so we can use the bottles as mini-greenhouses. :) His Mum isn't so keen......  ;D

[manicscousers]

Juat started collecting the loo roll middles to sow beans and sunflowers in  ;D
We've organised a seed swap on our site on saturday so, no doubt, there will be different varieties to try. Happy growing, and skip diving, and pound shop/lidl/aldi/wilkies shopping, everyone.

[Ruth Rocket]

What a fantastic thread!  I just love all the tips and information awesome!  I am supposed to be cooking but I have accidentally just sat here reading instead.
I asked a similar question about how much to spend on seeds when I first joined here,  as I was making a huge order at my allotment shop, someone kindly recommended premier seeds direct on eBay and they are awesome and far cheaper than my allotment shop, also I can stagger buying things there, you had to buy all at once for whole season at the allotment shop. 
very surprisingly too friends and family have spoilt us with seeds and tools, I think being an allotmenteer makes it easy for people to buy Xmas presents for you, I even have a gardening magazine subscription,trug,posh secateurs rhs diary and calendar......very happy x
also other very kind gardeners and allotment neighbours give plants and seeds from their surplus, and it is fun to give things back so I am going to have a bash at seed saving this year where possible to return the favours.
really I have spent maybe 1/5 of what I thought I was going to spend which is awesome x

[Ruth Rocket]

pumpkin lover the recipe is awesome thanks x

[Allotment-junkie]

So what is it that you (all), as fully-seasoned and self-admitted Alotment-Junkie(s), simply can't avoid spending money on? [/b]

Quite a lot of my money goes on Seeds, Chicken Pellets and BFB (wont use horse/cow manure) and Petrol for the Rotavator , Mantis tiller and lawnmower (Grass Paths)

[alexE]

Quite a lot of my money goes on Seeds, Chicken Pellets and BFB (wont use horse/cow manure) and Petrol for the Rotavator , Mantis tiller and lawnmower (Grass Paths)

We've got grass paths on our plot too, and i haven't met a strimmer i can't kill yet (including a big commercial husquvana left in our old polytunnel when we took our plot over, though that one didn't work to start with)

i use a push powered cylinder mower, the kind my grandfather had, you can get them new for about £30 and they don't need petrol

[Two Choices]

Since 2004 my annual spend for lottie and Garden has been between £80 and £120. This covers; compost, seeds, potatoes, Onion Sets, Growmore, Lawn Weed n Feed and has over the period included buying seed trays (in Wilko's 70% off sale one year) and a heated propogator along with some odds and ends.  It doesn't include the lottie rent.

Seed lasts for several years if stored in the cool and I've reduced my compost requirements by sowing seedlings in small pots and then pricking out into trays the number I require plus some extras. I always give the rest away, so if you talk to your neighbours then they be throwing away their surplus and would give it to you willingly.  As suggested previously, our garden centre sell current year seeds at half price or more in the autumn and I picked up £15 worth for a fiver.

While the men at our local dump don't like giving anything away!! during May you will find literally 100's of pots and trays dumped as people plant their bedding and clear out their sheds. Ask nicely; and I actually say that I pot up plants to sell for charity (which I genuinely do) and they often take a softer line.

I hope you have a great season. ' Fill your boots'....or should I say 'your plot'!

[Digeroo]

This is developing into a very useful money saving thread.

99p shop very useful.  Last year I bought gardening hat, netting, trowel, 20 short canes (good for peas), picnic table cover (very good as a cloche),

A stainless steet hoe is a must for me, Wilko do a nice one. 

I buy BFB in bulk from a horticultural supplier.  Price have been going up sharply though.

But the first year still needs investment and for those short of the reddies could be stretching.  There is also the risk factor that during the first year you do not know if you have green fingers or whether it will be a total waste of time and effort. 

[mormor]

I live in Denmark. So now you can all be happy that you don't suffer our prices.

Here goes! Rent of plot:  150 pounds for 120 sq.metres

Seeds, seed potatoes, onion sets, etc. etc. the same amount.
BUT I did buy an apple tree. Cost: 25 pounds

I get stable manure free from riding stable and buy 20 kilos chicken pellets per year.
Make own compost.

But it's all worth it.
And now I must go and start the blackvrrant/redcurrant jam from berries from the freezer.

[Digeroo]

150 pounds for 120 sq.metres

:o :o :o

This is huge.  Though there are some private sites here run but a certain Garden centre group which charge more.

Are you in a town or city?  It would be a very high return on farm land.  Are all prices high in Denmark how does this compare with average pay levels? 

[mormor]

The allotments are just outside Copenhagen. All prices here are high, but there is also increasing recession and unemployment here too. It's possible to rent half a plot, and my rent includes a little shed - more like a summer- house, and you don't have to rent one. Also there are tools, including lawnmowers and most other things you need which can be borrowed for free. (They are locked in various sheds across the site)
But no seed swaps or buying in bulk or anything like that.
If I look at food prices and at what I grow and harvest, the balance is definitely in my favour. There is 25% VAT on EVERYTHING and I mean everything!

[Digeroo]

As you are perhaps aware we do not pay vat on seeds and most food?  But half a 120 sq metre plot is very small.   

There were no seed swaps here until recently, I suggest you start one.  If you save your own seed there will be no VAT. ;D

[Ellen K]

In the UK, there is an allotment culture of doing everything as cheaply as possible - skip diving, saving seed, collecting leaves etc.  But this can take up a lot of time and also you can work hard and still be disappointed.  For instance, my garlic was the best on the site last year by miles but it was down to buying good seed and Miracle Gro, not rocket science or green fingers.

I guess the real skill lies is knowing where you can cut costs and where it's best not to.

And you can spend a fortune and still end up with a disaster.

[Mrs Ava]

Everyone has said it already, reuse, recycle, save, beg and borrow.  ;D  Wyvales are clearing the last of their seeds from last year now and they are down to 10p a packet.  Look for the ones with the barcode crossed through.  I picked up a few packs the other day  :P .

My biggest spends are compost for starting seeds at home, and the sausages and bread that we take to the plot for our BBQ lunches.  ;D  We are lucky and have manure supplied free so we all have huge compost bins full of that rotting down.  I never pay full price for seeds and don't go mad on spuds - I stick to the tried and tested varieties that thrive on our dry, stoney plot. 

I start much more at home in cell trays now as I got fed up with only half a row of something germinating.  Of course, carrots and 'snips get sown directly, but even beets, swedes and turnips have been amazing sown in trays first.

My loo and kitchen roll tube saving begins now for sweetpeas and sunflowers.  My shed came from freecycle, as did my greenhouse.  My tools are all hand-me-downs, apart from secateurs.

I think the most important piece of advice that you have been given, and I always tell people who ask me what they should be growing is only grow what you and yours like.  It is pointless growing brussel sprouts if none of you are keen, why waste the money, time and room on them??  Good luck.  ;D