Cottonmill and Nunnery Allotment Association

Have you recently taken on an allotment but haven't done much to it yet? There must be a few of you as I've seen quite a few plots that show evidence of an initial burst of enthusiasm followed by...  err - not a lot. Here are a few tips.

Get onto your allotment NOW. If you put landscape fabric (Mypex) or other light excluders down  last year, start taking it off and dig over stretches of land. Do it NOW to get ahead so that you have beds ready to take seedlings.

Aim to spend at least 2 hours every week on the allotment. Even 15 minutes at a time is good. Dig, sow and then regularly water your plants and hoe frequently.

Leaving your plot undug now just makes it harder when the seedlings start piling up on your window sills etc.

Do you get home tired and think - no, I can't be bothered to go to the allotment? Fight the urge to hit the sofa; think to yourself that once you are down there, you'll love it. You will - trust me! It will revive your flagging spirits. Take an iPod or something to help make the time pass. Take a treat with you - a bottle of cool beer, chilled glass of wine, homemade lemonade.

Take photographs regularly so you can see the progress. And don't forget that an hour 's digging burns as many calories as an hour in the gym.

If you can't get down enough, at least cut down the weeds - it makes it look better and they don't seed onto your neighbours' plots.

If you still don't fancy it - think seriously about whether the dream is for you. There is a waiting list for your allotment.

If the dream is still alive but you find that you are still struggling to get that allotment under control, talk to your plot officer or a member of the committee for advice. Also check out the Hints and Tips pages.

If you don't dig, you can't plant, if you don't plant, you can't grow! Got no plants? The association organises a plant swap every year (around May - you don't need any plants in order to take plants; there are always spares) or try a local nursery or the market.