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Garden expense

• Message 1. 

  Posted by whatalottie (U9072847) on Thursday, 26th January 2012

  Every year I grow more than I need. It's so easy, too many in the packet (200 cabbages?), sowing too much because some might fail. I do try only to grow a few of each vaiety of cabbage/brassics so I have them throught the year.
  This is actually so expensive, although the people in the flats where I live are grateful.
  Should I grow less?

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by theweeshep (U13961168) on Thursday, 26th January 2012

  If you've got the space and time (and money), why not grow even more - not less.
  
  Anything that can't be stored you can either sell or give away (depending how philanthropic you're feeling). I always try to take into account family when sowing seeds, but like to give plants away rather than the end produce. I still end up sharing my crops when they inevitably kill the poor plants!

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Vixxihibiscus (U13865184) on Thursday, 26th January 2012

  I'm the same, always growing too much in my enthusiasm and with a family of crop killers too I inevitably and up sharing it all with my family.
  
  The way I see it, I am very lucky to have the wonderful allotment I have. Gardening is my hobby. I don't drink, follow a football team, go on tropical holidays. I just love being in the garden and as much as it sometimes is expensive, this is only on a "cost vs buying food" basis. because on a "hobbies vs drinking/partying/gambling/season ticket" basis...it's a bargain! I also have a lot more to show for my money compared to my younger brothers that prefer flying around Europe to watch football matches.
  
  Do consider as well Lottie that you don't have to give your surplus away. Sell it. Set up a stall in the flats you live in or at the front door for passing trade. What you are selling is much better than they can buy anywhere else. You might even end up with some fans and a veg box scheme!
  
  Happy Gardening

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• Message 4

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  Posted by BigDave (U3975543) on Thursday, 26th January 2012

  Vixxihbisus...your stand on this sounds just like mine....I don't think you can put a cost on it to be fair as you get so many things from it not just food.
  
  Whatsthemarrow...
  

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• Message 5

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  Posted by lilylouise (U3205282) on Thursday, 26th January 2012

  I totally agree with you vixxihibiscus

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• Message 6

  , in reply to message 3.

  Posted by whatalottie (U9072847) on Thursday, 26th January 2012

  Your right of course, I was just adding up my costd for the year! It is my hobby, I know I spend more waking hours on my allotment than at home.
  
  Er... The law says you can't make a profit on stuff you grow on an allotment, I suppose I could just sell enough to cover the costs!
  
  Lottie
  
  

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• Message 7

  , in reply to message 6.

  Posted by zoomer44 (U14019069) on Thursday, 26th January 2012

  And to follow on from your last posting ....Lottie you will be suprised at the cost of tending an allotment not just in terms of things purchased but the time spent tending your crop.
  
  An allotmenteer if growing as a hobbie, is never going to be able to sell for profit, although not an allotment holder but a keen grower in the back garden, for what it's worth, any excess money gained through selling produce is likely to go back into the allotment whether that be to buy a shed, GH or new tools and seeds.
  
  I just grow in the back garden and don't have serious gluts, beans were the most profilic and toms last year so am never likely to grow to much of anything due to space but have you thought about giving some space to growing flowers to cut. I grow lillies and cut them just before they open, they last for ages in vases. Sweetpea, another good one to grow, some varieties have a strong scent.
  
  Living in a flat you can then not just bring produce home but you'll have flowers too.

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• Message 8

  , in reply to message 6.

  Posted by Vixxihibiscus (U13865184) on Friday, 27th January 2012

  Lottie...
  
  Being someone who's self-employed too you need to take off your costs before you make profit. If at the end of the year you stand to make a profit (if your conscience can't stand any at all, but really, who's really going to know?) then buy a big item to zero it off. I know there's always fencing/hedging/a summer house/chinese pergola/a pond/new variety fruit tree/greenhouses on my wish list!
  
  I wouldn't have a problem disposing of some profit!

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• Message 9

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by grandcottagegardener (U14258183) on Friday, 27th January 2012

  We used to have an allotment, but now only grow fruit/veg in an area of our garden measuring 30ft x 50ft.
  
  I used to try and grow everything, but have now scaled it down to growing fruit and veg that is more expensive to buy in the shops. So ..... instead of growing cabbage and parsnips I'm growing raspberries and asparagus, for example.
  
  I do struggle with potatoes though. So cheap to buy potatoes in season, but to taste potatoes that have just been harvested is priceless.

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