Allotment sharing - what have I let myself in for

[Smithagain]

I've always really fancied growing some of my own fruit and veg, but never had the space, other than a few containers of tomatoes on the patio. Now I've discovered that a friend of mine has an allotment that she is really keen to share with someone, cos she hasn't got enough time herself.

I love the idea and I really fancy making it a family project. But I'm pretty busy myself. And my gardening experience is limited, to say the least.

What have I let myself in for? How much time does allotment gardening require. Where can I find a good idiot's guide to veg growing and allotment etiquette, so I don't make a complete fool of myself?

Help!

Organic or not? what state is the site in - recently used or a wasteland?

It will be brilliant and full of emotion - some good some bad! Grow things you like to eat, don't bother with anything you don't like eating. You will get lots of conflicting advice from other allotment holders which tells you that there are few right or wrong answers - do what makes sense to you and works for you at the time.

For instant gratification, I recommend courgettes - put seed in ground in May, water a bit, and stand back. Pretty impervious to slugs even in the early days. Runner beans ditto but you do need to protect them from slugs when they are little. They are also incredibly stupid when little and need to be wound round their poles.

Kitchen Garden magazine and Organic Gardening magazine are great

Enjoy!