To good to be true?

[scoobyb]

Hi guys

I am a potential allotment owner just starting out. When I decided to contact potential allotment sites I was aware of long waiting lists. Luckily the first and nearest one to me informed me that they may have a couple of plots available and I could meet today (Sunday) to have a look and see what I thought. When I arrived I was greeted by the site warden/manager and we drove to my potential plot. The site is surrounded by housing developments on three sides and a rail track on the other. It was in a pretty sorry state but there where a few well established plots on this very large site. The plot was I think a standard 100ft x 30ft. Bigger than I had imagined but I was relishing getting stuck in and transforming it. The thing that has got me thinking is, it seemed very easy to obtain this plot, the warden informed me not to leave anything worth nicking in the shed and don't bother locking it as the thieves will only rip the door off. He also informed me they have break ins on a weakly basis. This has got me wondering wether I want to put a lot of work into a plot that could easily be ransacked at anytime. What do you guys think?
Did I get the plot too easily?
Is it worth the potential hassle?
Should I just wait on a waiting list of a more established and secure site?

[scoobyb]

[Bill Door]

Well on the plus side he did not say that they nick vegetables.

Also you can drive to the plot.  And you have not been put off by the amount of work required (brambles or other such weeds).

If you want it, give it a go.  After all as more plots get worked the trouble element may decrease. Don't forget many plots are not worked much in winter and may need a "spring clean" to knock them into shape.

If it does not work out you may only lose part of a season and you will learn so much about allotments.

Welcome to the website and enjoy your gardening.

Bill

[Squash64]

Hi Scoobyb,

Welcome to A4A.

I think I would be a little cautious - "break ins on a weekly basis" does not
sound very promising. He could have been exaggerating of course. Did you
have a chance to speak to any other tenants while you were there?
Have you taken the plot or are you still deciding about it?

[Digeroo]

I would have a look round and see what people are growing.   Like Squash says have a talk to the other plot holders and see what they think, how many of the plots are over grown.

We have an issue with crops disappearing, but they do not like weird things, so I go for anything a different colour, yellow courgettes, yellow climbing French beans etc etc   I also have an anti theft powder which works ok but no good when it rains because it washes off.  PM me if you want more details.

I even put my initials on my bean cans.

[CDave]

I would go back and have a good look around. talk to other plot holders to find out exactly what its like. The fact that its near to houses might be a bonus and a deterrent. We tell folk not to leave anything on value in sheds - but plenty do. I know of other sites in our locality that look very safe - but they do have break ins so you cant always generalise about how safe or risky a site is. Keep us up to date and good luck whatever you decide.

PS - any chance that you can work this plot until something better comes along? 

[boydzfish]

There is nothing worse than to grow stuff throughout the year for some git to pull it all up and nick it - even if they took a couple of plants and left some it wouldn't be so bad. I had a lotty in Plymouth once and came back from holiday to find it had been ransacked - I had murderous thoughts there and then. I contacted the council and managed to get my rent back after saying I was giving it up because of the problem, they did say it might have been other allotment holders but that doesn't even bear thinking about!! There's no smoke without fire so I would be careful, see if you can get it on reduced rent given the issues. Good luck.