So why do some people fail at allotments while others succeed? The answer could have as much to do with genetic make-up as it does with horticultural aptitude...
We've just received our letter of renewal on the allotment lease - it always reminds me of how fortunate we are to be able to rent the land for such a small amount of money. Others might not be feeling so content. At this time of year some plot holders will also be receiving notices terminating their agreements, having received earlier warning letters that their plots were not up to scratch.
So why do some people fail at allotments while others succeed? The answer could have as much to do with genetic make-up as it does with horticultural aptitude.
The subject was on my mind a while back when I went on my annual pilgrimage to see my mate Natasha in Rugby who tends to three plots. Her acreage backs on to a plot owned by John, a lovely man who always gives me trugs-full of raspberries to take home to turn into jam.
Regular as clockwork, John turns up at the plot Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Sunday mornings he is also there. On Saturday he never fails to clean out his bird cages. It won't surprise you to learn that John's allotment is always in great shape.
Then I started thinking about the book I had just finished, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Covey points out that one of the ways to be effective is to develop regular habits. It's like farming or gardening, he explains: there are some tasks that just can't be 'crammed,' they have to happen bit by bit and in the right season.
But if you look around you, people have all sorts of working styles. The world often seems divided between people who are regular, habit followers who tend to stick to a plan, and those who have bursts of creative energy followed by periods of rest, who thrive on spontaneity. There is nothing wrong with either model, but it would seem that the latter group may have a disadvantage when it comes to accomplishing tasks that require continuous attention and planning. As every successful allotmenteer will tell you, 'little and often' is the key to success.
People take on allotments for all sorts of different reasons, but for those who dream of 'rus in urbe', having the countryside in the town, the reality is that growing your own veg is going to require a regular commitment of around 10-12 hours a week in the busy season. Think about this before you contemplate taking one on.
One thing I've discovered, is that allotments, like babies, are great for killing spontaneity: no you cannot go down to the art gallery to join your friends on a sunny afternoon. It hasn't rained and the plot needs watering.
Sorry kids, we can't go swimming, it's just rained and the raspberries will rot if we don't pick them.
Why is it that some people cram for exams and others pace themselves throughout the year? Why do so many of us put ourselves through the hell of last minute tax returns? If you've just received a nasty letter from the allotment committee or have had to give up an allotment - don't beat yourself up or feel like a failure. Put it down to having an artistic temperament and blame it on your genes!
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