BBC Magazine describes growing your own as Hell in Earth

[daveyboi]

The current grow-your-own trend has sparked a new wave of interest in allotment owning. But before you get swept in the trend, the BBC's Paul Reynolds, has some words of warning.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8119428.stm

Seems like this guy is a bit out of the times as with forums such as these and friendly plot holders encouraging new people it is so out of date.

[daveyboi]

[Flighty]

There's also this thread about the topic!

http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,53034.0.html

[Eristic]

I think it's about time someone stood up and told it like it really is. I take my hat off to the author. While I disagree with the idea of being at war with Nature that is how most newcomers view it and tackle it. Go against Nature and you will lose, lose big time if you persevere.

Let us be honest here and think about the number of plotholders you know who have had plots for 2 years or more but still have not harvested a crop. So many of those people are only there because it is a fashion accessory and the waiting lists would dissolve overnight if the media portrayed allotment folk as life's losers.

[Digeroo]

I love having an allotment.

[saddad]

As one of life's losers ....  ::)

[dill]

The current grow-your-own trend has sparked a new wave of interest in allotment owning. But before you get swept in the trend, the BBC's Paul Reynolds, has some words of warning.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8119428.stm

Seems like this guy is a bit out of the times as with forums such as these and friendly plot holders encouraging new people it is so out of date.

i can't believe this article has no comments yet, and though i can appreciate his points (especially about nature fighting back (shocks me every year!)), it seems really reactionary and generally discouraging.

[lewic]

Great article. Laughed at the "hour at least three times a week" bit.. I have probably averaged 15-20 hours a week over the last 11 months, and still have couch!

[powerspade]

I read the article on the BBC web site and I posted a comment on it. The BBC however did not publish my comment. I told them that the guy should have dig the plot over by hand and not rotovated it as all he did was to drastically increase the amount of weeds and couch grass that would grow. I don't think the BBC like my criticisms and therefore failed to put my words in the comment box

[Hector]

I read the article on the BBC web site and I posted a comment on it. The BBC however did not publish my comment. I told them that the guy should have dig the plot over by hand and not rotovated it as all he did was to drastically increase the amount of weeds and couch grass that would grow. I don't think the BBC like my criticisms and therefore failed to put my words in the comment box

that is inappropriate censorship!!!!!

[labrat]

I read the article on the BBC web site and I posted a comment on it. The BBC however did not publish my comment. I told them that the guy should have dig the plot over by hand and not rotovated it as all he did was to drastically increase the amount of weeds and couch grass that would grow. I don't think the BBC like my criticisms and therefore failed to put my words in the comment box

that is inappropriate censorship!!!!!

It's the BBC. I am not surprised. They do it all the time. After their initial push into blogs, messageboards and comment systems the BBC isn't liking what it is hearing and has scaled back or removed several areas of audience interaction.

[delboy]

And since when did any allotments in kingston have a sandy loam...clay all the way.

Methinks he was a little inaccurate in a couple of other areas, too.

Whatever the reasons more people have decided they want allotments, it's a fact that there is ever more pressure on allotment sites to provide plots.

Ours is about to open up another 60 or so plots from October, though the poor newcomers will have to clear brambles/trees(!)/and other assorted nasties, and they are all on clay... we are in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames!

[cleo]

What a dull and pointless article-have his expenses been checked??

[flowergirl]

I have had my allotment nearly 2 years now and i agree whole hearted with the author,
HOWEVER although my allotment has been neglected for approx 8 yrs i think a little perseverance and a big imagination will lead to a great allotment.

i live 1 mile from Morrison's and 5 miles from my allotment. YES at the moment I am not producing enough to say its an economical option.. its costing me more probably to grow my own but in the long run I believe this will pay off.  I enjoy growing, I enjoy eating my own food, I ENJOY IT!

Yes i get frustrated, yes i get upset when my pumpkin plant which I have nursed at home gets devoured by slugs when I take it up to the lottie BUT I learn.

This is an hobby, you love it or you don't keep your allotment simplezz.

I think the message is a good one....Don't put your name on the list for an allotment if you think its a doddle or a cheaper way of life, its not its bloody hard work and not only will u be disappointed but you are preventing others from getting an allotment.

[saddad]

More Purgatory than Hell then....   ???