This question comes up quite a bit on social media groups so I thought it was worth an open discussion. Most people can feel a strong emotional connection to their allotment plots so this always feels like a difficult choice to make. It can feel like a difficult balance of the ability to manage the plot versus the challenges associated with loss/grief for dream where (at least at some point) there was direction and passion.

Let’s start from a personal perspective: Have I ever thought about giving up our plots?

In short, yes! For me it wasn’t about the ability to manage the plot, but there have been 2 factors that wained my personal motivation.

1. Strained relationships. In the past, there was poor relationships with some members of the Allotment Committee (as it stood at that time). Allotments are a microcosm of the general society – this is life and there will always be differences of opinions, but became a big drain on my energy and thus my positivity for the plot.

2. Again, Committee related but even with a great Committee (as we have now) it is HARD WORK. The last year I struggled to have the time I wanted for my own plot as I was dragged in every direction possible. This was often doing the nice stuff but I remember last summer particularly feeling like I was trying to run in and out of my own plot with the most minimal time possible to do everything else to keep the allotment site running and nice for everyone else!

We all have pressures and priorities on our own time. For myself I have work, caring responsibilities and being on the Allotment Management Committee that take up a lot of my own time. We all have families pressures too.

Managing an allotment has to come down:

a) how much flexible time you truly have – where there is a choice involved.
b) How you want to spend that flexible time.

For me, I don’t have much flexible time, but the time I do have I want to spend at the plot.

From my experience keeping up multiple time consuming hobbies is hard work. Many hobbies allow you to dip in and out, but allotments are not one of them. You have signed a contract saying you need to keep the area cultivated and weeds don’t wait for anyone no matter your circumstances. I have other hobbies that I do pick up and down depending on how much time I do have.

If you are considering giving up your plot then consider a) and b).

I have been often told by people they are struggling to find time for the plot, but they are out most of the weekend at other hobbies, out shopping or socialising. In that case, there is time there but the allotment isn’t the priority. Obviously this is fine – we all choose how we want to spend our own time.

I also see many people who truly do not have much flexible time. People can be working many hours, dragged around organising family/kid’s social activities and in caring roles that need daily support. In these cases, it is acceptance. If these time limitations are for short term most organisations will look at extenuating circumstances and how a contract could be modified for a set period of time. However, if these things have to be life’s priorities then a practical decision needs to be made.

Finally, if you are short on flexible time then you do need to have a good will to attend your plot even when the weather isn’t great! Sometimes needs must!