Allotment share - nightmare

[Scottie7]

A few weeks ago I finally got a small allotment. It was in a very neglected state and I knew it would take time and money to sort it. 3 friends asked if they could help and in return share produce when we eventually get to grow in it. As my partner is disabled, I agreed as long as we all shared the responsibility of clearing and kitting out the plot. So far, I've done 62 hours of work there, done 16 tips runs, bought a shed, water butts, extra gardening equipment etc, etc, etc. One friend has worked with me for 1 hour and 20 minutes, then others for about 3 - none have paid for anything or even asked if they can contribute. Now to be clear, this is my plot and I am responsible for it so I'm happy to put in the work, the time and the money. But I'm starting to think that next summer, my friends are going to swan up with artisan baskets, flouncy frocks, wide hats and huge smiles and help themselves to the produce because I said we could share it. Again to be clear, I've repeatedly asked them to come to the plot and help with clearing, tip runs (they can't - they have nice new cars), and even laying out beds but they either ignore me, are busy or are "taking care of their bodies"!!!?). How would you handle this? Please understand I am not a confrontational person and would prefer a solution whereby I just sort of stop asking them for help in the hope that their interest fizzles out naturally rather than ultimatums. Thanks.

They can all do one.

I just wouldn't tell them when anything was ready to harvest/

I think you should end their sharing aspirations with a polite message. Brackets are optional bitter part.
“ thanks for your interest in the allotment but I’ve decided that I would rather take it on alone (as i have done most of the work so far. ) Hope you don’t mind. Xx”

As above - stop mentioning the allotment. Don't talk about it.

If they ask next summer about coming to "help" (i.e. harvest), tell them that you had to knock it on the head as you didn't have enough time.

I would tell them individually that this isn't really working for you. That you will give them a small basket of produce each next Autumn and that you don't need any more help.
I think it would be more productive to hire someone to help with heavy lifting of removing stuff than to count on others like them.

I assume your site has locked access? Do they have keys? if not they cant go there without you.
If thats the case, I would just stop asking them to help, crack on. If and when they ask in the summer just dont tell them when you are going or what you are growing or harvested.
Or give them a 1m sq bed each and tell them they can have whatever they grow on it but you wont be looking after it for them.
To be honest if its that bad you won’t get much next year anyway, I took a couple of seasons to get my badly neglected plot up and running
Good luck with it and have fun

I’d just tell them now, as they don’t really have the time/energy to get involved that you’ll just be looking after the allotment on your own.

I agree just tell them that you have had a rethink and you need to proceed with the allotment alone, thanks for the offer it was a nice idea but isn't going to work out, but if they want to get their own they need to get in touch with t'committee.

You're right, just stop mentioning it. If they bring it up or offer help just brush it off, didn't think you were doing it, all the clearing is done now actually, it's all sorted, don't worry about it. They are clearly overwhelmed by the whole thing when it comes to the practicalities of it. You've got it covered now and well done you! Enjoy your allotment.