Getting an allotment as a newbie, or waiting?

A friend of mine keeps telling me to get on the local council list for an allotment, but I feel that as a total noob it'd be a bad idea. Though I am tempted, as I love the idea of having my own little sanctuary away from the kids and everything that I can really make mine. I could be in for a long wait anyway but I'm worried if it's too soon. Then again there's only one way to learn!

What do you guys think?

 

Get that allotment, stick a poly tunnel on it if you can.

Had my first one in my 20's, made a few mistakes, but learned from that

 

Go for it! Surely your kids might want to get involved too? I have very fond memories of my grandad's 2 allotments when I was little.

I love the way you use the word noob too, good word!

 

Just go for it! Everybody is new at some point and this site is full of information to help you along! I've only been growing food for a couple of years and love it and last year grew tomatoes and cucumbers for the first time, can't wait to do it again this year! Go Girl! Kids will love it, especially when they get the chance to pick fruit and peas pods etc.

 

Hiya Sarah

If the only thing putting you off is lack of knowledge, don't worry, everyone starts somewhere. You also have a distinct advantage, this forum

 

Go for it Sarah! We will help you!
My dear nan shared an allotment with her best friend when I was a child, it was lovely I have wonderful memories of it, I'm sure your children would love it too.

 

Sarah, this will help you immensely. It's all in plain english, and very easy to follow.

 

No harm going on the waiting list now even if you're undecided, by the time you get one you may feel differently

 

As an allotment holder for over 40 years my advice is go,go,go I have had endless hours of pleasure on our site,lots of very friendly banter etc,you will find that all you have to do is ask any plot holder for advice and I'm sure you will get it.When I first started my wife used to say what have you done today/night,now all I get is who have you been gossiping to or who made a brew of tea.I used to go round some of the then old timers and ask them about things and what plants to grow etc,and I found that I was nearly always offered some plants.
So go and get your name down the allotment secretary will be able to give you some idea of how long you will have to wait.If you get one I would br pleased to try and advise you as will many others on this forum.

 

Thanks everyone! going to give them a call tomorrow.

 

I got my allotment on the 1st of January this year.

Knowledge of growing vegetables Zilch (apart from Tomatoes)

I've met a couple of the other allotment holders, after saying, I haven't got a clue what I'm doing, got a lot of reassurance that we've all got to start somewhere and that they are willing to share their knowledge along the way....

So I would say go for it...

 

Excited now.. called up and they have a couple of plots available now! £23 a year for a full plot. Going to nip down in a bit and pick up the plans/paperwork :D

 

That sounds about the same as our plots,I pay £27 for a half plot but it is 41yds across the top,18yds long and 25yds across the bottom.When I first took this plot which by the way is triangle it was 41 x 45 x8yds. Also there is a small piece attached at the bottom which is 8x9x4yds,but not very good land all clay but does grow good rhubarb.

 

Went to have a look at the plots they've got available. Have picked one and decided to go ahead! So excited. Going to sort it out tomorrow.
Here's a picture, the size is the entire width of the photo and the length is between where my daughters are standing.

 

Well done Sarah!
My tip - Don't try or expect to do it all at once. Better, I think, to set yourself achievable targets, otherwise it could become a chore. A little and often