PLOT LINES

TAKING ON A NEW ALLOTMENT CAN BE AN EXCITING AND, AT TIMES, DAUNTING EXPERIENCE, AS TIM FOSTER EXPLAINS

- WITH TIM FOSTER

It has taken me a while, but I've realised I'm in a fairly strange position. No, not crouched over a computer with one leg on the desk and the other under the chair, though admittedly that is a strange position. I refer to the Conflict and Turmoil versus Excitement and Trepidation of giving up an allotment... and taking on a new one. Most people do one or the other at any particular time.

Usually, when someone hands back a plot, it is done with a certain amount of relief, in that the work has become too much.

It is a common occurrence: a change in circumstances, less time, daunted by the work, the weather and/or pests and diseases? Time to swallow a bit of pride and give someone else a chance.

In my case, it is all pure regret - no guilt or unnecessary sense of failure. I am giving up a whole plot which I have had for 25 years. It took me 10 years, I reckon, to improve the heavy clay soil enough to be able to grow a carrot (just the one, mind).