I've had no scope for growing my own food beyond what will flourish on a window sill for a long time. I got onto the council waiting list for a Plot with the foreboding warning it might take as long as 15 years to get to the top! As it turned out it was less than 2 in the end. Annual charges are under 30 quid - I can spend that much in one visit to the Co-op without much trouble! I have forked out (pardon the pun) for some tools and a second (could be 3rd/4th/5th!) hand shed and splashed out on seeds and magazines (if they have free seeds!) I've also been very lucky with family and other plot holders giving me seedlings and tools to get me started. I have been digging away for a few hours at the weekend since taking it on in January - and I have an enviable supply of organic fruit and veg at my disposal. Not to mention feeling smug at making food appear out of the ground instead of out of a plastic packet, I am also smug when cooking because it tastes better too. Another bonus - it's excellent exercise and a great way to make new friends who want to pass on all their tips - If you are still paying for a gym membership you don't make good use of = STOP, get a PLOT! Apply via your local authority website, get on the waiting list and be sure to remind them you are very keen every so often, or see if you can share with someone and get there sooner. Do it today! Worth checking out Landshare.net if the waiting list is too long to bear

My daughter had chance of renting an allotment just behind her house. She didn't think she'd have enough time but I persuaded her to do it! We spent last year preparing the plot - it hadn't been used for almost 25 years so was shoulder-high in weeds and stuff. We've just about planted all our fruit, herbs and organic veggies for the year .. so satisfying. You forget all about the hard work once you've planted everything and can actually start eating your own chemical free produce. We'll have more than enough for ourselves and friends to eat now and to freeze for later. The rent is £20 p.a. - seeds were next to nothing and lots of stuff will self-seed. The allotment will more than pay for itself. It's fun, it's sociable and it's productive. A couple of people/families getting together to share a plot will save so much money. Doesn't even matter if you don't know a thing about growing - fellow allotment holders are more than happy to share their advice, their tools and their seedlings! Check with your local council. Impecunious! Diggin' for England!