Allotment - keep or get rid....?

[BigDahliaFan]

I've had an allotment for 14 years, the first 10 years it was well cared for, I had time for it, it kept me fit. The last 4 years not so much and I've had my first 'tidy it up' letter from the Council this week.

Went up and tidied it up, but we've got a house with a garden now and a dog and finding the time is hard. And it's just me really, though my husband does help.

I just feel I put so much time and money into it that I should just try and keep it going till I retire (5 years or so time) when I will have more time for it.

or is that sunk costs fallacy and I should just go back on the list when I retire and maybe not get such a good allotment next time.

Crunch time partly because it needs a new shed...

Emotionally I'm finding it hard to let go.

I've had one for 7 years last year I had a hard exam at work so did the bare minimum. Now I have more time. What i did was built raised beds and have lawn in between or you could do woodchips so no cutting.
Weeding is easier in a raised bed and in winter I cover in black membrane which keeps the weeds at bay.
It does cost though I agree. It's really my only hobby so I justify it that way. It is hard esp in the summer watering it all.

If you've got a garden now do you really need it/want it anymore. I'd concentrate on your garden and let someone else have the allotment.

We needed to give up our allotment due to increased work commitments. It felt like a failure. My friend said instead, look at it as a 'positive reframing.' It helped and was definitely the best decision all round.

Thanks all. I'm finding it really hard to let it go, like I've failed. I'll try the positive reframing advice...

I also love it up there when I go up there, it's got the best views.

How long is the waiting list where you are? I wonder if it's worth giving it up, and immediatly reapplying so that hopefuly you'll get another one around the time you retire?

I gave mine up as I was just too busy, I felt awful and upset about the decision. However I feel like I've been released since letting it go. No constant guilt feeling that I'm not going or doing enough etc