I do have an allotment.

When I took on the plot a year ago, I was doing perhaps 20 hours work a week. Since then, things have really picked up, and I'm now extremely busy. So I didn't have time to get down to my plot and do the work that needed to be done. In due course, I got a dirty plot notice.

I contacted the allotments section of my local council and asked to go down to a half plot. They agreed and sent out a new contract.

In the meantime, I had a few ideas about using the big bulk bags you get sand and gravel in to make raised beds. Digging out soil, putting down membrane, putting the bags on top of the membrane and filling them with the soil I dug out would result in something that needs much less weeding and watering.

To that end, I've spent a fair few bob on bags, membrane, wooden decking for paths between the bags, and so on, and I've been methodically putting this idea into practice.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7qocwsOh-wM/UgFxQGq_d0I/AAAAAAAACwc/7RMAefjmVGA/s1600/now+with+added+path.jpg

Then today the site secretary dropped a bombshell. Before I can give up the half plot, I have to get it tidied. And I only have until Tuesday, and my busy work schedule continues unabated. He implied that whatever I do will be seen as too little too late.

I will try anyway. I'm hiring a strimmer, and I will level the tall stuff on the bit I'm supposed to be giving up, but it may not be enough.

Yet I have all these bags, and this approach is both modular and versatile to be applied more or less anywhere. I recently moved to a semi rural area. There are fields and farmland very close to where I live. They are mainly given over to horse grazing. My allotment, since I moved, is about 7 miles away.

My preferred option is to keep my current plot. I've put a lot of work into it, particularly over the last month or so. If I do have to give it up, I'd like to continue growing my own food, and buying or renting a small bit of land nearby.