Loving Life on the Allotment

In the second of our articles featuring new plot holders to the site we Caught up with Marcus and Lorna who took over their plot just before or maybe just after Christmas. We put some questions to them about their motivation and how they tackled the patch and here is what they had to say.

What prompted, or what was your motivation for taking on a plot?

A number of reasons really but probably the main reason was to have a joint interest with my mother (Diana) and wife (Lorna) who I share the plot with. Also I’ve lived in Chelmsford for about 5 years now and want to try and be a bit more social locally as all our friends live at least a 30 minute drive away. I think it’s a good form of exercise and it’s out in the open air. Having an allotment is good for the soul, good for wildlife and I feel like we should support allotments as otherwise they might get sold off for housing!

Have you previously had an allotment?

I used to live in Romford and had an allotment for about a year. However it was around the time that Lorna and I started looking for a house and so by the time it was cleared and dug over we had moved to Chelmsford so we gave it up. We did get a few onions, pumpkins and leaks off it before we left though!

What where your thoughts when you rocked up for the first time? 

I was really excited - the plot was a manageable size (although now I wish I’d got a larger one) – there was a shed(!) and a compost bin. There was water access near and it wasn’t under trees and the plot was generally in good condition. The site itself is also incredible with manure, mulch, a shop and a toilet/kitchen. My old site in Romford was far more basic and just had water.

Obviously there was a lot of clearing up to do - how did you tackle, And how have you determined what to grow. Did you or do you have a plan?

The plot was mostly grass and a small area of large herbs and some overgrown wooden box frames. I did a basic plan of what I wanted to grow – based on what we wanted to eat and things which we thought would be good/easy to start off with and then just got stuck in really.



The plot was long and thin so I started from the shed end and sort of marched up the plot. We were quite lucky as the first quarter or so had black mesh down so with 2 or 3 sets of hands we were able to pull up large areas of weeds and mesh to reveal top soil and compost underneath! We also inherited two lovely lavender bushes, a sage bush and Thyme (I love thyme – especially in chicken and leak pie!). So we cleared all these and replanted the herb bushes. Then little and often, I dug further patches of squares and rectangles based on my plan.
How would you assess almost your first quarters activity? are you on track?

We’ve had the plot about 3 months and I’m amazed at how well we’ve done. My main goal for this stage was to have made a bit of a dent in the digging and have at least have a few things in the ground but we’ve pretty much dug the whole plot now. We’ve got garlic - a kind donation someone on the site gave my mother, potatoes - a LOT of potatoes, onions, leaks - rescued from the garden and we didn’t expect much from but they seem happier in the allotment, and some more fruit bushes - although the raspberries don’t seem to be doing very much. We also have a bunch of stuff getting ready at home like beans, more herbs, Brussel sprouts and tomatoes.



Any advice you would offer up to fellow newbies?

I don’t think I’m experienced enough to give advice but I would say just get stuck in! Little and often goes a long way. Break it down into small chunks and take photos as you go. It really lifts the spirit to see how you progress. A wheel barrow really helped. Karen and Foggy helped get some cardboard. It was meant for ‘no dig’ but we ended up moving so fast we just used it to help subdue the grass. I’d be inclined to say get a full plot but it may just be that I should have got a full plot. It’s also worth having a look in the shop as there’s lots of stuff and very cheap - also Grenville nurseries is a good local garden centre and there is a discount for Melbourne members!

anything you would in particular like to know - there is a lot of expertise on the site to take advantage of

I hear a lot of talk about ph level of the soil and soil type. I gather our soil is clay (maybe the editor can comment?). Also if there are any social events planned like a summer bbq or communal clean up projects etc. I’m not sure really, and probably have a hundred questions but can’t think of them at the moment!

How have you found the allotment community on site?

Everyone is very friendly! It’s a busy time of year and what with covid lockdown it’s a bit quieter but hopefully this will all blow over and there will be an opportunity to get to know people better! Karen and Ray have both been really nice and everyone says hello. I’m loving the allotment and everything that comes with it.

A big thank you to Marcus and Lorna for taking time out to provide an article to share. What was a green patch of vegetation has been transformed in the first quarter, and hopefully along with other members they'll allow us to check in relating to progress through the year.