Saintbridge Allotment Gardens Association

Is Allotmenting For Me?

So, you are considering the potential delights of an allotment but are unsure as to whether you will be suited to this hobby or have the time to maintain it adequately, here are a few reasons why you should, or indeed should not, cultivate your very own piece of England’s pleasant land …

Five reasons to take up allotmenting:

Exercise
Time spent digging, hoeing and watering (and sowing and harvesting of course) will certainly exercise muscles that you never knew you had but at a fraction of the cost of a gym membership. Remember you can always share the work and rewards with a friend or family member to lighten the load.

Getting off the sofa
In all seasons there are many benefits of being out and about. For some it is the tranquillity, for others no traffic or television or just being at ease with nature perhaps. You can always take a book and a flask of tea if you’re not in the mood for exercise. Our site is very close to Saintbridge Pond where you can do a little bird spotting too.

Growing and eating your own
You get to decide what you like to eat and manage your plot accordingly. Fruit and vegetables fresh from the allotment will taste far superior to any shop bought fare. You can be as organic as you like and grow as much as you like. Perhaps try growing something unusual, like asparagus, or establish a flower bed for cut flowers in your home.

Social Network
Undoubtedly there is a common bond between allotmenteers and you will soon have a new friendship group. Many plot holders have installed tables and chairs and will gladly exchange views and experiences, commiserate should the slugs eat all your lettuces and share a cup of tea. Everyone has a glut of runner beans or potatoes but share them with your friends and family and let them experience fine dining too. Perhaps you might create a small patch for your children to get them interested too.

Just doing something productive
We are all guilty of just staring at the television or tapping keys on mobile phones but there is something totally satisfying about watching seeds transform into luscious produce or even beautiful flowers if that is your want. Eating strawberries in the summer or roasted parsnips in the winter, knowing that they have thrived with your loving care is a fine reward.

Five reasons NOT to take up allotmenting:

Exercise
There's no 'app' for digging! It can be hard work, particularly at first when you are establishing your plot.

Time Consuming
Like all hobbies, you get out what you put in. Generally you should allow between 4 to 8 hours a week once the plot is up and running. You will only upset your neighbours if the plot becomes unkempt and full of weeds. Your grass paths will require regular cutting too.

Weather
The sun does not always shine in England! You will undoubtedly get wet, cold and dirty too sometimes.

Produce
Vegetables do not come out the ground ready washed, in perfect shapes or free from pests. It also takes time to prepare vegetables for the table or storage.

Weeds & Pests
If you don't net it, you won't get it! Birds, butterflies and other beasties will always claim a share of your produce if you do not protect your crops. Weeds sometimes seem to grow faster and be more prolific than the produce you are trying to nurture.