I have finally got my long awaited alottement - now what can I do with it?

[EmeraldGreen]

Now I have finally got it, I have no idea what to grow or anything. I still have to pick which one I want - I don't think they are very big as they are split it two to fit everyone! Sounds silly but do you have to grow vegetables? I was wanting roses etc. aswell, I always assumed it was vegetables only!

Grow what ever you want (it is round here anyway- most people have pigeons )

I am as I have been waiting for ages and there is still a massive list

you need to find out what you are allowed to grow - some allotments have rules, others don't.

Pick one that's been gardened before but find out why it is vacant. Also find out whether it was organic or not before - if it's been gardened non-organically and you want to go organic you may find it a bit tough for the first year or so as the flora and fauna settle down

to be honest, if you've been waiting that long but haven't got a plan yet, then do you really want it? what for?

only grow what you like eating or looking at. Look in the fridge - grow some of that. Ask us how when you've decided what.

and buy Kitchen Garden magazine, and Gardener's Which

Lucky you. What choice do you have? That's the part to concentrate on first. Which plot will be yours?

Our allotments in West London have a rule that only one third can be for non-edible stuff but I don't think anyone sticks to it. 'The allotment handbook' by Caroline Foley is quite good for beginners. You can get tomato plants in the ground now, also mange tout could be planted for a crop this year. Maybe courgettes too if you're quick. If you're not very confident then I suggest some currant bushes and raspberry canes because they crop for 10 years plus and are pretty low maintenance.

Good luck. We think of ours as the fourth child at times but it's so worth it.

Ask the other allotment holders. The older and more experienced ones will be more than willing, in my experience, to give advice and probably, spare seedlings to start you off.They will know what is best to plant and when. There should be an allotment or gardeners association where you can get advice and chheap seeds, fertiliser, compost etc.

Have you seen the news recently re allotments and the need for insurance to protect people who wander onto your allotment without permission and fall over the bucket you left outside the hut? What a load of *!!