"There's nothing quite like picking or digging up your own fruit and vegetables. It's when you taste 'home grown' produce that you start to wonder how the supermarket stuff has been treated and what has caused it to lose so much taste and texture. As more people discover this difference so the interest in 'growing your own' increases. For some it is possible to set aside a part of their garden for growing. For others the only option is to use containers on the patio. Both of these can produce fruit and vegetables of the highest order but to grow the quantity and variety that can really make a difference to the diet and the budget, an allotment is the best option.
Allotments can be traced back many hundreds of years but are probably best known for their contribution during both the world wars. It is estimated that during WWII there were approximately 1.4 million plots in active use. By the end of the 20th century the estimate was less than 300,000. However as awareness of healthy eating and the value of fresh produce has been extolled by various celebrity chefs, and as gardens have got smaller and towns more crowded so allotments have seen something of a renaissance. They are no longer seen as the providence of the 'old flat cap brigade'. It could almost be claimed that having an allotment is the trendy thing to do these days.
The allotments in Watford are owned by the council. They have 13 sites around the borough varying in size from about 15 plots to over 250 plots. A 'standard' plot is 10 poles in size (a pole is an old measure of area roughly equivalent to 25 sq m). Due to the current demand more 5 pole plots are being let to enable more people to grow their own. The cost is just over £2 per pole per year so it isn't a big expense. You are however required to keep it cultivated so a certain level of commitment is required. Information on getting an allotment can obtained from the council.
Unfortunately for Nascot residents there are no allotments in our ward. Once again we miss out when it comes to green spaces and it is difficult to see where any provision could made for some. However I know of quite a few residents who do have a plot somewhere in the borough so don't let this put you off.
If you do decide to get an allotment, what can you expect? Despite some claims you will most probably get a plot covered in grass and weeds. This is when the 'exercise' starts. It is possible to mechanically clear and turn over the plot but to get the health benefit and for the most complete removal of unwanted plants nothing beats digging with a fork. Do a little at a time, especially if you're not used to digging. Take breaks to look at other plots. Use this as inspiration. And don't be afraid to talk to other plot holders. Almost without exception they are a very friendly lot and are very willing to hand out advice and quite often spare seeds and plants. Look to get something growing as soon as possible, even if it's only in the first few yards of your plot. The excitement of seeing something growing that you planted yourself is a wonderful feeling.
It is possible to keep a plot in good shape with a couple of hours work most weeks. The initial digging may be a bit more intensive but after this it's a matter of fighting the weeds, watering in the dry spells and preparation for planting. You will probably have to go more frequently once you start to harvest as some plants benefit from frequent picking and you may be surprised at the quantity of produce. You can also go to just enjoy being outside on your own 'plot of land', without doing any work.
For many the smell of freshly cut grass is evocative. For allotment holders nothing beats the taste of the first baby new potatoes, boiled with a sprig of mint and served with a knob of butter. If you've thought about it why not give it a go? It's extremely rewarding and probably easier than you think."
1 comment:
Very interesting to read about your progress on the allotment. I recently got one in Callowland, as well as about 23 other people who were lead around the vacant plots to select one last week.
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