Allotments 4 All

Hi all. Just moved to a new area and have been offered my first allotment. It is at the end of the allotment "range" which suits me fine. Thing is, there's a huge oak tree in the hedge about 20 yds from my plot meaning my patch will be in the shade until about mid day in the summer and then get all afternoon sun. Has anyone any experience of making this work or whether it will? Shall I take on the plot? The steward said not many people have had success with it - I suspect I should heed those words. However,  I've never been afraid of a challenge! Wonder if I should take it and if so, what might grow in it?

I'm near Merstham in Surrey. Used to grow a few things in the garden but in a flat now so only got some toms in grow bags and a couple of runner beans in pots.

Your thoughts experienced allotmenteers?

Many thanks
Mike
(got a picture of plot if I can figure out how to post it..)

How likely is another plot to come available to you at that site And if so would it be significantly better ? Is the waiting list long and will you lose your place if you don't take it -I would guess more plots would become available at end of year and taking a shaded one now won't let you much with it this year ? Good luck whatever your choice

It's not so much the shade that would bother me but the proximity of the oak tree. It will sap the plot, its roots are far reaching. That is probably why other plot holders have had little luck. Bit of a silly idea to continue offering that plot really.

I agree — the tree roots will be pumping nutrients, and more importantly, water from your plot. If you are a long way from the tap, I'd give it a miss.
Trimming the roots at your boundary would help a lot (dig a trench about 2ft deep, and cut through all roots encountered, then install a vertical barrier, rigid sheet plastic or heavy duty damp proof course). But given the lateness of the season, waiting for another plot could be the canny option.

Quote from: spainomr on June 30, 2013, 18:55:43
The steward said not many people have had success with it - I suspect I should heed those words. However,

I think you answered your own question...

Thanks everyone for your replies. To get "on the ladder" I've decided to take on the plot whilst keeping my eyes and ears open should anyone else give theirs back. I've heard a couple of them are on first warnings. I'll see what I can do with this one until then and enjoy transforming a plot as much as growing stuff if I'm honest. As you say, it's late in the season so not much scope for huge vegetable hauls this year. I like the idea of shearing off the roots at the plot boundary. I'll see what I can do on that front!
The way I see it, this is better than nothing, and I guess I just love being outdoors. And love digging.
Wish me luck ;-)

I was going to ask whether you can swap to another plot the following year.

If sapping of water and nutrients is a problem then you could dry growing in grow bags.  I had something of a problem a couple of years ago with contaminated manure so put a plastic sheet down and grew in straw bales above it.  Had great crops.

Hopefully having a plot will get you in the door as it were.

We have some big trees and a branch fell off so those near them are now rather worried.

Best of luck with the plot

You might be able to corner the truffle market from Reigate to Banstead! Shitake mushrooms need a regular log supply.
I believe its roots will reach at least a distance equal to its height. This is simply measured by standing with your back to the trunk. walk away,pausing at intervals to look back to the tree top through your knees. When this is possible, turn and pace back to the trunk. This distance is equal to the vertical height. When you have stopped laughing, try it! The point at which you turned should be the extent of the roots.
A polytunnel would extend your season at a time when the oak has shed its canopy.This could enable you to produce a wide range of seedlings and early plants to "trade" or sharecrop with those favoured  with better plots. If you are allowed livestock, they would benefit from a shady location. Give it a crack, I bet you will succeed with a little lateral thought. Good luck, please report your progress.