[SIZE=“3”][FONT=“Georgia”]Anyone grow their own Veggies or maybe have an Allotment? I heard that Allotments were becoming so popular that some have a waiting list consisting of years!! :shock:
Probably an ideal Gift Voucher to give to a baby or toddler!!! 
What do you grow and have success with?
I have sometimes dappled with Runner Beans, and when these are successful, I am amazed how quickly a new crop will appear (almost over-night)! 
Regards,
Rainbow[/FONT][/SIZE]
I do. I got my first half allotment in 1977 and when we left Leeds in 1993 I had 6 full plots.
I`m more conservative these days,just a garden of about 1/4 acre
[SIZE=“3”][FONT=“Georgia”]OG, How are they run? Do people buy or rent an allotment? I was staggered to hear that there is such a long waiting list with some of them.
What do you enjoy growing most?
Rainbow[/FONT][/SIZE]
I`m too long away to say-but you rent an allotment-and I waited a while,then they were given away and now I think there is often a waiting list. So many are now housing estates.
I grow/have grown just about anything and everything but I specialise in unusual tomato varieties. It doesnt make much but plant sales cover my habit`
[SIZE=“3”][FONT=“Georgia”]"New Housing Estates" or probably another TESCO!
Sounds interesting different types and flavours of tomatoes. A good selling point too.
I love those little ones - so moreish!
I like passing places in the country and various ‘goods’ are outside - plants, eggs, vegetables etc., with an Honesty Box next to them. Hope customers are honest. 
Rainbow[/FONT][/SIZE]
The honesty box? I do that. But never confuse those selling rubbish with those selling quality. Just because we are in the country doesnt mean there isnt someone trying to con townies
I wish I had the time - would LOVE to grow my own veg. I would even like to have a small farm with some sheep, cows and chickens 
My daughter and S-I-L have had an allotment for a few years now, they really enjoy growing their own fruit and veg … so do I as I’m often on the receiving end of it during the summer months;-)
Azz-growing ones own veg is one thing. But the myth about the good life` is another.
Small farms are the dream of those who do not have to make ends meet.
I live in the City but have always had a small backyard plot: tomatoes, peppers, onions, basil, borlotti beans; enough for a single person. Tried potatoes unsuccessfully; have herbs also and of course catnip for the cats!
Here in Washington the waiting list for allotments is 4 - 5 years!!
[SIZE=“3”][FONT=“Georgia”]Hi dandysmom, I forgot about Herbs. I used to grow some of these. Loved to nibble on Garlic Chives!!!
Rainbow[/FONT][/SIZE]
The local council is responsible for the allocation of allotments and where I live there is also a waiting list. However, if someone has an allotment which is getting too much for them to manage they are allowed to “share” it and two people can have half of a full allotment. I think this is a good idea and a couple of friends have done this together very successfully.
We just grow runner beans every year which usually do quite well. We have tried other stuff over the years, but the wildlife always seem to get the best share, so I tend to stick to flowers and shrubs these days.
I grow a few herbs-at one time I offered all sorts of basils but the good folk around here are not yet ready for Thai/Holy basil,nor even the small leaved bush types.
And summer savory?-it never caught on
I love garlic chives, easy to grow. Tried holy basil, but prefer the Genoa variety. It’s trying like mad to set flowers, I pinch them off daily and they keep coming! :roll:
DM-Basil Genovese is the standard basil to grow but if you can find it try Neapolitana as well. Much larger leaves with all the flavour and so large you can stuff them(well OK not as large as a vine leaf) but with a little care?
A bit of grated parmigiano ,some ground pine nuts,a slice of tomato-dress with a touch of olive oil and wrap.
Move over Ina. Actually I think she is alright
Thanks, OG, will keep my eye open for that when he seed catalogues start coming again. That recipe sounds mouth watering…
DM if you do not see Neapolitan basil look for lettuce leaf basil(foglie di lattuga) The latter is not quite as tasty/aromatic but the leaves are even larger
Have made a note, thanks!
There is a four or five year waiting list for allotments here in West London. Luckily, I have a tiny patch which I have rescued from the dog run and grow French Beans, Broad Beans, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cauliflower, several varieties of cabbage, peppers, chillis and loads of herbs.
I have never been interested in home grown produce apart from herbs, which I have planted in tubs around the place. My husband grew some lettuce once, but I preferred the supermarket variety. We have gooseberry, redcurrant and blackcurrant bushes, most of which go to waste as only my husband likes those fruits and I stew a few for him, but that is all. The neighbours grow their own, otherwise they would be more than welcome to pick them.
