Gardening is a stress reliever for many people, but sometimes, it can also be a source of stress when you feel you’ve missed a golden opportunity or couldn’t get down to the allotment for a particular reason. The thing, is that life happens, and sometimes you are ill or looking after someone who is unwell or a major life event is taking all your attention, and when this happens, it’s best not to beat yourself up too much.
What do I do when I can’t get to the allotment as much as I’d like to?
First, it’s important to acknowledge that whatever is taking priority in your life right now, is of importance and worthwhile paying attention to. Oftentimes, major events will wax and wane, by this I mean there’s a time when the energy and attention seems to be increasing and as a particular milestone passes, it reduces and with that so does your involvement. So know that you’ll get back to the allotment but in the meantime prioritize your activities and just do the bare minimum.
Second, get clear about what time you do have available. Ideally in a normal routine, you might have about 8-10 hours available to get to the allotment each week. However, with a major event, your time is reduced perhaps by half or less. Once you are clear on what time you’ve got left, then you can look at a ‘reduced’ timetable to keep the allotment going.
Third, don’t forget to ask for help. You might have a neighbor who loves gardening but can’t commit to it on a long term basis. Or you could ask a neighboring allotment owner to keep an eye out for you as you can’t be around as much. You could make arrangements to go to the allotment with a friend who can help with tasks, and this way make faster progress than on your own. Asking for help is always great.
Lastly, get clear as to which jobs you will focus on. Don’t give up on your ambitions for year round goodies from the allotment. Assuming that maybe I only had two or four hours a week to dedicate due to an unforeseen issue, then I would focus on key basics sowing and transplanting, minimal weeding or bed clearing and harvesting.
If I had even less time, say only 1-2 hours per week, then I’d probably only do two things- planting and harvesting. Over to you, what would you prioritise?