After being on the local Allotment waiting list for 6 Months we were allocated a half size plot in the winter of 2010. This was our first attempt at gardening and growing your own, but the excitement and determination between us was enough to not put us off by the amount of work that needed to be done. The plot was quite overgrown and we had a huge snowfall here that winter so it was not until Feb 2011 that we began work on the plot.

We both have very different outlook and ideas on gardening so it was a challenge to work out where to start or what was to go where. Also in the workforce are our two children who we wanted to be interested in the allotment, not only for them to help and be involved but for them to have an idea of why we were here and for them to learn the skills of growing your own food. I am more of a happy laid back gardener where I wanted and all the reward with little effort. Never have been much of a one for “planning” but the Mr is. So the first rough drafts and lists were drawn up up with an idea of what we hoped we could grow and that our harvest would be a reasonable amount. 

It does pain me to admit to him but the planning and lists we all worth it.  Our initial season was a success even though we did grow the easiest crops. After all the hard work (see photos in flickr).  We were rewarded with potatoes, broad beans, runner beans, lettuce, strawberries (well at least ten), raspberries, garlic and onions (both red and white).

The Horticultural bug has been caught.

-Mrs