Giving up is hard but necessary | Allotments For Fun and Food 

I know when I gave up half my plot, I was amazed at how productive my remaining plot was in the following years, with a smaller plot you tend to use every inch to its fullest.

Just leave the shed for the new grower of the plot you are giving up. After all your not taking the trees. As you say you are going to need to refelt and replace rotten wood, would it not be better to build a new shed?

Hi Malcolm - I have a tiny plot compared to you but still struggle to utilise everything that I grow. My solution is to give some space to flowers for cutting; the idea being that you can't have too many flowers in the house.

😲Blimey! End of an era, Malcolm! I was thinking, “oh no, the Squash bed!” And “oh no, all that pond effort!” And “OMG, what about the compost bays!” Those were my big three instant reaction “what’s he going to do about?” items. Totally get the maintenance aspect, but here at McTavish Manor Gardens my own grass is a valuable compost addition because I don’t get all that lovely 🐴💩😆 However, as you described the rest of the zones at the back there, you had me nodding along. When I upgraded my garden into something of an allotment, I had my old shed demolished. Maintaining the roofing felt, despite thick sheets of wood underneath was a nightmare and I was glad to be rid of it. I don’t own a car, so I was able to empty it into the garage, and then consolidate things down even further. But water collection into barrels either side of the shed’s proposed new location had me thinking of Terry King-style siphoned blue barrels! Any means of capturing water is critical here - I had my garage roof renewed so I could get external guttering into yet more water butts (there are 11 of them scattered about here now). Even then things get desperate in the height of Summer. More Winter construction projects for us viewers though! 🤓

Wow 😯 lots to do … but it is true that sometimes the workload gets too much . I only have 1/4 of a plot and I first saw it , I was upset because I wanted more space . But actually, I grow a lot of food on my small plot , and it doesn’t demand too much work of me . Happy times . Have a nice week.

Just some thoughts Malc.... - do you need a shed that large? - if your shed needs work on it (flooring/re-roofing) would you be able to use the timber to make something smaller - I think the shed would be better down by the IBC water tanks. After making the back fence more weed proof. - putting the shed nearer to the IBC tanks would mean you could harvest the rainwater from the shed roof directly into the IBC - possibly locate the compost needs nearer to the entrance gate alongside the road fence for you manure compost or on the 'patio area' outside the poly tunnel for your garden waste bin - the storage box near the IBC/berry bushes move to near the poly tunnel 'patio' use the area vacated for the compost area - use that wide path near the pear tree to house your potato buckets in a line along the banking along with some garlic buckets Move your bench onto either the fruit area under the pear tree or the poly tunnel patio area - line the potato buckets along side the poly tunnel side path Whatever you decide to do good luck 🤞 and happy gardening👍😊

Good afternoon Malcolm,l see what your saying and we are doing the same.Going to be a LOT of work so eat up your green's like popeye.But yes we grow a it to much and give lots away,so we are like you having a real good think about what to do for next year.l try to stick to growing what we really enjoy but you know what it's like 🤔 shall l try this or maybe plant things that have been given to you.BUT we must put our foot down firmly and down size 😊 All the very best from Torbay 🌱🌱🌱💕

Hey Malc. Me and few guys moved my shed over 200m without removing anything! Leave the roof on as that is part of the structure to stop twisting. Get some long boards screwed into the uprights at aroud knee height across the front and back which will allow you to lift like a roman chair to waist height and walk it into position. I wish you great luck with down sizing but utilising space better. 👍 Hard work pays off! 😉

Your plan is good. A year ago we bought this much smaller property and much of it is wooded. Smallest garden I have had since forever. I still grew a lot this year and I have a much better idea of the efficiencies I can employ next season. I have felt overwhelmed for some years and though downsizing has been somewhat bittersweet, I have enjoyed this smaller garden. Yours is still quite large comparatively and I think you can grow quite a lot there. Can’t wait to see how it goes.

Well u made a decision which I think is good for u, no point growing food to give it all away, if u can't eat it then down size, your ideas for your plot sound amazing can't wait to see it come to plan.

I can see why you want a smaller plot, my garden is the size of an allotment but i only have a few small beds as thats all i can managexx

Onwards and upwards malc very wise words and a cracking video yet again

To start with Malcolm, I was really sad for you, but now I can see how exciting it is going to be, as well as much easier. Who ever has it will have a good neighbour any way. Onward and upward.

The shed might move easier on skids with wagon straps wrapped around and under it to stop it coming apart, maybe pipes for it to roll across the ground.

Makes perfect sense Malc , your plans sound really good and very well thought out , I wish you well and look forward as usual to following your progress

I totally get downsizing. Even though I am retired and love my garden, I have to be practical on maintenance. You’ve thought it through and you’ll likely grow more intensely in the space you’re keeping. It will be interesting to follow your journey.

We have a full plot split into half for fruit & half for vegetables,you are totally correct in giving up some ground it will be more manageable and after all we all give loads away & grow too much,we have 3 freezers that are full we make jams & chutneys and also give some away as we have loads,as for the slab edging we too are doing that as the wood rots & the slabs become available, eventually all the plot will be finished,well will any plot ever be finished?happy growing to you all.

Sad time but exciting times ahead. Looking forward to seeing the new plan taking shape. As we get older we have to work smarter not harder. You will do a great job as always.

Malcolm, there is nothing wrong with giving up part of the plot to help you keep on top of things, I have decided to do the same thing with mine and I feel a lot better telling everybody about it.

I am so glad this secret is out now 😂🤦‍♂️ haha! I think you've made the right decision Malcolm. After all the discussions we've made about it. K think you're doing the right thing for you and Mrs K. Danny 🌱

Hi Malcolm, How about digging out a bit of the area between the fruit garden and putting the shed on the walkway above the bed you are thinking of putting the shed on?? That way you wouldn't loose the productive growing area,,, also you could put the compost bins where the weeds are causing a problem against the fencing if you put some builders plastic down and up the fencing it should stop the weed problems.

I'm sure the lovely Danny will be there to help! Good luck with the downsize and renovations. It's going to look fantastic!! Will be watching and wishing I could help 🌏💙🤎💚🍃🌿🌱

take some grafts (sions) off the plum tree and graft onto other trees you have, cuttings also when the time is right i'm sure the new tenants wont mind xx February is good for grafting (just watched the rest of video your paid up till March) do lots of grafts to make sure some will take. 8 out of 20 of my grafts took, its so easy to do xx

I have to agree crop maintenance not plot maintenance. Looking forward to plot 2.0 in 2023! Sandra

Fair play mate, it should enrich your life and be a joy, there's only 2 of us, and my very modest veg garden is doing us proud, both with fresh food and a steadily increasing stock of frozen goodies too

Hi Malc, definitely think you’ve made the right decision. A huge space for you to deal with. Will take a lot of pressure off you and make it all that more enjoyable. Will look forward to watching what you finally decide to do with the smaller more manageable plot. Great video, look forward to next update.

Hi Malcom, that all makes perfect sense. And I was going to say that the area you have left is still big. I have 2 plots and I'm sure the area you have left is still a bit bigger. Our allotments only have about 2 foot pathways between plots, apart from driveways. Within each of my plots I put in a 2 foot central path, for easy access with a wheelbarrow, and leading off of those 18" paths between beds to maximise the growing area but still have easy access for me, so it's more like the area your keeping. So I totally get that the area you are giving up, your not losing much because you can grow what YOU need in the area left. I've already thought, for various reasons, if I had to give up a plot, what I would do, and I know I'd still manage OK. But with what Ive got and you'll have left, it still takes time, but more manageable. All the best, John, Hampshire, UK

It sound like you've got a lot of work Malcolm ahead of you but I can't wait to see all of it being done, garden look very healthy

Excited for you! You’re going to do well with the downsize. 😄👍🙌

One of your best vlogs yet. I look forward to watching how it progresses through winter and spring.

Great plans, very exciting!! Always good to reevaluate and make change to improve efficiency!! ☀️🌱🌱🌱💕

Wow. Someone is going to be busy this winter. I garden in a confined space and it does make you think a bit and get more creative. Going vertical is one really easy way to increase the growing space, were you ever to need more again. Also, i think your pathways are luxuriously wide, so you could cut into those if necessary. And planting a load of low maintenance perennial plants along the perimeter fencing would give you a ton of additional growing space, so all in all i don't think you're going to miss the old area at all. Apart from the lovely fresh eggs.

Wow huge changes and understandable that a smaller more manageable area is needed. I’m sure you won’t regret it and will remodel the area your keeping to suit your needs and be more the happy for it. Looking forward to seeing your updates on the change. Have a fantastic weekend and 🐝 safe

Hi Malcolm, change is hard but it sounds like this is what is best for you and I am happy for you for that. I am sad about your compost area though. When you were talking about where you planned to move it to, it seemed like getting it there would involve bumping your wheelbarrow up and down some steps…am I missing the path you intend to take? Have you considered moving your IBC tanks to capture the water from your shed instead of barrels? It seems like they would hold more volume and fit neatly in that space. I hope you get a really nice new neighbor to take over the other half in the spring!

I've been out of action all summer, almost decided to quit my allotment but I'm getting back on my feet and missing it. I've already decided to simplify but I'm glad I've watched this episode Malc. I'll follow your journey with keen interest. I'm not downsizing my plot but I'll be laying some aside and consolidating. I hope to continue but I've found out the cartilage in my hips is disappearing. Different reasons but similar journey. Thanks for sharing.

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Do consider shade when siting permanent structures. There is room for more raised beds in the fruit garden if you find out you need more space.

Looks like a busy winter ahead but the downsize seems like a good idea. Hopefully you'll also get a new plot holder to take over some of your old space and give them a chance at some great harvests of their own. As someone who battles to find the time to manage even a small plot I totally understand how much effort you are currently putting in. Good luck moving that shed. Keep the roof on while you move it to hold it square. Some of your slabs would make a great solid shed floor if the old one is rotting out (speaking from experience!). Good luck with it all and do film all the 'adventure' so we can see how you did it.

Putting the shed in the area where you are planning will cut off the sun light for the new neighbour.

I would suggest that you roll the shed to the new location. You're going to have to jack it up to place lifting boards under it, anyway. Get some round post, place them under lift boards and roll to new location. I would not remove the roof, until after the move, it adds strength. I enjoy your videos. Good Luck!

It's not April the first is it, Blimey that's a lot of work But I see your point of view, I would put the shed on a bit of land that's not productive like where your cold frame is, with your IBC's put next to it on a few of those paving stones, Just a thought.

Good-day Malc!👋 I'm excited with ya. So often folks see change as a bad thing; however, the reality is with change can come peace, hope, fun, new adventures, and so much more.🙂 I've been doing much the same in the last week...downsizing my garden area to make it easier and practical. I too grow more than enough for us and to share. I've been looking at what we eat and how quickly we go through what's frozen, canned and dehydrated. Yesterday I started mapping out the area.👩🏾‍🌾 If there's anything you and your loved ones need prayer about let me know. I love pushing open the throne room doors taking folks before the Father.🙂 Good times...great plans.👍💕

Sounds like sense, I too could do with rationalising my space , tricky as it’s my actual garden. Good luck.🤞

Exciting times ahead. I will be following with interest to see eventually how you grow in your more streamlined space. A bust winter ahead 😊

It's good to grow a lot of veg nowadays and donate it to food banks and family's who don't have enough money to feed themselves, so I would still carry on as usual if u possibly can.

Love your videos. Sorry to hear you are giving up a plot but it is amazing what you can fit into just one. Our freezer is nearly full and we have given a great deal away too. Good luck with your plans.

Nice of you to leave the pond , don't forget to take the tad polls 😉

Hi Malc, you have a very useful space up on the fruit garden you can out the raised beds right on top of and fill, there seems to be a very wide area also between the trees up there you may be able to put the shed there without loosing the leek bed, if you dismatle the shed it will be esier to move and re-site with a bit of planning. Just a Thought ! Alan

This sounds like a great idea. It's an enormous space you've got there Malcolm and downsizing is going to be much easier to handle. I'm sure you'll still grow everything you need to in the space left. Going to be hard work moving everything over. Good luck with that!

It will be interesting watching the changes and it's still a large plot to maintain.

Hello Malc, very interesting video, what a lot of plans! It will be grand to see you put it all in to action. A busy autumn and winter for you and Mrs K. Compost bins next to the shed, would that not be a bit smelly? Best wishes

Hi Malc, I think it’s a great decision you’re making , and I look forward to see how things evolve over the next few months!! 💪🏼💪🏼😁

Hi Malcolm, Hope you have calculated the calories you both are going to need to complete the transformation and then compared to the number stored in your freezers. You might need another freezer😁. Mental support from Lincolnshire, Peter

Hi Malc, your plans look very sensible and like you say, still loads of space for plentiful harvests. I wonder whether moving the composting area next to your shed might be a bit smelly, maybe better downwind and sacrifice the run off for a comfortable shed refuge 👃

Once again you are going to embark on a (major) project that is going to make me feel lazy. 🙂 Good luck with everything and I look forward to watching your progress.

U will still have plenty of room left for your needs. I hope u have considered giving some of your left over veg to a food bank.

I have been catching up on your videos over the last few days as I have been mega busy and got behind on a lot of channels I follow. I think that this is a wise decision, lots of effort for little return on the side you are giving up and will hopefully turn into a nice space for someone else to use. Shame about the hens though. I have just lost the last of mine and am thinking of turning the run into a fruit cage or a perennial veg cage. Maybe an idea for your cage? I’m looking into it, but thinking the likes of tree spinach, perennial Kale. I would leave the shed especially if you run the risk of it falling apart and then you will have to get rid of it. Have you thought of building a custom size one out of pallet wood or alike? Would it need to be as big as it is as you will only need a handful of tools being no dig, no mower/ strimmer required. I would also move it to the other side of the beans and have the water collection on the other side of the fence. Move the raised beds on the bottom end and put compost bays along there and then the beds could be put where you were thinking of putting the shed as this is already good growing ground. I am looking forward to the transformation and following on your channel.

Hi Malc, Hopefully you are not downsizing because of a health issue when you mentioned time. Concerning your compost and shed, if you put the shed were you said you might put it and the compost bins next to it, with the runoff going towards the beans etc, do you have enough room between the beans and the compost bins to shovel everything in and out, and not forgetting your usual delivery of the smelly stuff. Personally i would have gone with what you said about putting the bins at the back as you were leveling off that part anyway were that troublesome sprout bed was, as there is a metal corrugated panel there all ready, and i would put the spuds alongside the shed. Hope you understood all that. Stay Safe 😷 Barry (Wirral)

What best for you no point growing it if your not going to eat it. It takes a lot of time to look after a plot properly.( GOOD TIMES)

Give your excess produce to your local food bank they will be grateful for it

So are you subdividing your plot and giving some away or do you have more than one plot? Also do you have a video about those net tubes you've got on your raised beds, they look very efficient at stopping cabbage white butterflies etc but I'm not sure if people buy them or make them? (I've just got my first plot that I'm currently setting up)

How big was your original plot ?? It looks unusually massive )

Maybe the new tenant might like to keep chooks 🤔

Id rather keep it all the plot and stop spending half my time making these videos!!