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I've harvested the first of my potatoes which I'm growing in containers, Arran Pilot. There were a good number of nice sized potatoes which I was really pleased with. I shared the haul with my mum and dad, they don't have a garden anymore so I like to pass on some home grown veggies to them. They ate theirs in a salad and raved about the taste. I shall be having my first taste tomorrow, which I'm looking forward to.
We've received a letter from the council advising us that they're currently reviewing allotment provision in Leeds. They've proposed three different options which basically boils down to our rent increasing. At the moment the cost for an allotment in Leeds is £37 for a full plot, however, they're proposing to increase this to either £103.07 with concession holders paying £51.53 or £123.43 with concession holders paying £18.50 as they presently do. A third option would be, and I quote, to review the management arrangements to seek a third party operator for allotment provision who would determine pricing arrangements and meet all costs associated with provision. The consultation period has now come to an end, so it will be interesting to hear what decisions are made.
I've always thought the cost of renting an allotment seemed good value for money, but that seems an enormous hike.
ReplyDeleteAllotment rents vary enormously throughout the country. I think the rent we have been paying is relatively low, but as you say, it's an enormous hike.
DeleteWe are going to go for spring onions in pots as in the ground they just don't do well at all - what compost do you use?
ReplyDeleteWe have just had our rent bills for the plot. The water rate has doubled to just under £21 and the plot rent is £52.50. About £73.50 in all for each while plot. Your proposal is a big jump isn't it?
That's quite a large concession isn't it?
The compost I'm using at the moment is Levington's but I'm not loyal to one particular brand as I haven't found a really good one yet. The same brand can differ from bag to bag. The rent prices I've quoted are without water, we don't have water on our site, but those which do are charged an additional £17 per plot. The proposal is a big jump, I'm just waiting to see what's actually decided. The second proposal would see us paying over £100 per plot more than a concession.
DeleteOur concessions are for anyone on benefits or over state pension age and Concessionary charge is half full cost.
DeleteI've never qualified for concessions on any grounds, I only know about senior citizens qualifying as Hubby's uncle is one, and at the moment they get it for half full cost, same as at your site. I don't have any problem with this at all, but it's a bit much really if we end up paying over £100 more per year than they do.
DeleteOur allotment rent works out at about £1 a week (so about £52 a year)and this is for insurances, memberships and water. I think that is reasonable. However everyone pays the same...no concessions. Either you want a plot or you don't. I think it is wrong that your rent should go up so much so that other people can keep theirs dirt cheap.What entitles you to be a 'concession holder'??
ReplyDeleteI know that senior citizens get concessions, not sure about who else. The £37 price for this year is just for the plot, water at £17 and £3 National Association membership is also payable, though we don't pay for water as we don't have any on our site. I don't mind the rent rising, everything goes up in this day and age, but from £37 to £123.43 is just ridiculous.
DeleteThe spring onion seeds I sowed this year didn't germinate, and I didn't bother to try again. I think I'll try them in a container next year.
ReplyDeleteGood to see that you're pleased with the first potatoes.
I guess that most councils will be doing the same, if they've not already done so. As you say it'll be interesting to see what yours decide. Flighty xx
My spring onions have always done well in a pot, I love them in a sandwich with cheese. I've got lots more potatoes to harvest, I enjoy sharing them with my parents as they enjoy them so much. The consultation period is now over so I'm waiting to hear what's decided. I should imagine there'll be plenty of people with something to say if the rent's increased by such a large amount.
DeleteYour spring onions looks lovely, great that you've picked your first potatoes.It's always exciting that first taste!!! I've not picked any yet but am hoping to soon.
ReplyDeleteThat is a large increase for the plot...shame!xxxx
I think the first taste of everything each year is just the best. We haven't heard yet just how much the increase will be, I'm waiting with baited breath.
DeleteLovely looking spring onions - I've grown some purple ones this year which I've just started harvesting.
ReplyDeleteThat does seem a huge hike in prices.
I've got some red spring onion seed, I think I'll sow some next. I wonder if they taste much different to the white ones. I don't know if the council are intending hiking the prices in one go or if they'll get to that price in stages, it'll be interesting to hear what they decide.
DeleteOur daughter has really worked hard to keep the shared allotment and our other vegetables in pots at out home
ReplyDeletewell tended and watered during our time away. She has been picking the strawberries and other veggies and saved some for us which we've just enjoyed today. We've been busy freezing a surplus of broad beans and the next job is to harvest some potatoes - and enjoy!
That's a big jump in the proposed new allotment rent.
It's good that you've got someone to look after the allotment and garden for you whilst you're away. Even better when some of the veggies are kept for your return, I'm sure you will have enjoyed them. It is a big jump in the allotment rent, I'm not sure yet if they propose to increase the rent in one go or over a period of time, I'm still waiting to hear.
DeleteThat's a massive jump in prices, the proposed prices are something I'd expect in London but nowhere else! I paid £7.50 for my plot this year, but we don't have any water, and I live in a village.
DeleteGoodness, I think you'll take the prize for the cheapest allotment rent, that really is a bargain.
DeleteI know, I'm definitely lucky!!
DeleteIt's one of the cheapest rents I've heard of, you're very lucky.
DeleteThat's very worrying, I hope they don't put the rents up high. They really won't make much money from doing so, but it could make a big difference to some of the plot holders.
ReplyDeleteI think there'll be lots of people giving up their plots if the rents increase, though there's always plenty more around here who are just waiting to take their place.
DeleteGreat spring onions Jo. Wish we had some. Something we just can't crack.
ReplyDeleteThought our plots were a bit on the high side at £73.50 but perhaps that's not the case.
Have a go at growing them in containers, I just use a large plant pot, multi purpose compost and I don't do anything with them except water them, they never fail. I know that plot rents vary around the country, I thought ours was quite cheap but it will be very expensive if the second proposal goes ahead.
DeleteOh Jo, I'm sorry to hear about the council and its plans. I hope it doesn't come to anything but allotments do seem to be the prime target at the moment. Allotments are not about money generation they are a service the councils should provide just like leisure centres. I never have much success with spring onions so I'm envious. I can recommend the red spring onions if you leave the bulb to bulk up a bit they are lovely roasted or griddled. Sorry I haven't commented for a while things have been a crazy here. But I've missed hearing how everyone is getting on.
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly going to be interesting hearing what the council decides. I've got some seeds for a red variety of spring onion so I shall give them a try. I always allow my spring onions to bulk up, I prefer them that way.
DeleteSeems like the councils are cashing in on allotment fever and trying to raise money in every which way. Gone are the days of cheap allotments it seems.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. I don't mind paying a fair price, but rents vary so much around the country. Staged increases would be better than a great hike too.
DeleteYou've done well with your spring onions, the slugs did for my first sowing of spring onions that were in pots but I've managed a row at the allotment this year.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your allotment rent rise, that is a really big hike in price. Like Elaine, said they are exploiting the popularity of allotments. Let us know how it goes.
Well done on successfully growing your spring onions in the ground. I always find that mine do much better in pots so I've stopped trying to grow them in the ground. I'm still waiting to hear what the council decide in regard to the rent rise but I'll be sure to let you know what happens.
DeleteHi Jo! Snap and snap. I too grow white lisbon in pots and like to have a little production line going and I too received the councils letter. Made me laugh that they spoke about the benefits of community gardening etc...etc...but clearly want more money from us so they don't have to sell the land to developers and cash in. If they can't cash in that way then they'll cash in on us hey. Capitalism in full effect. I'm so cross!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting with baited breath to hear what they decide, It's so annoying that there's not a thing we can do about it. I shall be sowing some more spring onions this week, I'm getting low now so I need to get some more on the go.
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