Don’t give up. I’ve been growing fruit and veg for 20 years and every year there is a struggle with pests, disease and the weather. But for every failure there are successes and for me these outweigh the disappointments. Look forward to your next vlog.
Hi Emma Please please please don’t give up your plot. This year has been a tough year gardening as it’s been so hot and dry and it’s been a challenge for all of us. So don’t lose faith in what you do, look at it as a learning curve and look forward to bigger and better things next year. You’re vlogs that you post up are the best and UA-cam just wouldn’t be same without them each week. Please please please don’t give up 😊
Yes I feel overwhelmed at this time of year every year, but when winter comes I have a little break and come back with enthusiasm again. If you're finding the allotment a bit much maybe consider growing more perennial plants such as fruit bushes, asparagus, and some other veg is perennial as well. Then you can have a few beds left for growing your more standard annuals.
Hello Emma, Yes yes yes, I know so many others have felt this same feeling. I live in the US and do not have an allotment plot. I do have a yard which I have converted into a garden using savings for all the infrastructure. I have in ground, containers, grow bags, raised beds and other types of growing containers. Money spent on soil, compost tools, seeds t posts, welded wire panels and more. I have to justify all the spending on this as a hobby, as a source of food plus nutrition all being part of the annual garden event. I do feel as if I need to be successful to a certain level or else it is a failed garden. I know every year some things will work well and some will not. You are doing a real nice job getting better each year so you have nothing to worry about. I am proud of you and so are so many others. What you are doing here matters. So many people benefit from seeing your video hearing your voice seeing the successes and the failures. YOUR real fans are here to support you and will never throw you under the bus and for any one that does just block them and move on and do not waste any time on it. Gotta go Cya Friday
So sorry you are feeling, a little down with the allotment Emma .Keep going it's something to give you some me time and relaxation, even if you get only small crops, it's better than nothing. Chin up.
I feel the same, second year on my allotment and this year is just so different. Last year was wet and cold and my tomatoes got blight, but EVERYTHING else was beautiful and lush and plentiful. This year, lots of tomatoes but everything else has suffered so much. It's so disheartening. But I'm focusing now on autumn and those crisp cold mornings at the plot with a cup of tea and the smell of damp earth. It's the only thing keeping me going 🤣
Awww, I totally understand this Emma. I’m in London & started growing veg in 2020 as well, so fairly similar experience to you. We just need to remember that 2020 was a particularly good growing season but last year & this year have both been extremely difficult growing seasons- too wet & too cold last year, and too hot & dry this year. We were lulled into a false sense of having naturally amazing green thumbs in 2020 😆 but every year is a clean slate & like you, I feel like I’ve learned a lot in the last 3 seasons, but there is still so much to learn. Every year we will have new challenges to face & opportunities to learn & grow, literally & figuratively. I’m so glad you overcame that little bit of doubt yesterday because I think once you’re a gardener, you’re a gardener for life… And you have so many years of abundance & gardening joy ahead of you! Plus, if we can make it through the last two years, we can make it through anything 😆 xx
Just found this blog so glad you didn’t give up. I’ve just got my 1st plot been growing at home for years but in containers your blog encourages me more than all the experts your fun and honest let just whack it in 🤣
I had the same feeling early May. Our third child had just been born, completely over the moon with happiness, but she cried a lot and we couldn't sleep anymore. Time for the allotment dwindled. While all the seedlings were devoured by snails. And weeds grew faster than the few plants the snails kept away from. I thought of giving up this year. Finely decided not to. I worked two evenings into darkness to get the garden in order. And then I completely wacked the garden full with pre-sown plants and sowed seeds directly on every piece of bare ground. And when planting pre-sown courgettes, pumpkins on bean plants, I also sowed seeds of the same plant directly in the open ground around the plants. I must admit I quickly lost control of the garden, but by removing the worst weeds, thinning out and pruning a little, the plants thrived above the weeds. And snails couldn't keep up anymore. (The beertraps might have helped aswell.) Besides vegetables, I also harvest many compliments from my neighbors about my lush garden. They don't see the amount of weeds from a distance. In my opinion you shouldn't be afraid to wack the garden completly full next season. And be a little more patient with harvesting every now and then. ;-) Greetings from a Dutch Fan.
Every year! and I have had my plot for 18years. Every spring I worry about filling it and every autumn about clearing it. But like you I love it and wouldn’t be without it. Over the years I have tailored it down to try to make it more manageable so now I am gradually creating no-dig beds, just growing the few vegetables I like and direct sowing annuals. Stick with it girl!
I too have decided to go the no dig raised bed Avenue after years of the ‘traditional’ methods. I have found it so much easier and manageable and have had great crops so far. Wish I had done it years ago.
It’s been a very hot year for a lot of us. I think I see what might be going on. You may need to water much more deeply instead of a splash. You might want to consider working on making your own compost and stop using store bought stuff. Try chop and drop to improve your soil. Can you remove the trees and brush? There seems to be quite a bit of shade. Veggies need a lot of sun. For next year, wait for your plants to get larger before transplanted out. Don’t give up, just tweak what you’re doing each year. It will get better 🇨🇦
I gave my first plot up a few years ago as I was overwhelmed but regretted it almost immediately. On my new plot I never have more than 50% of the area producing anything and the rest is covered (I rotate the growing areas) It is so so much more manageable and enjoyable as I can keep on top of it and also take breaks etc without coming back to a complete jungle Take time to plan what you need where as sometime less is really more x
@@emmasallotmentdiaries maybe green manure for the resting beds? you can leave it grow until the frosts which can kill it off and you can just leave it on the ground to rot. I think mustard might be useful for that, but whatever it is it might help.
I've thought about giving up my plot a few times recently but would instantly regret it if I did. When I get a bit 'I can't be bothered' with the allotment, I just go and sit in my shed with a pen and paper (and a couple of beers) and make a list of things I can do around the plot that doesn't involve gardening like having a clean up in the shed, repairing a raised bed, building a planter.... Please don't give up Emma, I would seriously miss your humour and you just whacking it in 😁
Aw Emma I have felt like giving up my plot so many times. I’ve had 2 and they’ve never been great, but I think it’s like when we say to our kids “ it’s not about winning, it’s the taking part that counts”. You, just like me, seem to love just being at your plot and pottering around without the kids, without any problems it’s just nice to get away for an hour or so. The only place I’ve found this is at the allotment. Yours looks great, I hope you continue to get enjoyment out of it 🤗
Awww don't give the allotment up when you love it so Emma having said that I had an allotment for 25 years starting at your age. I'm 60 now. I couldn't manage what with family life with the walk there, not being able to drive and keeping it watered and my husband could only get there every other weekend and I got dishearteded (not allowed hosepipes either) In the end I gave it up as I had started growing veg fruit and flowers in my small garden in Dartford. Because it was small I started growing vertically, in the compost bins and alleyway and I improved the soil so much with composting everything I could that in the end I had filled every space I had with fruit veg herbs and flowers. The slugs had so much to choose from they couldn't get through it all and I found my yeald was better than the allotment and I could go out anytime I liked to water and care for my plants. I used trees to grow beans pumpkins and courgettes up. I crammed so much in and managed to squeeze in a small greenhouse for tomatoes cucumbers herbs chard and lettuces. What Im trying to say is that if you did give it up you have a big enough garden there with endless possibilities. Bigger than mine and your skills are growing all the time. If you follow the Permaculture method where you grow everything together and it all supports each other you can still do your videos which we all love so much. Good luck Emma, never give up.
Oh, please don't give up Emma. I wait excitedly for each of your gardening vlogs and have gone right back to the beginning to make sure I haven't missed anything. I love that you show your failures as well as your successes...it's real. When I started my gardening journey last year at the age of 72, I needed help and advice. I wrote to a few of the most well known vlogers...and you, young lady were the only one to take time to reply...I was so impressed and grateful for your encouragement ...it really helped me. You seemed a bit down in your video. Well...don't be...let our comments pick you up and support you. Don't know whats I'd do without your personal, happy vlogs. It'd be like losing a friend.
I gave up my allotment after the first lockdown. As one of the most vulnerable I couldn't leave home to tend it and, by the time I was released back into the wild, everything was a real mess . Starting from scratch with a weedy field felt too much like hard work, at the time. I'd created some no-dig veg beds in the garden whilst confined to barracks and decided to stick with those. It IS easier, having all your veg right on the doorstep. The best fertilizer is the gardeners shadow and my shadow is out there pretty much daily. I miss the allotment though: the banter, the seed and plant swapping and the free beeswax! I really miss having all that growing space and somewhere to disappear to. An allotment is an oasis, away from all the other demands of life. My garden is lovely and it's productive, but it doesn't provide the same kind of escape. I still have to take phone-calls and deal with delivery drivers... and it's not so easy to forget all those other little jobs we ought to be attending to indoors. ;) You love your allotment and your woman-shed, Emma. If you give it up now, I guarantee that you'll be kicking yourself once the initial relief wears off. Every gardening year has challenges (some more than others) and there will be casualties. You should see the rust on my garlic and the blackfly staging a massive festival all over the broad beans. Hang on in there. By Autumn you will have had successes too and the failures won't be so raw. Apologies for the loong comment. x
Don't give up! you spent a year cleaning it up, maintain what you have cleaned out and put together a slightly simpler plan for the next year to cut down the heaps of work you do every time you go there. stabilize the beds that are pretty much the same every year. Not a bad idea to leave a few of the beds empty next year and do some composting or cover crops on those beds to improve the soil conditions for the following year.
Hi Emma, I am waiting patiently for a plot and in the meantime I've found you. I absolutely love your attitude and quirkiness to gardening. I have a little veg bed in my garden and you've inspired me to just go for it. I'm sure things aren't sunshine & roses everyday ( how dull would that be) but as you say these things make us more determined.... Your doing a magic job and I need more whacky gardening tips so hang in there. 😘
The more you learn about gardening the more complicated it can get and overwhelming. A plant's life is simple if it likes the conditions it will grow. You may have failures or enjoyment from a tomato that has grown on a plant that you stuck back together with a plaster, but every time you go to your allotment you have a story to tell from these highs and lows and you tell it so well. You document it with your vlogs, blogs and posts and this is all part of your success.
This year has been so different, the worst weather we could have had! You have inspired so many people that watch your vlogs , the feelings you share with us when you are there make it all worthwhile. You are so enthusiastic even when plants are eaten or don’t grow, so keep up the good work and we look forward to reading more from you! X
Oh my goodness, I went to my allotment today and the one thing that was growing well, has almost kicked the bucket. Yes, I have somehow, in a heatwave, got courgettes going mouldy at the stem. Have felt very defeated today - you have my sympathy!!
Dear Emma, thank you for sharing your thoughts and your doubts. I love volunteer surprises...... unless it is purple bell flower! or other noxious weed! I understand you are discouraged, but this has been a horrible hot dry summer most everywhere. Next year will be different. Consider alternates. Permaculture gardening will ensure certain crops every year. keep a few beds for seasonal planting and your poly tunnel for tomatoes etc,, plant a perennial herb bed filled with all your favourites and lavender! And give your wildlife area some more shade loving plants! Your shed, could become your writing studio! put a lovely pull down awning over the door and window and you have a picnic spot! stick your pitting bench outside on the end! Add another rain barrel! It is easy to get discouraged when times are hard and nothing seems to be going right. the harvest is soon here, winter rains and spring sowing! if you are seriously entertaining giving it up.... dont forget to also consider all the benefits you have in keeping it, plus all the life lessons the children absorb learning from watching you. Give up? or celebrate? rethink? reevaluate? what ever you decide, a plot is a commitment and a gift you give yourself. take care, from Edmonton, AB ❤️🇨🇦❤️🐝❤️🐓❤️🐈❤️🐕❤️
Your Cosmo is just stressed. When it cools down it will renew. Deadheading all your flowers will help your plants not think it is done blooming. Your garden is so delightful!
Hi Emma, Anthony from South Africa Western Cape my mom never gave up her garden she loved her garden. Just stay focused and say to your self I am not going to give up. That is all you say to your self every morning.
As a new gardener I had so many plans for my little garden. I dreamed I would have so much to share with others.lol WRONG! Slugs, grubs, extremely hot days, no rain at times woke me up.I was a hover mom watering, watering, and watering again.I killed most things more than the weather and pests.THEN It dawned on me CHILL ! Plant and space watering and feed what needs it.I looked on UA-cam and it SEEMED everyone had such a beautiful harvest but ME!! but of course that wasn't so.For the next year Lord willing I will only plant a LITTLE in the spring ( peppers,okra, a few tomatoes to share because I don't care for them that much).I will turn my focus to fall gardening with the way the earth is changing.
As the old boys tell me. Seeds have two chances. Either they grow or they don’t. Don’t forget it’s a hobby . Sometimes it’s best to just ‘ whack’ a few bits in and wait and see. Stay with it . It’s fun really.
Hi Emma, I took on an abandoned / overgrown allotment last November. I strimmed and dig out weeds / Brambles and cleared lots of rubbish. Covered about 3 quarters with thick plastic. Created 8 no dig beds on the uncovered ground, put up a dividing fence. Created compost heaps out of pallets. Planted lots of spring onions / red & white onions and beetroot. Filled 33 containers with potatoes. Planted a strawberry bed a butternut squash bed. Have problems with rodents under black plastic and my plot still looks like it is mainly plastic. Went on holiday and my potatoes dried up. So got a bit fed up with it. However, I have harvested over 100 onions / still harvesting potatoes and have had some large beetroot to roast. A few decent strawberries. Plus picking blackberries from a bush I did not cut back. Just think about what you have achieved on the plot with a busy home life and time constraints. Best wishes
Hi, Emma, I have been very frustrated this year with the heat been hard to keep on top on watering its made me look at a water storage options a lot more now so I am planning on getting a Ibc tote in my garden to store water keep at it 🙂🙂🙂
Emma it's not just you,l like many others have thought the same thing,and lve been doing it for 14 years.This year has been the worst and it's all down to the intense heat.l shut my allotment down about ten weeks ago as EVERYTHING was crap.l grow so much stuff but l can count on ONE hand what was successful.So don't give up us gardener's are made of good stuff,your not on your own.Big hugs 🤗 sweetie 🌱🌱🌱💕
Emma hope ya do carry on with your plot as I really enjoy watching the vlog I’ve had an allotment for over a decade and I’ve had seasons when it’s rained loads and the weeds grow faster than my crops 😡. Last year my onions looked the best ever but Then i lost most of them to white rot. Was very unhappy however other crops such as beans were amazing. We are at the mercy of the weather and the uk has been hit so hard with scorching heat and little rain in 2022 I always manage to find something in my plot that excels even if it just my borage or nasturtiums than run rampant over a third of my plot
This is my second year of having an allotment and like you the first year was amazing and we had loads of veg, this year nothing much seems to have grown and a few weeks ago rabbits got in and ate all my kale! I seriously thought about giving it all up then. However I left the allotment alone for a couple of weeks and have now found motivation to carry on. Next year I'm going to lower my expectations and if things do grow then that will be a bonus 😊 Nature will always win no matter how hard we try, patience and perseverance is needed. Don't give up! You're certainly not alone and I love following your diaries 🤗😊
Hi Emma, we have an allotment plot in the Netherlands and I think I feel like giving it up almost every year at some point. When a lot of thing die or get eaten and I feel like all I do is remove weeds which are grown back a week later. But then the feeling goes away again and I can enjoy the thing that did werk out again! I really enjoy your video's, thank you for making them!
Keep going Emma and Dig for Victory! It's a big plot you have so maybe scale back on varieties? Or leave some beds empty? It's my first year of growing vegetables in my garden. I just focused on a few varieties. Tomatoes, spuds, French beans, peas, lettuce, and courgettes. I figured better to do these well then I can add a few more next year. Going great so far.
This is probably not going to help, but I gave my plot up recently, after having it for less than a year. Like you, I grow vegetables in our back garden too. The idea was to take on an allotment plot to grow more. However, the commitment and time factor proved too much. Coupled with work commitments and family ties, I've decided to grow more at home instead. I loved my plot, but love our garden more. Sorry if not what you wanted to hear xx
Don,t give up Emma.i will truly miss you.gardening is about trial and error.it also test us personally.At the end of the day it is so rewarding. Felicity Jacobs,Cape Town,South Africa
I gave up my allotment and I miss it! But I felt constantly guilty and fearing "the letter" when I couldn't keep on top of everything. My cordless strimmer and hoe helped a good deal to make things look a bit tidier. But a full time job and a dog did for mine in the end. I still miss the rhubarb, autumn raspberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants. And those Jerusalem artichokes, who'd have thought I'd actually miss those! And the digging of potatoes, so lovely from the furtling to the actual harvest. And the Christmas parsnip harvest. Oh, goodness, think long and hard before giving it up. I now have a few raised beds in my front garden (tiny, and only garden, back to back house). Tomatoes, chillies, peppers, French beans and runner beans, little apple trees, cucumber and courgettes, some chard. Nothing like the allotment, but something to harvest. xxx
Hi Emma. Please dont give up your allotment. It will be hard to get another plot as there is such a long waiting list. Some people decide on just a few vegetables and fill their plot with those. If I still had my plot I would concentrate on French beans, tomatoes and potatoes. I think that would have been easier than trying to grow a host of veg. The best thing to do is to hang on until the winter. Then sit down and re plan your plot. Grow the veg and fruit that you know you are successful with and your family will eat. Its wonderful to have space thats yours outside your home. Dont lose heart. It will be ok. Blessings.
I felt so overwhelmed yesterday after visiting my plot, bind weed, doc leaf ect have taken over and I feel like I’m back to square one, I took some onions and potatoes home and remembered why I started. I’m not ready to give it up just yet, keep sharing your blogs you are so inspiring and real x
Definitely don’t give up. I don’t have a proper allotment, I only started gardening in my tiny yard, in pots and containers, in 2020, then I discovered a overgrown old community allotment, in a local park, so took that over. I’m trying to make it into a community well-being garden called Grow Your Mind, to help people with gardening and mental health and well-being. First year loads of stuff grew, last year all tomatoes got blight, this year we’ve had barely any rain near Manchester, but after a load of hard work, we have stuff growing. We have no water on site, so have to trek across the park to get it. Keep going and growing and appreciate the stuff that works, and not what doesn’t. Squirrels steal my bulbs, sunflower seeds and plant tags. Pigeons have bitten artichokes clean off and stole a huge cabbage at Christmas. Don’t get me started on the thievery from slugs. But there are dahlias, tomatoes, cucumbers, roses and lots of other lovely things. Bees, butterflies, not the brassica stealing ones. Keep going and if you’re ever up north, come and visit. I’ve been whacking stuff in all day! I’ve been working on this overgrown garden for 18 months, and there’s still loads to do. But never give up. It’ll be worth it. Xxx
I've felt like this numerous times. The plot I took over 2 years ago was a right state. No water source, Rubble, smashed glass weeds galore and is 250 sqm. I have 2 children aged 8 and 3. The missus doesn't care much for gardening so I've pretty much had to do this on my own. It's still nowhere near how I want it to be productive wise and it especially gets me feeling disheartened seeing plot holders doing much better than me. Family lifestyle is always a factor where commitments are concerned. However, small progress is still progress and I won't be giving up. I'm lucky to have such a place. I really hope you keep going emma, not for the viewers but for yourself and your family. I'm routing for you. Good luck.👍😎
Don’t give up Emma. You enthusiasm shines through every video. Failures are part of life and it’s easier to understand when the natural world conspires against us. Last year I lost all my carrots to carrot root fly and my tomatoes to blight.This year the heat has been a huge challenge. I always look forward to your videos which gets me through my days. Keep going because you will get better every year 🙏🤞😁
Please don’t give up your plot. I have 2 and they both got over weedy this year. Couldn’t keep up with them with the weather. Had the same feelings but now beginning to beget on top of them again so I am so glad I kept them. You probably need to fertilise the soil again as the plants strip the nutrients. Well rotted horse manure or chicken pellets are both good
Don't give up Emma, it is hard work to keep on top, out of the 10 of us there is only me and 1 other that work full time so finding the time to keep on top of my plot can be hard. But when you see what's grown like my cucumbers, pumpkins and grapes it's all so worth it.
Oh Emma you gave me shivers from minute 14 onwards to the clip of you going into your shed. Bless you. I know how you feel. Don't give up. I'm so sure next year will be better. We've so much to learn. Sending lot's of love 👩🏻🌾
Hi Emma 👋 l wish you could see your allotment though our eyes it's so amazing and we look up to you because your so honest yes l look at my plot and feel overwhelmed when l feel it's not looking or giving me what l see in my mind ,It's a big commitment for us all when l felt like this came on u tube and also read my books 📚 and you in the magazine l knew l couldn't give up we all need our friends to help us see what we have achieved ❤ take heart Emma it we are with you thank you for sharing and don't give up we love your humour and wise advice see you Friday xxxx
Glad you're not giving up. We all feel a bit disappointed with our allotments at times. I love watching your videos, they are funny, easy to understand and brighten up my week. Picked up lots of tips for #tillysallotment looking forward to the next video. Thank you, Tracey @ #tillysallotment
Yes I can definitely relate and I only got my plot in June! Last week I felt so down about it because despite hours of work from me and my mum over the summer it still looks scruffy and still has rubbish despite numerous trips to the tip with car fulls of rubbish. I'm single so sometimes I get down wishing I had a partner who could help especially with digging up random sunken buckets and deep rooted weeds, and help me with fixing the shed. I went today and I felt much better. It still looks messy but I'm proud of my progress. I'm learning new skills there and it's a nice place to be. I think you should keep your plot, just have a break for a week and do some journaling about it. Maybe next year you could try more perennials so it's lower maintenance, things like that.
Some years are better than others - you might miss it if you give up the plot. Unless you have room in the back garden for a few more garden beds at home. Also, you probably know, but you can cut back the dead flowers on dahlias and that helps them keep blooming. Cosmos, snap dragons, etc too I believe. Happy gardening!
We have all been there Emma! Don't give it up! Even in Canada this year, the veggie garden seems to be struggling more than other years. Definitely a weather thing!! A gardener is always learning, every year seems to bring a new challenge, don't lose faith. Just think of all the positive things that come out of growing even just one tomato/pumpkin/zucchini/radish/parsnip. It's a wonderful thing!!
I started an allotment this April and after digging it over I had a massive self doubt and panic about growing and keeping it filled. Then it did work out for most things and then I caught covid and thought it would all fry and die cos I couldn't go to tend it. But a fellow allotment holder friend kept it going for me. So grateful. What I'm trying to say is looking back it seems to be a rollercoaster of emotions which in hindsight I am enjoying. There's always something to get excited about. Its like amassive science of plants experiment. Love your video's content whatever you decide.
Hey Emma, I'm new to finding your chanel and viewing old postings, throughly enjoying them!. I too succeeded in the first year, it's been downhill since but we've kept at it. We never seem to have a bounty of everything. Itll be tomatoes one year, beans the next, then strawberries, but we are still there 10 years on!! Keep at it girl..
Please dont give up...this is how we learn and grow as gardeners....i try to ammend my soil each year because the stuff you grow uses up nutrients....i use a basic lyme to sweeten the soil and fertilizer in spring..then just do what you do..battling with heat is so hard...you are so fun to watch and youve learned a ton....so that is great progress..ox from NH
I have a volunteer rhubarb plant. It has grown in a pot that previously had carrots, it is nowhere near my actual rhubarb plants. I can only imagine someone allowed a rhubarb to flower and a seed came on the wind. Saying that it's an excellent strong plant.
I've got random nasturtium and pansies growing in a pot I put a cucumber in. Please don't lose heart in your garden. Every year is so different. I don't think anyone ever feels like they are 100% on top of it, but you just have to take the wins where you can.
Hi Emma,it's been a pain with the weather,but it's up to you what you want to do,most years i've said i'm giving up!!!! but the next season i get excited and it all starts again,will be happy to watch your vlogs but will support your decision,take care.
Emma I’ve had allotment for a few years now there’s been up & down jut like life and with everything at going on in the world it keeps me going I go to my allotment a few hours each day in a small way I see what farms have to deal with each day and they do it for a living just in joy it FOOD FOR FUN that’s the way I see it 😀
Every year especially in the spring facing the mountain of weeds, I think about giving up. Last year I grew squash and pumpkins, put really healthy plants in and they did nothing. This year the slugs got to most of the pumpkins. The stems were hanging on for dear life. I put them in knowing they would fail. Blow me down with a feather I have massive plants that are taking over 3 beds. Do I understand why not a clue. I have been gardening seriously for 20 years and still don't have a clue. So I have taken your advice to heart. Wack it in, they may grow and surprise you. Every year is an adventure and some things do well and others are utter rubbish. No rhyme nor reason to it 😂
Hi Emma, I feel as frustrated as you with my failures in my garden this year. The slugs ate my first, second and third attempt at growing from seed instead of buying plugs/plants this year. I have no cosmos,sunflowers or snapdragons which I love. However I have spent today sowing some flower seeds ready for next year in the hope they will be strong enough to cope with slugs come spring! I am taking pleasure from my successes this year- globe artichokes, dahlias and roses (all of which I have never grown before) and going to focus on the joy being in my garden gives me - even if the slugs come behind me and eat it all. Your videos are always a pleasure to watch, don’t be hard on yourself and focus on what you enjoy.
HI Emma, it's been a terribly hard year with the weather. Don't be so hard on yourself, some elements of gardening are not in our control. I'm on my fourth year of growing veg and possibly my most successful. It's taken me that long to improve my heavy clay soil and finally the plants are responding. Despite my success, I have lost 9 pepper plants, 3 sungold tomato plants, and I'm still waiting for my beets to reach a decent size though I planted them in the spring. Greetings from NJ, USA.
Hello there, Emma. You could always replenish old soil by adding new compost; rearrange garden pots around the area so as to capture sunlight; remove all sickly plants and replace them with the new batch of seeds for this season; regulate watering sessions. You could also try planting certain plants such as marigold or maybe even mint (and if mint is your choice, then you can plant mint in garden pots and place them alongside your garden beds). There are so many reasons for you to continue. Whatever you do, Emma, please do not give up your garden... For the sake of that cat which visits your wonderful garden, hold the fort!
If you give it up you’ll miss that place you go to, to get that vitamin green, the peace and solidarity. Sod the produce. Its the process, yield or not. Don’t give up!
i think what you are experiencing is the end of the season blues^^ sometimes it's overwhelming... do what makes you happy! but in my opinion don't give up...we 've seen you growing and learning with your plot. you seem so happy and at your place...garden will miss you and you'll miss you garden^^ sorry for my english
Oh bless don’t beat yourself up, it’s been such a dry year even the seasoned gardeners have struggled this year, I saw a comparison with this time last year to now and it’s like completely different places one lush and green the other dry and barren. Don’t fret every year it’s different and they say variety is the spice of life. Just remember you’ve had some great results too. Just look at your tomatoes and broad beans and the lettuce bed for example. I’ve had similar problems with cucumbers as your pumpkins they are all tiny stunted little plants just not going anywhere but last year they went crazy. It’s just swings and roundabouts, you don’t have to be great all the time just keep going you’ll get there eventually xxx
Hi Emma. Where to start. We have been allotementeering for 5 years now. Turned an abandoned plot into a useable space. Our first year was really good it can be beginners luck to some extent. We had a baby in year 3. So was behind a bit then. But evey year is different for a gardener. Some years the weather is good for tomatoes for example with this heat wave. We have never taken kilos of tomatoes into the house from the back garden like this before! Some years pests can be worse for example in broad beans and the black fly. Just keep at it kid! Your plot looks great I think you have learnt a lot and who knows maybe that perfect year for your plot is right around the corner. You are writing for gardening magazines?
News reports here in Australia are saying inflation has hit 10.1% in the UK, mostly driven by food and up from 9.4% in June. That's awful, and will make life tough for so many. Keeping the allotment seems sensible given such difficult times. Sometimes what's needed though is a cold hard analytical look at what you're doing and what you can do it better. For example, I'm learning not to be so stingy and precious with seeds - bung 'em in - as you would say, because you never get 100% gemination and it's easier to deal with too many seedlings than too few! Food prices are going up here too and I've changed my focus to making my veggie patch as productive as possible. Hang in there! It's the little victories that are so sweet - like the 3kg of beautiful potatoes I dug up after planting 8 instead of tossing them into the compost bin after they'd sprouted in the pantry!! Sending hugs from Oz.
We all feel like that Emma. It’s been a very odd year with a very wet Winter/spring and then two heat waves to cope with. Once you get up your lotty you will be ok. Get some produce and dig a few spuds and all will be well. Take care and keep going.
Don't give up, keep moving forwards, and maybe have a look back at what you did or didn't do in your 1st year at the plot, and see what you done wright, my great grandma used rum a small farm, and also said keep things simple and always remember what you done right, hope you and your family are doing good :D
Hi Emma, I know how you can feel, but as most have said, this has been an odd year. I’ve had no butternuts grow on my 9 plants, hardly any French beans or cucumbers. The toms tho have gone nuts, but the spuds not so much. I’m in my 3rd year & actually just taken on the neighbouring plot too so that’s my winter project. I get down in the dumps, I sadly don’t have children & work full time (emergency services)….BUT my little lottie is my haven. I’ll take my lunch & sometimes a cheeky G&T and sit under the big oak tree listening to the birds. It truly helps me unwind. My advice is to invest in some decent netting (debris) to keep the caterpillars away, plant out when things are bit more established & give it a good ole soak rather than worrying about watering each day. But that’s just my opinion, you’re doing great & down to earth…..
Think seriously before giving up Emma we all struggle for instance, this year foxes had all our sweetcorn and then demolished all our carrots so as you see we all struggle in different ways just try and smile and carry on as we have for last twenty odd years .love your videos always make me smile x
Hi Emma, to get the plants through this heatwave was really a challenge. I can understand your thoughts. Our garden is 15 km away from our appartment and we go there by bike 🚵🏻♀️ even in this heat because the plants needed to be watered. Greetings Heidi 👩🌾💕
I've picked cauliflowersxand briccollinfor tea spring is around the corner and colour is coming to the garden. Don't give up emma. It's during those winter months that you will come up with new ideas and get your strength back to face it all.optimistically again. You might even be able to plan differently for another hot summer next year and a better way to combat that!
Hi Emma 😊 It was a difficult summer I believe for all the gardener's. Doesn't matter if you have an allotment or a small kitchen garden. You can't fight the heatwaves. The soil went dry so fast🙄🙄. I don't have an allotment,but I have a kitchen garden 10x15 sm. I am living in the UK 5 year's now and the first couple years I found it very hard to understand the climate as is too wet the most of the year ( at least it was) or is too windy especially here in Eastbourne. Each year is different. Last year for example I had great harvest from zucchinis, pumpkins and squash. This year until now I had only few zucchinis none pumpkin's,2 squash. But I had already a lot of runner beans, cucumbers no many as last year but I am not complaining. A really good harvest of potatoes and still more to come, carrot's which last year wasn't so successful. No many tomatoes like last year,but I am harvesting quite few time to time. A great harvest of lettuces compare last year. A lot of chard and spinach. Regarding replanting. Hahahaha 😂😂.. is happened to me. I planted seeds for radishes 3 time's until now 😂😂😂 The first time went to seed because of the heat of course. Second time in 0 time caterpillars eat them. Fingers crossed this time they will be ok😁. I cover them already 😁😁😁. U see nature is the boss and we r her worker's. We just trying to do things work out with her rules. So,my brassicas they going into small pots next week. What about yours 😁. Your next video should be full of plan's for winder's crops. Greetings from Eastbourne East Sussex Kalli 😊🥀🦋🌹
Hiya Emma Thankyou for sharing today’s video. I subscribe to a few ytube garden friends,& they also have doubts sometimes. Don’t give up Luv reminder it’s your sanctuary. Blessings Ontario Canada 🐝🇨🇦
I think the trellis looks great and i get excited by the little things too. Don't give up the plot i think everybody has had trouble this year due to te weather being so hot and the seeds and plants not liking it don't be disheartened your doing really wellxx
Hi Emma your fennel has gone to seed because of the heat not too late to stick a few more seeds in that pot. Don’t despair you can add the fronds to salads and stews and also save the seeds x. My allotment is a bit of a figh at times this week something ate all my sweetcorn but it means I have room now for the remaining leeks I have to plant out. Maybe the cooler weather and lashings of rain will be a turning point on your plot xx
I have had the exact same problems this year. I had so many things I wanted to try and nurtured the seedlings and in my mind they were all going to grow lush and fruitfully. Didn’t happen and I almost feel ashamed when I go down there and pass the amazing plots of other people. But like you with a young Family, I have other commitments (not children in my case but my job) and the people whose plots look perfect are all retired and literally down there most of the time. I thought about giving up, but watched Plot 37 today and have decided to grow some stuff for the winter and try to get my mojo back. Please don’t give up. I’m counting on you to encourage all us poor devils that are struggling. We can do it. Positive thoughts. Maybe I have to make a sacrifice to the Allotment Spirits 😁😁😁
Emma, I get that feeling every year at this time but like you I love my allotment, it's been a part of my life for many years. I don't have any room in my garden to have a veg plot so that isn't an option. But once we get some rain & things slow down a bit , I get my mojo back again. I'm trying to make it easier to manage as I'm into my 70s now with a grumpy back that complains every now & then. I have a full plot but some of it is turned over to fruit trees & bushes. Maybe that is something you could consider. Also, on some of beds I'm going to try a green manure for the first time. Again, maybe you could try that. It keeps the bed covered over winter & then feeds it in spring. Also these last 2 years have been awful for planting. So, if you love it, don't give up, keep going.
Do what’s right for you,I had a plot and I’ve given mine up,due to not having the time,mind you I have a large back garden so I’m happy to give my garden the tlc it deserves,I do miss the company of others though.
Don’t forget, Emma, it’s the school holidays and it’s also been an exceptional weather year. A lot of us feel this way, but there’s always next year. Your soil might need a good feed/mulch over winter, give it a bit of a nosh ☺️🌸👌
Hang on in there Emma! I’m sure there are thousands of us out there that have disappointments! This is what makes it all worthwhile and rewarding! You are doing a great job! 👍
I felt the same Emma, its been a hard year partly due to health issues but I will hopefully be back stronger next year☺ Don't give up, keep wacking them in👍
There's always NEXT YEAR for a true gardener. New plans, different weather, different seed packets, some new method to try that you've read about or heard somewhere or other. Just now it's the dog days of summer...a reality check against our inflated expectations. You'll be desperate to start the whole shebang again by the end of the winter.
Don't give up Emms - the greatest victories always follow the darkest disappointments. Bless you. By the way, I'm not sure that is Florence fennel you have there. I grow the one you have, but for seed.
Emma, my grandfather was not an exceptional man of his time. He was a working man, a family man and he had an allotment. Monday to Saturday he woke up at 4 am, walked to the stables, tacked his horse and Sunblest cart and went out to work delivering bread and assorted baked goods. In all weathers. On Sunday morning he walked to his allotment, spent the morning growing the family vegetables and Sunday afternoon was put aside for family. He did this from leaving school until he retired. The only period he stopped this routine was briefly, to go and serve his country in the Second World War! I tell you this not to insult your efforts, or to be critical. I too have (two) allotments, and it is hard work. But hard work is the essence of life. It is the reason our society is crumbling around us, because we have forgotten the benefits of graft! An allotment is a metaphor for life - it is hard work, there will be setbacks, but what you never, never, never do is give up! Just my humble opinion.
Hi Emma your plot is lovely & it’s not over grown ! Yes plots get you down but stay with it come spring you will be rearing to go it’s a great feeling sowing your seeds ! I have to sow seeds can’t help it ! It’s in my blood ! If your plot was over grown & couldn’t manage it than I say yes but you are on top of things ! You don’t over sow & it’s manageable please stick with it I’ll miss you whacking things in lv Irene 😘 xx
Your allotment looks so lovely, you can just do flowers and only a few veg, buy plug plants. I feel the same as you do regularly, but after a nice day im happy again. So just stick to it, don't look at other people
Hi Emma, You are doing great looking after your plants. I have got an allotment and not been very successful to keep up with it. Sometimes i also feel that if I should give it up but I know I won’t. Hopefully someday I’ll be a successful grower like you :) x
@@emmasallotmentdiaries Thank you Emma for the encouragement. I finally went to the allotment (Cardiff, Southwales) and cleared up half of the plot, and harvested my potatoes. BTW, I saw another video of you about your shed lock being frozen, which made me smile as I also use my old Gym padlock similar to you for my shed and could not open the door in December as the door expanded due to cold and damp weather, Happy gardening :) xx
Ahh Emma don’t give it up. You have a polytunnel now so use it as a seedling nursery. I was plagued with slugs last year (my first year) then in this heat wave blooming caterpillars this year but growing undercover you can grow healthy strong plants in seed trays & modules. I took a tip from Charles Dowding & only direct sow carrots & parsnips.
I’ve given up plots twice, though more down to personal circumstance than being disheartened. After a good 13-14 years I’ve just taken on another one. Every year is different, and each year you’ll have more knowledge than the one before, look back and see how far you’ve come 😊
I would put the clematis that is near your random nasturtium where your cosmos is so nit can climb up your archway and repot the cosmos and give it a good feed check around the roots for any weevil bugs they look like flattened white maggots and they love roots x
Wish I could send you some of our excess rain - Biggest July/august rain falls ever recorded - some of my garden is under water. Keep going you can do it. some years are better than others. I cant imagine having badgers and foxes and some of the pests you have to deal with and tomato blight. Dont give up.
It's not been an easy growing season this year so don't feel you are alone - every year is different and every year brings different challenges. Maybe your soil needs a good feed for next year? Perhaps put manure on the beds over winter or sow a green manure (which I am aiming to do in the next month). Charles Dowding always says it's better to feed the soil than feed the plants. Don't give up (and yes I felt like doing that too a few months back)!
Hi Emma Don't give up I started exactly the same time as you did and I've had ups and downs, it's hard to keep up I got my allotment in 2020 it my 2nd season now and I'm the same as you thinking of giving up because I seem to grow more weeds than veg sometimes. But I'm going to give next season to see what happens only because I'm addicted to the plot and I love gardening
Don’t give up. I’ve been growing fruit and veg for 20 years and every year there is a struggle with pests, disease and the weather. But for every failure there are successes and for me these outweigh the disappointments. Look forward to your next vlog.
You are right. Thanks for the kind comment x
Thanks Graeme for such a lovely & encouraging comment.
Hi Emma
Please please please don’t give up your plot. This year has been a tough year gardening as it’s been so hot and dry and it’s been a challenge for all of us.
So don’t lose faith in what you do, look at it as a learning curve and look forward to bigger and better things next year.
You’re vlogs that you post up are the best and UA-cam just wouldn’t be same without them each week.
Please please please don’t give up 😊
I wouldn’t stop vlogging if I did, I’d find a way to keep growing! It’s just making sure I can carry on with the commitment x
Yes I feel overwhelmed at this time of year every year, but when winter comes I have a little break and come back with enthusiasm again. If you're finding the allotment a bit much maybe consider growing more perennial plants such as fruit bushes, asparagus, and some other veg is perennial as well. Then you can have a few beds left for growing your more standard annuals.
Such amazing advice, thank you c
Hello Emma, Yes yes yes, I know so many others have felt this same feeling. I live in the US and do not have an allotment plot. I do have a yard which I have converted into a garden using savings for all the infrastructure. I have in ground, containers, grow bags, raised beds and other types of growing containers. Money spent on soil, compost tools, seeds t posts, welded wire panels and more. I have to justify all the spending on this as a hobby, as a source of food plus nutrition all being part of the annual garden event.
I do feel as if I need to be successful to a certain level or else it is a failed garden. I know every year some things will work well and some will not. You are doing a real nice job getting better each year so you have nothing to worry about. I am proud of you and so are so many others. What you are doing here matters. So many people benefit from seeing your video hearing your voice seeing the successes and the failures. YOUR real fans are here to support you and will never throw you under the bus and for any one that does just block them and move on and do not waste any time on it. Gotta go Cya Friday
So sorry you are feeling, a little down with the allotment Emma .Keep going it's something to give you some me time and relaxation, even if you get only small crops, it's better than nothing. Chin up.
I feel the same, second year on my allotment and this year is just so different. Last year was wet and cold and my tomatoes got blight, but EVERYTHING else was beautiful and lush and plentiful. This year, lots of tomatoes but everything else has suffered so much.
It's so disheartening. But I'm focusing now on autumn and those crisp cold mornings at the plot with a cup of tea and the smell of damp earth. It's the only thing keeping me going 🤣
Keep going! It’s so hard, but your plot is valuable in so many ways. Every year is different and who knows what next year will bring !
Awww, I totally understand this Emma. I’m in London & started growing veg in 2020 as well, so fairly similar experience to you. We just need to remember that 2020 was a particularly good growing season but last year & this year have both been extremely difficult growing seasons- too wet & too cold last year, and too hot & dry this year. We were lulled into a false sense of having naturally amazing green thumbs in 2020 😆 but every year is a clean slate & like you, I feel like I’ve learned a lot in the last 3 seasons, but there is still so much to learn. Every year we will have new challenges to face & opportunities to learn & grow, literally & figuratively. I’m so glad you overcame that little bit of doubt yesterday because I think once you’re a gardener, you’re a gardener for life… And you have so many years of abundance & gardening joy ahead of you! Plus, if we can make it through the last two years, we can make it through anything 😆 xx
Just found this blog so glad you didn’t give up. I’ve just got my 1st plot been growing at home for years but in containers your blog encourages me more than all the experts your fun and honest let just whack it in 🤣
I had the same feeling early May. Our third child had just been born, completely over the moon with happiness, but she cried a lot and we couldn't sleep anymore. Time for the allotment dwindled. While all the seedlings were devoured by snails. And weeds grew faster than the few plants the snails kept away from. I thought of giving up this year. Finely decided not to. I worked two evenings into darkness to get the garden in order. And then I completely wacked the garden full with pre-sown plants and sowed seeds directly on every piece of bare ground. And when planting pre-sown courgettes, pumpkins on bean plants, I also sowed seeds of the same plant directly in the open ground around the plants. I must admit I quickly lost control of the garden, but by removing the worst weeds, thinning out and pruning a little, the plants thrived above the weeds. And snails couldn't keep up anymore. (The beertraps might have helped aswell.) Besides vegetables, I also harvest many compliments from my neighbors about my lush garden. They don't see the amount of weeds from a distance. In my opinion you shouldn't be afraid to wack the garden completly full next season. And be a little more patient with harvesting every now and then. ;-) Greetings from a Dutch Fan.
Every year! and I have had my plot for 18years. Every spring I worry about filling it and every autumn about clearing it. But like you I love it and wouldn’t be without it. Over the years I have tailored it down to try to make it more manageable so now I am gradually creating no-dig beds, just growing the few vegetables I like and direct sowing annuals. Stick with it girl!
Oh I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one feeling this some years! X
I too have decided to go the no dig raised bed Avenue after years of the ‘traditional’ methods. I have found it so much easier and manageable and have had great crops so far. Wish I had done it years ago.
It’s been a very hot year for a lot of us. I think I see what might be going on.
You may need to water much more deeply instead of a splash. You might want to consider working on making your own compost and stop using store bought stuff. Try chop and drop to improve your soil. Can you remove the trees and brush? There seems to be quite a bit of shade. Veggies need a lot of sun. For next year, wait for your plants to get larger before transplanted out. Don’t give up, just tweak what you’re doing each year. It will get better 🇨🇦
I really appreciate all this advice, thanks so much x
@@emmasallotmentdiaries So nice to receive your reply thank you!
I gave my first plot up a few years ago as I was overwhelmed but regretted it almost immediately. On my new plot I never have more than 50% of the area producing anything and the rest is covered (I rotate the growing areas) It is so so much more manageable and enjoyable as I can keep on top of it and also take breaks etc without coming back to a complete jungle Take time to plan what you need where as sometime less is really more x
Maybe I’ll consider covering half the plot with something for next year and using half? Maybe less really is more! Thanks for this x
@@emmasallotmentdiaries maybe green manure for the resting beds? you can leave it grow until the frosts which can kill it off and you can just leave it on the ground to rot. I think mustard might be useful for that, but whatever it is it might help.
I've thought about giving up my plot a few times recently but would instantly regret it if I did. When I get a bit 'I can't be bothered' with the allotment, I just go and sit in my shed with a pen and paper (and a couple of beers) and make a list of things I can do around the plot that doesn't involve gardening like having a clean up in the shed, repairing a raised bed, building a planter....
Please don't give up Emma, I would seriously miss your humour and you just whacking it in 😁
Aw Emma I have felt like giving up my plot so many times. I’ve had 2 and they’ve never been great, but I think it’s like when we say to our kids “ it’s not about winning, it’s the taking part that counts”.
You, just like me, seem to love just being at your plot and pottering around without the kids, without any problems it’s just nice to get away for an hour or so. The only place I’ve found this is at the allotment.
Yours looks great, I hope you continue to get enjoyment out of it 🤗
I’m glad I’m not the only one x
Awww don't give the allotment up when you love it so Emma having said that I had an allotment for 25 years starting at your age. I'm 60 now. I couldn't manage what with family life with the walk there, not being able to drive and keeping it watered and my husband could only get there every other weekend and I got dishearteded (not allowed hosepipes either) In the end I gave it up as I had started growing veg fruit and flowers in my small garden in Dartford. Because it was small I started growing vertically, in the compost bins and alleyway and I improved the soil so much with composting everything I could that in the end I had filled every space I had with fruit veg herbs and flowers. The slugs had so much to choose from they couldn't get through it all and I found my yeald was better than the allotment and I could go out anytime I liked to water and care for my plants. I used trees to grow beans pumpkins and courgettes up. I crammed so much in and managed to squeeze in a small greenhouse for tomatoes cucumbers herbs chard and lettuces. What Im trying to say is that if you did give it up you have a big enough garden there with endless possibilities. Bigger than mine and your skills are growing all the time. If you follow the Permaculture method where you grow everything together and it all supports each other you can still do your videos which we all love so much. Good luck Emma, never give up.
Thank you so much for this. I’ll look into some other ways of gardening and see if I can make it a little easier for myself x
Oh, please don't give up Emma. I wait excitedly for each of your gardening vlogs and have gone right back to the beginning to make sure I haven't missed anything. I love that you show your failures as well as your successes...it's real. When I started my gardening journey last year at the age of 72, I needed help and advice. I wrote to a few of the most well known vlogers...and you, young lady were the only one to take time to reply...I was so impressed and grateful for your encouragement ...it really helped me. You seemed a bit down in your video. Well...don't be...let our comments pick you up and support you. Don't know whats I'd do without your personal, happy vlogs. It'd be like losing a friend.
I gave up my allotment after the first lockdown. As one of the most vulnerable I couldn't leave home to tend it and, by the time I was released back into the wild, everything was a real mess . Starting from scratch with a weedy field felt too much like hard work, at the time. I'd created some no-dig veg beds in the garden whilst confined to barracks and decided to stick with those.
It IS easier, having all your veg right on the doorstep. The best fertilizer is the gardeners shadow and my shadow is out there pretty much daily. I miss the allotment though: the banter, the seed and plant swapping and the free beeswax! I really miss having all that growing space and somewhere to disappear to. An allotment is an oasis, away from all the other demands of life. My garden is lovely and it's productive, but it doesn't provide the same kind of escape. I still have to take phone-calls and deal with delivery drivers... and it's not so easy to forget all those other little jobs we ought to be attending to indoors. ;)
You love your allotment and your woman-shed, Emma. If you give it up now, I guarantee that you'll be kicking yourself once the initial relief wears off. Every gardening year has challenges (some more than others) and there will be casualties. You should see the rust on my garlic and the blackfly staging a massive festival all over the broad beans. Hang on in there. By Autumn you will have had successes too and the failures won't be so raw.
Apologies for the loong comment. x
Don't give up! you spent a year cleaning it up, maintain what you have cleaned out and put together a slightly simpler plan for the next year to cut down the heaps of work you do every time you go there. stabilize the beds that are pretty much the same every year. Not a bad idea to leave a few of the beds empty next year and do some composting or cover crops on those beds to improve the soil conditions for the following year.
Hi Emma, I am waiting patiently for a plot and in the meantime I've found you. I absolutely love your attitude and quirkiness to gardening. I have a little veg bed in my garden and you've inspired me to just go for it. I'm sure things aren't sunshine & roses everyday ( how dull would that be) but as you say these things make us more determined.... Your doing a magic job and I need more whacky gardening tips so hang in there. 😘
The more you learn about gardening the more complicated it can get and overwhelming.
A plant's life is simple if it likes the conditions it will grow.
You may have failures or enjoyment from a tomato that has grown on a plant that you stuck back together with a plaster, but every time you go to your allotment you have
a story to tell from these highs and lows and you tell it so well.
You document it with your vlogs, blogs and posts and this is all part of your success.
Thank you for this, such a supportive comment 😊
This year has been so different, the worst weather we could have had! You have inspired so many people that watch your vlogs , the feelings you share with us when you are there make it all worthwhile. You are so enthusiastic even when plants are eaten or don’t grow, so keep up the good work and we look forward to reading more from you! X
Oh my goodness, I went to my allotment today and the one thing that was growing well, has almost kicked the bucket. Yes, I have somehow, in a heatwave, got courgettes going mouldy at the stem. Have felt very defeated today - you have my sympathy!!
Thanks! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who feels like this sometimes x
Dear Emma, thank you for sharing your thoughts and your doubts. I love volunteer surprises...... unless it is purple bell flower! or other noxious weed!
I understand you are discouraged, but this has been a horrible hot dry summer most everywhere. Next year will be different.
Consider alternates. Permaculture gardening will ensure certain crops every year. keep a few beds for seasonal planting and your poly tunnel for tomatoes etc,, plant a perennial herb bed filled with all your favourites and lavender! And give your wildlife area some more shade loving plants! Your shed, could become your writing studio! put a lovely pull down awning over the door and window and you have a picnic spot! stick your pitting bench outside on the end! Add another rain barrel! It is easy to get discouraged when times are hard and nothing seems to be going right. the harvest is soon here, winter rains and spring sowing! if you are seriously entertaining giving it up.... dont forget to also consider all the benefits you have in keeping it, plus all the life lessons the children absorb learning from watching you. Give up? or celebrate? rethink? reevaluate? what ever you decide, a plot is a commitment and a gift you give yourself. take care, from Edmonton, AB ❤️🇨🇦❤️🐝❤️🐓❤️🐈❤️🐕❤️
Thank you, I really appreciate all the advice. I’ll have a good think x
Your Cosmo is just stressed. When it cools down it will renew. Deadheading all your flowers will help your plants not think it is done blooming. Your garden is so delightful!
Hi Emma, Anthony from South Africa Western Cape my mom never gave up her garden she loved her garden. Just stay focused and say to your self I am not going to give up. That is all you say to your self every morning.
Thank you! X
As a new gardener I had so many plans for my little garden. I dreamed I would have so much to share with others.lol WRONG! Slugs, grubs, extremely hot days, no rain at times woke me up.I was a hover mom watering, watering, and watering again.I killed most things more than the weather and pests.THEN It dawned on me CHILL ! Plant and space watering and feed what needs it.I looked on UA-cam and it SEEMED everyone had such a beautiful harvest but ME!! but of course that wasn't so.For the next year Lord willing I will only plant a LITTLE in the spring ( peppers,okra, a few tomatoes to share because I don't care for them that much).I will turn my focus to fall gardening with the way the earth is changing.
As the old boys tell me. Seeds have two chances. Either they grow or they don’t. Don’t forget it’s a hobby . Sometimes it’s best to just ‘ whack’ a few bits in and wait and see. Stay with it . It’s fun really.
Hi Emma, I took on an abandoned / overgrown allotment last November. I strimmed and dig out weeds / Brambles and cleared lots of rubbish. Covered about 3 quarters with thick plastic. Created 8 no dig beds on the uncovered ground, put up a dividing fence. Created compost heaps out of pallets. Planted lots of spring onions / red & white onions and beetroot. Filled 33 containers with potatoes. Planted a strawberry bed a butternut squash bed. Have problems with rodents under black plastic and my plot still looks like it is mainly plastic. Went on holiday and my potatoes dried up. So got a bit fed up with it. However, I have harvested over 100 onions / still harvesting potatoes and have had some large beetroot to roast. A few decent strawberries. Plus picking blackberries from a bush I did not cut back. Just think about what you have achieved on the plot with a busy home life and time constraints. Best wishes
Hi, Emma, I have been very frustrated this year with the heat been hard to keep on top on watering its made me look at a water storage options a lot more now so I am planning on getting a Ibc tote in my garden to store water keep at it 🙂🙂🙂
Ive got 5 IBC i need to set up. So know that one.
@@nooie99 I am on the hunt for one myself now 🙂👍
Emma it's not just you,l like many others have thought the same thing,and lve been doing it for 14 years.This year has been the worst and it's all down to the intense heat.l shut my allotment down about ten weeks ago as EVERYTHING was crap.l grow so much stuff but l can count on ONE hand what was successful.So don't give up us gardener's are made of good stuff,your not on your own.Big hugs 🤗 sweetie 🌱🌱🌱💕
Thanks for your lovely comment! X
Emma hope ya do carry on with your plot as I really enjoy watching the vlog I’ve had an allotment for over a decade and I’ve had seasons when it’s rained loads and the weeds grow faster than my crops 😡. Last year my onions looked the best ever but Then i lost most of them to white rot. Was very unhappy however other crops such as beans were amazing. We are at the mercy of the weather and the uk has been hit so hard with scorching heat and little rain in 2022 I always manage to find something in my plot that excels even if it just my borage or nasturtiums than run rampant over a third of my plot
This is my second year of having an allotment and like you the first year was amazing and we had loads of veg, this year nothing much seems to have grown and a few weeks ago rabbits got in and ate all my kale! I seriously thought about giving it all up then. However I left the allotment alone for a couple of weeks and have now found motivation to carry on. Next year I'm going to lower my expectations and if things do grow then that will be a bonus 😊 Nature will always win no matter how hard we try, patience and perseverance is needed. Don't give up! You're certainly not alone and I love following your diaries 🤗😊
Hi Emma, we have an allotment plot in the Netherlands and I think I feel like giving it up almost every year at some point. When a lot of thing die or get eaten and I feel like all I do is remove weeds which are grown back a week later. But then the feeling goes away again and I can enjoy the thing that did werk out again! I really enjoy your video's, thank you for making them!
Haha! I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one! X
Keep going Emma and Dig for Victory! It's a big plot you have so maybe scale back on varieties? Or leave some beds empty? It's my first year of growing vegetables in my garden. I just focused on a few varieties. Tomatoes, spuds, French beans, peas, lettuce, and courgettes. I figured better to do these well then I can add a few more next year. Going great so far.
This is probably not going to help, but I gave my plot up recently, after having it for less than a year. Like you, I grow vegetables in our back garden too. The idea was to take on an allotment plot to grow more. However, the commitment and time factor proved too much. Coupled with work commitments and family ties, I've decided to grow more at home instead. I loved my plot, but love our garden more. Sorry if not what you wanted to hear xx
I really appreciate you sharing this with me. I have a lot to think about! X
Don,t give up Emma.i will truly miss you.gardening is about trial and error.it also test us personally.At the end of the day it is so rewarding.
Felicity Jacobs,Cape Town,South Africa
I gave up my allotment and I miss it! But I felt constantly guilty and fearing "the letter" when I couldn't keep on top of everything. My cordless strimmer and hoe helped a good deal to make things look a bit tidier.
But a full time job and a dog did for mine in the end. I still miss the rhubarb, autumn raspberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants. And those Jerusalem artichokes, who'd have thought I'd actually miss those! And the digging of potatoes, so lovely from the furtling to the actual harvest. And the Christmas parsnip harvest. Oh, goodness, think long and hard before giving it up. I now have a few raised beds in my front garden (tiny, and only garden, back to back house). Tomatoes, chillies, peppers, French beans and runner beans, little apple trees, cucumber and courgettes, some chard. Nothing like the allotment, but something to harvest. xxx
Hi Emma. Please dont give up your allotment. It will be hard to get another plot as there is such a long waiting list. Some people decide on just a few vegetables and fill their plot with those. If I still had my plot I would concentrate on French beans, tomatoes and potatoes.
I think that would have been easier than trying to grow a host of veg. The best thing to do is to hang on until the winter. Then sit down and re plan your plot. Grow the veg and fruit that you know you are successful with and your family will eat. Its wonderful to have space thats yours outside your home. Dont lose heart. It will be ok. Blessings.
I felt so overwhelmed yesterday after visiting my plot, bind weed, doc leaf ect have taken over and I feel like I’m back to square one, I took some onions and potatoes home and remembered why I started.
I’m not ready to give it up just yet, keep sharing your blogs you are so inspiring and real x
Good for you. So glad you found a little light at the end of the tunnel x
Definitely don’t give up. I don’t have a proper allotment, I only started gardening in my tiny yard, in pots and containers, in 2020, then I discovered a overgrown old community allotment, in a local park, so took that over. I’m trying to make it into a community well-being garden called Grow Your Mind, to help people with gardening and mental health and well-being. First year loads of stuff grew, last year all tomatoes got blight, this year we’ve had barely any rain near Manchester, but after a load of hard work, we have stuff growing. We have no water on site, so have to trek across the park to get it. Keep going and growing and appreciate the stuff that works, and not what doesn’t. Squirrels steal my bulbs, sunflower seeds and plant tags. Pigeons have bitten artichokes clean off and stole a huge cabbage at Christmas. Don’t get me started on the thievery from slugs. But there are dahlias, tomatoes, cucumbers, roses and lots of other lovely things. Bees, butterflies, not the brassica stealing ones. Keep going and if you’re ever up north, come and visit. I’ve been whacking stuff in all day! I’ve been working on this overgrown garden for 18 months, and there’s still loads to do. But never give up. It’ll be worth it. Xxx
I've felt like this numerous times. The plot I took over 2 years ago was a right state. No water source, Rubble, smashed glass weeds galore and is 250 sqm. I have 2 children aged 8 and 3. The missus doesn't care much for gardening so I've pretty much had to do this on my own. It's still nowhere near how I want it to be productive wise and it especially gets me feeling disheartened seeing plot holders doing much better than me. Family lifestyle is always a factor where commitments are concerned. However, small progress is still progress and I won't be giving up. I'm lucky to have such a place. I really hope you keep going emma, not for the viewers but for yourself and your family. I'm routing for you. Good luck.👍😎
Don’t give up Emma. You enthusiasm shines through every video. Failures are part of life and it’s easier to understand when the natural world conspires against us. Last year I lost all my carrots to carrot root fly and my tomatoes to blight.This year the heat has been a huge challenge. I always look forward to your videos which gets me through my days. Keep going because you will get better every year 🙏🤞😁
Please don’t give up your plot. I have 2 and they both got over weedy this year. Couldn’t keep up with them with the weather. Had the same feelings but now beginning to beget on top of them again so I am so glad I kept them.
You probably need to fertilise the soil again as the plants strip the nutrients. Well rotted horse manure or chicken pellets are both good
Don't give up Emma, it is hard work to keep on top, out of the 10 of us there is only me and 1 other that work full time so finding the time to keep on top of my plot can be hard. But when you see what's grown like my cucumbers, pumpkins and grapes it's all so worth it.
Oh Emma you gave me shivers from minute 14 onwards to the clip of you going into your shed. Bless you. I know how you feel. Don't give up. I'm so sure next year will be better. We've so much to learn. Sending lot's of love 👩🏻🌾
Hi Emma 👋 l wish you could see your allotment though our eyes it's so amazing and we look up to you because your so honest yes l look at my plot and feel overwhelmed when l feel it's not looking or giving me what l see in my mind ,It's a big commitment for us all when l felt like this came on u tube and also read my books 📚 and you in the magazine l knew l couldn't give up we all need our friends to help us see what we have achieved ❤ take heart Emma it we are with you thank you for sharing and don't give up we love your humour and wise advice see you Friday xxxx
Thanks so much for this advice pat x
Glad you're not giving up. We all feel a bit disappointed with our allotments at times. I love watching your videos, they are funny, easy to understand and brighten up my week. Picked up lots of tips for #tillysallotment looking forward to the next video. Thank you, Tracey @ #tillysallotment
Thanks Tracey I’m so glad you enjoy following my journey x
Yes I can definitely relate and I only got my plot in June! Last week I felt so down about it because despite hours of work from me and my mum over the summer it still looks scruffy and still has rubbish despite numerous trips to the tip with car fulls of rubbish. I'm single so sometimes I get down wishing I had a partner who could help especially with digging up random sunken buckets and deep rooted weeds, and help me with fixing the shed. I went today and I felt much better. It still looks messy but I'm proud of my progress. I'm learning new skills there and it's a nice place to be. I think you should keep your plot, just have a break for a week and do some journaling about it. Maybe next year you could try more perennials so it's lower maintenance, things like that.
Some years are better than others - you might miss it if you give up the plot. Unless you have room in the back garden for a few more garden beds at home.
Also, you probably know, but you can cut back the dead flowers on dahlias and that helps them keep blooming. Cosmos, snap dragons, etc too I believe. Happy gardening!
We have all been there Emma! Don't give it up! Even in Canada this year, the veggie garden seems to be struggling more than other years. Definitely a weather thing!! A gardener is always learning, every year seems to bring a new challenge, don't lose faith. Just think of all the positive things that come out of growing even just one tomato/pumpkin/zucchini/radish/parsnip. It's a wonderful thing!!
I started an allotment this April and after digging it over I had a massive self doubt and panic about growing and keeping it filled. Then it did work out for most things and then I caught covid and thought it would all fry and die cos I couldn't go to tend it. But a fellow allotment holder friend kept it going for me. So grateful. What I'm trying to say is looking back it seems to be a rollercoaster of emotions which in hindsight I am enjoying. There's always something to get excited about. Its like amassive science of plants experiment. Love your video's content whatever you decide.
Hey Emma. I thought that the other day, it’s a bit hard isn’t it. Don’t give it up your my inspiration x
Time , work , being a mummy and looking after a alottment as well is bloody hard work. Xx
Hey Emma, I'm new to finding your chanel and viewing old postings, throughly enjoying them!. I too succeeded in the first year, it's been downhill since but we've kept at it. We never seem to have a bounty of everything. Itll be tomatoes one year, beans the next, then strawberries, but we are still there 10 years on!! Keep at it girl..
Please dont give up...this is how we learn and grow as gardeners....i try to ammend my soil each year because the stuff you grow uses up nutrients....i use a basic lyme to sweeten the soil and fertilizer in spring..then just do what you do..battling with heat is so hard...you are so fun to watch and youve learned a ton....so that is great progress..ox from NH
I have a volunteer rhubarb plant. It has grown in a pot that previously had carrots, it is nowhere near my actual rhubarb plants. I can only imagine someone allowed a rhubarb to flower and a seed came on the wind. Saying that it's an excellent strong plant.
I've got random nasturtium and pansies growing in a pot I put a cucumber in. Please don't lose heart in your garden. Every year is so different. I don't think anyone ever feels like they are 100% on top of it, but you just have to take the wins where you can.
Hi Emma,it's been a pain with the weather,but it's up to you what you want to do,most years i've said i'm giving up!!!! but the next season i get excited and it all starts again,will be happy to watch your vlogs but will support your decision,take care.
Emma I’ve had allotment for a few years now there’s been up & down jut like life and with everything at going on in the world it keeps me going I go to my allotment a few hours each day in a small way I see what farms have to deal with each day and they do it for a living just in joy it FOOD FOR FUN that’s the way I see it 😀
Every year especially in the spring facing the mountain of weeds, I think about giving up.
Last year I grew squash and pumpkins, put really healthy plants in and they did nothing.
This year the slugs got to most of the pumpkins. The stems were hanging on for dear life. I put them in knowing they would fail.
Blow me down with a feather I have massive plants that are taking over 3 beds. Do I understand why not a clue.
I have been gardening seriously for 20 years and still don't have a clue. So I have taken your advice to heart. Wack it in, they may grow and surprise you.
Every year is an adventure and some things do well and others are utter rubbish. No rhyme nor reason to it 😂
I’m so glad you are continuing to whack it in and it’s working for you! X
Hi Emma, I feel as frustrated as you with my failures in my garden this year. The slugs ate my first, second and third attempt at growing from seed instead of buying plugs/plants this year. I have no cosmos,sunflowers or snapdragons which I love. However I have spent today sowing some flower seeds ready for next year in the hope they will be strong enough to cope with slugs come spring! I am taking pleasure from my successes this year- globe artichokes, dahlias and roses (all of which I have never grown before) and going to focus on the joy being in my garden gives me - even if the slugs come behind me and eat it all. Your videos are always a pleasure to watch, don’t be hard on yourself and focus on what you enjoy.
HI Emma, it's been a terribly hard year with the weather. Don't be so hard on yourself, some elements of gardening are not in our control. I'm on my fourth year of growing veg and possibly my most successful. It's taken me that long to improve my heavy clay soil and finally the plants are responding. Despite my success, I have lost 9 pepper plants, 3 sungold tomato plants, and I'm still waiting for my beets to reach a decent size though I planted them in the spring. Greetings from NJ, USA.
I appreciate your advice, it means a lot. Just been one of those days I think! X
Hello there, Emma. You could always replenish old soil by adding new compost; rearrange garden pots around the area so as to capture sunlight; remove all sickly plants and replace them with the new batch of seeds for this season; regulate watering sessions. You could also try planting certain plants such as marigold or maybe even mint (and if mint is your choice, then you can plant mint in garden pots and place them alongside your garden beds).
There are so many reasons for you to continue.
Whatever you do, Emma, please do not give up your garden... For the sake of that cat which visits your wonderful garden, hold the fort!
If you give it up you’ll miss that place you go to, to get that vitamin green, the peace and solidarity. Sod the produce. Its the process, yield or not. Don’t give up!
You are right! I do love the walk down there x
i think what you are experiencing is the end of the season blues^^ sometimes it's overwhelming... do what makes you happy! but in my opinion don't give up...we 've seen you growing and learning with your plot. you seem so happy and at your place...garden will miss you and you'll miss you garden^^ sorry for my english
Oh bless don’t beat yourself up, it’s been such a dry year even the seasoned gardeners have struggled this year, I saw a comparison with this time last year to now and it’s like completely different places one lush and green the other dry and barren. Don’t fret every year it’s different and they say variety is the spice of life. Just remember you’ve had some great results too. Just look at your tomatoes and broad beans and the lettuce bed for example. I’ve had similar problems with cucumbers as your pumpkins they are all tiny stunted little plants just not going anywhere but last year they went crazy. It’s just swings and roundabouts, you don’t have to be great all the time just keep going you’ll get there eventually xxx
Hi Emma. Where to start. We have been allotementeering for 5 years now. Turned an abandoned plot into a useable space. Our first year was really good it can be beginners luck to some extent. We had a baby in year 3. So was behind a bit then. But evey year is different for a gardener. Some years the weather is good for tomatoes for example with this heat wave. We have never taken kilos of tomatoes into the house from the back garden like this before! Some years pests can be worse for example in broad beans and the black fly. Just keep at it kid! Your plot looks great I think you have learnt a lot and who knows maybe that perfect year for your plot is right around the corner. You are writing for gardening magazines?
Ah thank you for the great advice, I really appreciate it x
Your my favourite allotment channel to watch . I hope you keep the allotment and your allotment vlogs going 🤗
News reports here in Australia are saying inflation has hit 10.1% in the UK, mostly driven by food and up from 9.4% in June. That's awful, and will make life tough for so many. Keeping the allotment seems sensible given such difficult times. Sometimes what's needed though is a cold hard analytical look at what you're doing and what you can do it better. For example, I'm learning not to be so stingy and precious with seeds - bung 'em in - as you would say, because you never get 100% gemination and it's easier to deal with too many seedlings than too few! Food prices are going up here too and I've changed my focus to making my veggie patch as productive as possible. Hang in there! It's the little victories that are so sweet - like the 3kg of beautiful potatoes I dug up after planting 8 instead of tossing them into the compost bin after they'd sprouted in the pantry!! Sending hugs from Oz.
We all feel like that Emma. It’s been a very odd year with a very wet Winter/spring and then two heat waves to cope with. Once you get up your lotty you will be ok. Get some produce and dig a few spuds and all will be well. Take care and keep going.
Thank you so much x
I feel like giving up every year but never actually do it. The inner gardener in me won't allow me to 😆.
@@davidthescottishvegan we all go through that don’t we ?
@@jaybee9454 Yes, it's part of being a gardener that we have periods of time when we feel like giving up.
Don't give up, keep moving forwards, and maybe have a look back at what you did or didn't do in your 1st year at the plot, and see what you done wright, my great grandma used rum a small farm, and also said keep things simple and always remember what you done right, hope you and your family are doing good :D
Hi Emma, I know how you can feel, but as most have said, this has been an odd year. I’ve had no butternuts grow on my 9 plants, hardly any French beans or cucumbers. The toms tho have gone nuts, but the spuds not so much. I’m in my 3rd year & actually just taken on the neighbouring plot too so that’s my winter project. I get down in the dumps, I sadly don’t have children & work full time (emergency services)….BUT my little lottie is my haven. I’ll take my lunch & sometimes a cheeky G&T and sit under the big oak tree listening to the birds. It truly helps me unwind. My advice is to invest in some decent netting (debris) to keep the caterpillars away, plant out when things are bit more established & give it a good ole soak rather than worrying about watering each day. But that’s just my opinion, you’re doing great & down to earth…..
Think seriously before giving up Emma we all struggle for instance, this year foxes had all our sweetcorn and then demolished all our carrots so as you see we all struggle in different ways just try and smile and carry on as we have for last twenty odd years .love your videos always make me smile x
Hi Emma, to get the plants through this heatwave was really a challenge. I can understand your thoughts. Our garden is 15 km away from our appartment and we go there by bike 🚵🏻♀️ even in this heat because the plants needed to be watered. Greetings Heidi 👩🌾💕
I've picked cauliflowersxand briccollinfor tea spring is around the corner and colour is coming to the garden. Don't give up emma. It's during those winter months that you will come up with new ideas and get your strength back to face it all.optimistically again. You might even be able to plan differently for another hot summer next year and a better way to combat that!
Hi Emma 😊
It was a difficult summer I believe for all the gardener's. Doesn't matter if you have an allotment or a small kitchen garden. You can't fight the heatwaves. The soil went dry so fast🙄🙄.
I don't have an allotment,but I have a kitchen garden 10x15 sm. I am living in the UK 5 year's now and the first couple years I found it very hard to understand the climate as is too wet the most of the year ( at least it was) or is too windy especially here in Eastbourne.
Each year is different. Last year for example I had great harvest from zucchinis, pumpkins and squash. This year until now I had only few zucchinis none pumpkin's,2 squash. But I had already a lot of runner beans, cucumbers no many as last year but I am not complaining. A really good harvest of potatoes and still more to come, carrot's which last year wasn't so successful. No many tomatoes like last year,but I am harvesting quite few time to time. A great harvest of lettuces compare last year. A lot of chard and spinach.
Regarding replanting. Hahahaha 😂😂.. is happened to me. I planted seeds for radishes 3 time's until now 😂😂😂
The first time went to seed because of the heat of course. Second time in 0 time caterpillars eat them. Fingers crossed this time they will be ok😁. I cover them already 😁😁😁.
U see nature is the boss and we r her worker's. We just trying to do things work out with her rules.
So,my brassicas they going into small pots next week. What about yours 😁.
Your next video should be full of plan's for winder's crops.
Greetings from Eastbourne East Sussex Kalli 😊🥀🦋🌹
This is amazing advice, thanks so much. I really appreciate it x
Hiya Emma Thankyou for sharing today’s video. I subscribe to a few ytube garden friends,& they also have doubts sometimes. Don’t give up Luv reminder it’s your sanctuary. Blessings Ontario Canada 🐝🇨🇦
I think the trellis looks great and i get excited by the little things too. Don't give up the plot i think everybody has had trouble this year due to te weather being so hot and the seeds and plants not liking it don't be disheartened your doing really wellxx
Hi Emma your fennel has gone to seed because of the heat not too late to stick a few more seeds in that pot. Don’t despair you can add the fronds to salads and stews and also save the seeds x. My allotment is a bit of a figh at times this week something ate all my sweetcorn but it means I have room now for the remaining leeks I have to plant out. Maybe the cooler weather and lashings of rain will be a turning point on your plot xx
I have had the exact same problems this year. I had so many things I wanted to try and nurtured the seedlings and in my mind they were all going to grow lush and fruitfully. Didn’t happen and I almost feel ashamed when I go down there and pass the amazing plots of other people. But like you with a young Family, I have other commitments (not children in my case but my job) and the people whose plots look perfect are all retired and literally down there most of the time. I thought about giving up, but watched Plot 37 today and have decided to grow some stuff for the winter and try to get my mojo back. Please don’t give up. I’m counting on you to encourage all us poor devils that are struggling. We can do it. Positive thoughts. Maybe I have to make a sacrifice to the Allotment Spirits 😁😁😁
Emma, I get that feeling every year at this time but like you I love my allotment, it's been a part of my life for many years. I don't have any room in my garden to have a veg plot so that isn't an option. But once we get some rain & things slow down a bit , I get my mojo back again. I'm trying to make it easier to manage as I'm into my 70s now with a grumpy back that complains every now & then. I have a full plot but some of it is turned over to fruit trees & bushes. Maybe that is something you could consider. Also, on some of beds I'm going to try a green manure for the first time. Again, maybe you could try that. It keeps the bed covered over winter & then feeds it in spring. Also these last 2 years have been awful for planting. So, if you love it, don't give up, keep going.
Do what’s right for you,I had a plot and I’ve given mine up,due to not having the time,mind you I have a large back garden so I’m happy to give my garden the tlc it deserves,I do miss the company of others though.
Don’t forget, Emma, it’s the school holidays and it’s also been an exceptional weather year. A lot of us feel this way, but there’s always next year. Your soil might need a good feed/mulch over winter, give it a bit of a nosh ☺️🌸👌
Hi Emma. When something goes wrong with my crops which is quite often I watch your videos to cheer up. Don't give up.
Hang on in there Emma! I’m sure there are thousands of us out there that have disappointments! This is what makes it all worthwhile and rewarding! You are doing a great job! 👍
I felt the same Emma, its been a hard year partly due to health issues but I will hopefully be back stronger next year☺
Don't give up, keep wacking them in👍
There's always NEXT YEAR for a true gardener. New plans, different weather, different seed packets, some new method to try that you've read about or heard somewhere or other. Just now it's the dog days of summer...a reality check against our inflated expectations. You'll be desperate to start the whole shebang again by the end of the winter.
Don't give up Emms - the greatest victories always follow the darkest disappointments. Bless you.
By the way, I'm not sure that is Florence fennel you have there. I grow the one you have, but for seed.
Emma, my grandfather was not an exceptional man of his time. He was a working man, a family man and he had an allotment. Monday to Saturday he woke up at 4 am, walked to the stables, tacked his horse and Sunblest cart and went out to work delivering bread and assorted baked goods. In all weathers. On Sunday morning he walked to his allotment, spent the morning growing the family vegetables and Sunday afternoon was put aside for family. He did this from leaving school until he retired. The only period he stopped this routine was briefly, to go and serve his country in the Second World War! I tell you this not to insult your efforts, or to be critical. I too have (two) allotments, and it is hard work. But hard work is the essence of life. It is the reason our society is crumbling around us, because we have forgotten the benefits of graft! An allotment is a metaphor for life - it is hard work, there will be setbacks, but what you never, never, never do is give up! Just my humble opinion.
Hi Emma your plot is lovely & it’s not over grown ! Yes plots get you down but stay with it come spring you will be rearing to go it’s a great feeling sowing your seeds ! I have to sow seeds can’t help it ! It’s in my blood ! If your plot was over grown & couldn’t manage it than I say yes but you are on top of things ! You don’t over sow & it’s manageable please stick with it I’ll miss you whacking things in lv Irene 😘 xx
Your allotment looks so lovely, you can just do flowers and only a few veg, buy plug plants. I feel the same as you do regularly, but after a nice day im happy again. So just stick to it, don't look at other people
Thanks for this advice. You are so right x
Hi Emma,
You are doing great looking after your plants. I have got an allotment and not been very successful to keep up with it. Sometimes i also feel that if I should give it up but I know I won’t. Hopefully someday I’ll be a successful grower like you :) x
Don’t be hard on yourself, it’s a lot of work and I often lost control of mine. Keep going! X
@@emmasallotmentdiaries Thank you Emma for the encouragement. I finally went to the allotment (Cardiff, Southwales) and cleared up half of the plot, and harvested my potatoes. BTW, I saw another video of you about your shed lock being frozen, which made me smile as I also use my old Gym padlock similar to you for my shed and could not open the door in December as the door expanded due to cold and damp weather, Happy gardening :) xx
Ahh Emma don’t give it up. You have a polytunnel now so use it as a seedling nursery. I was plagued with slugs last year (my first year) then in this heat wave blooming caterpillars this year but growing undercover you can grow healthy strong plants in seed trays & modules. I took a tip from Charles Dowding & only direct sow carrots & parsnips.
That’s a good idea to use the polytunnel as a seed nursery! X
I’ve given up plots twice, though more down to personal circumstance than being disheartened. After a good 13-14 years I’ve just taken on another one.
Every year is different, and each year you’ll have more knowledge than the one before, look back and see how far you’ve come 😊
You do Great, and gardening is like that it has its moments. So glad you haven't gave up its your passion 🌈
My Cosmos does that when it's really hot. When it cools down, the plant perks up again.
I would put the clematis that is near your random nasturtium where your cosmos is so nit can climb up your archway and repot the cosmos and give it a good feed check around the roots for any weevil bugs they look like flattened white maggots and they love roots x
Wish I could send you some of our excess rain - Biggest July/august rain falls ever recorded - some of my garden is under water. Keep going you can do it. some years are better than others. I cant imagine having badgers and foxes and some of the pests you have to deal with and tomato blight. Dont give up.
It's not been an easy growing season this year so don't feel you are alone - every year is different and every year brings different challenges. Maybe your soil needs a good feed for next year? Perhaps put manure on the beds over winter or sow a green manure (which I am aiming to do in the next month). Charles Dowding always says it's better to feed the soil than feed the plants. Don't give up (and yes I felt like doing that too a few months back)!
Hi Emma
Don't give up I started exactly the same time as you did and I've had ups and downs, it's hard to keep up I got my allotment in 2020 it my 2nd season now and I'm the same as you thinking of giving up because I seem to grow more weeds than veg sometimes. But I'm going to give next season to see what happens only because I'm addicted to the plot and I love gardening