In My Seed Box For 2024 - Tomatoes

    

This collection of tomato seeds has been built over the last 11 years is thanks to a number of seed circles, one that I ran for two years and virtual seed parcels. 

Three New varieties and one additional from a new supplier added for 2024. 

Currently there are 165 varieties of Tomatoes in my Seed Box of which 29 are F1 and 3 new varieties that have been added this year. 

I need to inspect the list below and decide on the 22 varieties that are to be grown in the back garden in 2022. Those that will be grown out on the allotment 3 or 6 varieties and those that will be grown in the greenhouses, 4 in Quadgrows and Mini & Micro's at home and the Allotments. 

That selection process will be a subject of a separate post after due consideration of the list below. Tomato seeds if kept in ideal conditions can last between 5 - 10 years, so I need to see which varieties are getting old and sow them to replenish the seed bank.   

Alisa Craig - Mr Fothergills - Sow by 2019 
Alicante - Sow by 2017

Alfresco - Mr Fothergill's - Sow by Dec 2026 
Althaea - Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022 

Arielle F1 - Marshalls - Sow by 2019
Artisan Pink Tiger - Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022 

Amish Mayberry - Saved 2013 - Self Saved 2016
Angelle - Grapevine 2018
Arnyalma - Grapevine 2016
Arrat Flamed - MYP&Q 2019

Attraction - Marshalls - best by 2017 
Aztek - Joe Mills Grow With Me 2022 -  Sow By 2024 

Bajaja - Thompson & Morgan Sow by 12/2019 

Balconi Red - Thompson & Morgan Sow by 12/2020  - Self Saved 2018

Balconi Yellow F1 - Seed Megastore - Packed 2019 - Sow By 2021 

Berkeley Tie-Dye - Grapevine 2016
Big Yellow Zebra - Grapevine 2016 
Blaby Special - Saved 2014
Black Cherry Tomato - Grapevine 2018

Black Krim - S.Bassett MYP&Q Seed Circle 2018

Black Icicle - Grapevine 2016
Black Russian - Grapevine 2018

Black Sea Man - Grapevine 2016

Black Trifele - Grapevine 2018

Black Vemissage - Grapevine 2018

Bloody Butcher - D.T.Brown 2020 
Blush - Grapevine 2016
Blush Yellow Plum - MYP&Q 2018
Brown Sugar - Grapevine 2016

Buffalosun F1 - Suttons - Sow By 2026 

Burlesque F1 - Suttons - Packed 2022 - Sow By 7/2024 

Camp Joy - No Date

Carotina (Big Orange) - Grapevine 2018

Chiapis Wild - Grapevine 2016 
Cherry Cascade Thompson & Morgan Sow by 12/2019

Cherry Falls F1- Mr Fothergills - Sow By 2020

Cherry Honeycomb F1 - Mr Fothergills 2021 

Cherry Kisses - Thompson & Morgan Sow by 12/2019
Cream Sausage - Grapevine 2016
Crimson Cherry F1 - 10 Seeds - Dobies - Saved 2021 - Cost £3.99 

Crimson Cherry F1 - 10 Seeds - Suttons - Saved 2021 - Cost £4.49  

Crimson Crush F4

Crimson Plum F1 (Nagina)  - 10 Seeds - Dobies - Saved 2021 - Cost £3.99 

Crimson Plum F1                 - 10 Seeds -  Suttons - Saved 2021 -  Cost £4.49 

Crokini F1 - Dobies Packed year ending 2024 Sow By 2027 <<<< NEW

Cuban Flower - Grapevine 2016 

Cuor Di Bue - Off Magazine 

Dark Galaxy - Grapevine 2016

Delicious - No Date

Delta Dawn - Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022 

Early Door Sandpoint - MYP&Q 2019

Ferline F1 Hybrid

Gardeners Delight - Kings Seeds Kitchen Garden - Sow By 2022

Gardeners Delight - Suttons - Sow By 2024  Packed 2021 

Garden Pearl - Sow By 2014

Garden Pearl  - Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022 
German Lunchbox - No Date
German Queen - Grapevine 2016

German Red Strawberry - Grapevine 2018

Giallo D'Inveino - Grapevine 2018
Gigantomo F1 - Premier Seeds Direct - Sow by 2021

Green Zebra - Grapevine 2016

Gold Nugget Gelbei - Mr Fothergill's - 2020 Sow By 2024  

Gold Nugget  - Mr Fothergill's  2020 

Gold Rush Currant - Grapevine 2016
Golden Sweet - Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022 

Halum Gelbei - Grapevine 2018
Harbinger - Sow By 2015 - Grapevine 2016
Heartbreakers Vita F1 - Suttons Packed year ending 2024 Sow By 2026 <<<< NEW

Heinz Soup - Saved 2011
Homosa - Grapevine 2018

Honeycomb F1 - Dobies Packed year ending 2022 

Indian Bush - No Date
Indigo Blue - MYP&Q Saved 2018

Jack Hawkins - Grapevine 2016
Kenilworth King George - No Date

Kibitz - Saved 2016

Latah Bush - Saved 2015

Legend - Grapevine 2016
Lemonita F1 - Dobies Packed year ending 2024 Sow By 2027 <<<< NEW

Livingston's Favourite - Grapevine 2018
Lizzano F1 - Marshalls - Sow By 09/2021

Large Barred Boar - Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022 

Losetto F1 - D.T.Brown 2020 

Lukullus - Grapevine 2018
Marmande - Magazine 2018 

Marvel Stripes - Saved 2015

Maskotka -  Mr Fothergills - Sow by 2021  

Matina -  Thompson & Morgan Sow by 2016 

Merrygold F1 - Mr Fothergill's - Packed Jan 2022 - Sow by 2025

Merrygold F2 - Self Saved in 2023 from a plant grown from the Mr Fothergill's pack <<<< NEW

Merrygold F1 - Suttons Packed year ending 2024 Sow By 2027 <<<< NEW 

Micro Tom -  Jungle Seeds bought 2018 and Self Saved 2018 
Mini Plum - TESCO  - Saved 2014 - get new seed
Minibel - Sow By 2014
Minibel - Wilko - Sow By 2021

Money Maker Speedy Seeds - Sow by 2024

Moscow Long  -Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022

Moskow's Ultra Skorospelyi - Grapevine 2018

Mountain Magic - D.T.Brown 2020 
Mrs Rucks - Grapevine 2016

Mountain Princess - Grapevine 2016

Nector Rose - Grapevine 2018 

Nimbus - MYP&Q Saved 2018
Noah's Stripes  -Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022 

Oleron Yellow Cherry - Grapevine 2018 
One Hundreds and Thousands - Saved 2014 - Saved 2016
Orange Banana -Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022 

Orange bush -Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022 

Otto's Papa - Grapevine 2016

Outdoor Girl - Saved 2015 - Saved 2016

Paoline F1 - Mr Fothergills - Dec 2026 

Patio Plum - Marshalls - 2019

Peace Vine - Grapevine 2018
Piccolo - Saved 2011

Pink Charmer - Marshalls - 2020 Sow By 2022  

Plum Roma - Saved 2015
Polish Linguisa - Grapevine 2018
Pomodore Ciliegla - Sow By 2015

Principe Borghese - Grapevine 2018
Principe Borghese - Mr Fothergills - 2020  

Purple Russian Plum - Sow By 2014

Purple Smaragd -Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022 

Rainbow Blend F1 Hybrid - Sow By 2015
Rapunzel F1 Saved 2018

Rapunzel F1 6 Seeds - Suttons Sow By 2025 

Raspberry Oxheart - Seed Parade 2020 

Red Alert - Thompson & Morgan - Sow by 2019
Red Bodyguard F1 - Thompson & Morgan - Sow by Dec 2025

Red Buffalo Horn - Grapevine 2016

Red Cherry - Sow By 2015

(Red Dragon F1) Y Ddraig Goch F1 - Dobies - packed year ending 2022 
Red Fox Cherry - Saved 2015

Red Pear - Mr Fothergill  Sow By 2019

Red Pear - Organic Gardening Catalogue Cherry - Packed 2022 
Red Robin - Saved 2015, Self Saved 2018
Red Zebra - Grapevine - Saved 2014, Self Saved 2016, 
Reisetomate - 15 Seeds - Organic Gardening Seeds - £2.99

Roma VF - Multipack 2018
Roma VF - Johnsons - 2018
Rosella - Grapevine 2016

Rosella- Kings Seeds - Kitchen Garden - packed year end July 2021 

Rubylicious F1 - Dobies - Sow By 2025

Sandpipe - Saved 2016 - Saved 2015

Santonio F1 Hybrid - Thompon & Morgan - Sow by 2020
Santarini (Greek Tomato) -Tomato Seed Swaps Saved by Col Pope 2022 

Schwarse Weinreich - Grapevine 2016 

Speckled Roman - Grapevine 2016

Stupicke Poini Rane - Saved 2016 - Sow By 2017

Sub Artic Plenty - No Dates
Summer Cider - Grapevine 2016
Summerlast F1 - Marshalls - 2019 Sow By 9/2021
Suncherry Premium F1 -Thompson & Morgan Sow By 12/2020
Sungold F1 - - Mr Fothergill  Sow By 2019

Sunset Red Horizon - Saved 2014
Super Marmande - Thompson & Morgan Sow By 2017

Super Roma - No Dates

Supersteak F1 - Mr Fothergill - Packed Aug 2022 - Sow By 2025

Sweet Aperitif - Sow By 2017

Sweet Million F1 - Mr Fothergills - Sow By 9/2022
Sweet Pea Currant - Sow By 2014

Sweet'n'Neat Lemon Sherbert  F1 - Seed Megastore 2019 
Terenzo F1 Hybrid - Sow By 2015 - Sow By 2017
Tigerella -  Thompson & Morgan - Sow by 2020

Tigerella -  Speedy Seeds - Sow by 2024

Tiny Tim - Grapevine 2018

Tomatoberry Garden F1

True Black Brandywine - Grapevine 2018

Tumbler - Sow By 2014

Totem F1 - Jungle Seeds - Jungle Seeds Sow By ?  

Tumbling Cherry  - Mr Fothergill's - Sow By 2020 
Tumbling Tom Red -  Thompson & Morgan - Sow by 2020 
Vesennij Mieurinsky - Grapevine 2016
White Cherry - D.T.Brown 2020 

Yellow Mimi F1 - Marshalls 2019

 

Yellow Perfection - Grapevine 2016
Venus Balcony - Russian Seed Company 2018 

Veranda Red - 6 Seeds - Suttons - £4.49

Veranda Red - D.T.Brown 2020 

Violet Jasper - Grapevine 2018

Vilmer - Joe Mills - Grow With Me 2022 - Sow by 2024

In My Seed Box For 2024 - Index

New Tomato Varieties from Suttons & Dobies

Sutton and Dobies have both kindly sent me two new varieties they have added to their catalogues for 2024.

Crokini F1 - Dobies - 5 Seeds - £3.88 On Sale for 89p packed year End 2024 Sow By Year End 2027

Lemonita F1 - Dobies - 8 Seeds - £4.49 On Sale for 89p packed year End 2024 Sow By Year End 2027

Heartbreaker Vita F1 - Suttons - 6 Seeds - £3.49 On Sale for 89p packed year End 2024 Sow By 2027

Merrygold  F1 - Suttons - 8 Seeds - £3.99 On Sale for 89p packed year End 2024 Sow By 2027

Crokini F1 has a good resistance to late blight, Lemonita F1 is a Large Beefsteak variety and Merrygold F1 is the first blight resistant Orange tomato. 

First Visit Of The Year

As regular visitors to manvslug.uk know, my daughters have been looking after my allotment for me during my radiotherapy for cancer and following the problems with swelling to my legs due to a side effect of one of the medications I was on and the following leg ulcers that formed to let the water out of my legs, my mobility had been compromised. 

Nurses are coming 3 times a week to try and help me get on top of the ulcers, the swelling in the legs has greatly reduced and I'm on two different methods of compression to assist my body to push the water back out of my legs. 

The left leg is doing much better than the right which is extremely painful and sore, and progress is slow but moving in the right direction. 

I finally found some footwear that I can get on with all the bandages and dressings, so I can venture out side the house again. 

With the weather being dry for a couple of days asked my eldest daughter if we could visit the allotment for an hour so that I could tidy the potting shed and set my potatoes that have arrived up for chitting. 

Bless her she re arranged her afternoon to take me, and it was so nice to see the allotment and to see three other plot holders. An hour was about all I could do, as by then my leg and foot were getting really painful, but in that time I did sort out the staging and got the potatoes in their cosy insulated mushroom trays. 

Emma continued to tidy the plot as we have a skip on site, and recover items moved around and blown away by the recent high winds like lids to dustbins and the incinerators and one of the dormers built for the greenhouses. I'm hoping for another short visit to the allotment soon, when Emma is on an early shift as its getting darker a little later each day. 

Next month I have four hospital appointment, which include two at the Royal Marsden for a PET Test, then a second to get the results of the PET test and find out what the radiation treatment managed to achieve, then two further appointments at St Georges with hematology and the maxi facial specialist.   

In My Seed Box For 2024 - Spinach

Updated 8th February 2024

New in the Dobies catalogue for 2024 with an average of 350 Seeds in a pack for £2.49

Excellent resistance to downy mildew makes Spinach ‘Patton’ a strong choice for winter production in a cold greenhouse, as well as for summer picking. This super-hardy, reliable variety forms sturdy, upright plants with thick, dark green, slightly wavy leaves that are resistant to bolting and perfect for use at baby leaf stage or larger. 

Days to maturity: 42. 

Height and spread: 30cm (12in).

New in the Dobies catalogue for 2023 Santa Cruz F1  

Packed year ending 2023

In 2023 £2.99 for 500 Seeds 

In 2024 £2.99 for 500 Seeds

At time of this post On sale for 89p

Rounded medium green leaves and tender stems

Slower growing and slow to bolt

 Good resistance to downy mildew

A slow-to-bolt variety that shows great resistance to downy mildew. Highly versatile, spinach 'Santa Cruz' F1 can be harvested either as baby leaf or allowed to develop into mature leaves. 

The dark green leaves are rounded in shape with short, very tender stems. 

Height and spread: 20cm (8in).

NEW for Mr Fothergills in 2023 

Monterey F1 - Mr Fothergill's  

item Code 39200

In 2023 £2.40 for 300 Seeds 

In 2024 £2.89 for 300 Seeds

Fast growing with an upright habit for easy picking, it has one of the highest levels of resistance to downy mildew available, ideal for organic growing.

NEW for D.T.Brown in 2024

Monterey F1 - D.T.Brown

In 2024 £2.89 for 300 Seeds
  

In My Seed Box For 2024 - Index

Suttons - Redrover F1 Onions

Suttons have sent me a pack of Red Rover F1 Onions to trial this year. Currently they cost £2.99 for a pack containing approximately 150 seeds  

"Bred for flavour and long-term storage, this deep red onion will store for almost a year!!! Harvested in August, Onion ‘Redrover’ will happily last in a net in a frost-free place until the end of May/June, some lasting until early August. Uniform in shape and size, it not only has exceptional storage, but also has a high tolerance to sprouting, so it won't start growing before you get around to eating it. 

Not as fiery in flavour as a brown-skinned type, but with a mild, sweeter flavour and crunchy texture, it’s suitable for eating fresh in salads and sandwiches, or cooking in your favourite dish. How about trying homemade red onion marmalade? 

Height 35cm (14in). Spread: 20cm (8in)." 

Now up until I read the back of the pack I had never heard of Red Onion Marmalade, and didn't know it existed. Asking on one of my favourite Facebook groups I was informed it was, and they pointed me to a recipe for it. the hyperlink has photos from different people who have made it. 

Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 40 mins Total Time: 45 mins Servings 8 

• Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1 tablespoon butter 
• 2 large red onions, thinly sliced 
• ¼ cup white sugar 
• 1 cup dry red wine 
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 
• salt to taste 

Directions

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts. Add onions and sugar; cook and stir until onions start to caramelize, about 15 minutes.

Pour red wine and balsamic vinegar into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until liquid is evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes more. Season with salt.

Sowing Information from the web site page for this onion 

"Direct sow onions outdoors in spring on any firm, well drained soil in full sun. Sow thinly at a depth of 1cm (½") and a distance of 30cm (12") between rows. Prepare the planting area several weeks in advance by incorporating some well rotted garden compost to improve drainage and soil fertility. Avoid planting onions on freshly manured soil. On particularly wet ground, try growing onions in raised beds. When large enough to handle, thin onion seedlings to 10cm (4") apart for medium sized bulbs, or at a slightly wider spacing if larger bulbs are required."

"Alternatively sow onion seed indoors in module trays at a depth of 1cm (½"), using free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 10-15C (50-59F) until after germination which usually takes 10-14 days. Once germinated, grow onions on in cool conditions until all risk of frost has passed and they are large enough to plant outdoors at a distance of 10cm (4") apart. Cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water the plants thoroughly after planting."

Cucumber Party Time F1

 

Dobies sent me Cucumber Party Time F1 - RRP £3.99 for 6 seed currently being sold at 89p a pack  

Dobies web page says it a "Greenhouse Type" Cucumber but I think I will try 3 seeds in a green house and 3 in the open air in the Climbing Frame Greenhouse 

A prolific snack-type, all-female variety. Cucumber 'Party Time' produces 3 or 4 tasty fruits at each node every few days, ensuring a continuous supply of sweet, crisp fruit each about 8-12cm long. 

Their small size makes them ideal for lunchboxes and snacking. Good resistance to powdery mildew and tolerant of a range of climates. 

Height: 3m (9'). Spread: 45cm (18").

Johnsons Exhibition Onions

 

Growth of the Johnsons Exhibition Onion seedlings on the window cill over the last 24 hours. I was disappointed that the pack didn't contain a full 100 seeds, at least put approx. on the pack and adverts. I have 24 cells and was looking at 4 seeds per cell and was 6 missing so that made 96 - 6 seeds = 90 seeds in the pack. 

Thats 10% missing so at least be honest Johnsons or reduce the price by 10%  

Suttons - Royal Purple Radish

I've been sent these by Suttons to trial as they are a New variety to Suttons for 2024 sold for £2.49 for 200 seeds. So I'm adding them to my Radish seed collection, as I do love a radish.

The web site page for these Suttons Royal Purple Radish says:-

"Perfectly formed, plump, round radishes up to 5cm in diameter! The large, uniform roots of Radish ‘Royal Purple’ have mildly sweet flesh and a satisfying crunch that will please all radish-lovers! Ready to harvest in just 33 days from sowing, Radish ‘Royal Purple’ is perfect for beginners and budding young gardeners. Height: 20cm (8in). Spread: 10cm (4in).

Sowing Information

Direct sow radish seeds from February to March under glass at a temperature of around 15-20C (59-68F), or from April to August outdoors. Grow radish in a well prepared fertile, moist, free draining seedbed in full sun or semi shade. Sow radish seeds thinly at a depth of 1cm (½in) in drills 15cm (6") apart. When large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings within each row to 2.5cm (1in) apart. Regular sowings made at 4 week intervals will ensure a steady supply of radishes throughout the season. Radish plants are quick growing and can be used for intercropping between other slower growing vegetables such as parsnips. Where space is limited, growing radish in patio containers will also produce a worthwhile crop." 

How To Build A Shed

 

Lets Talk Sheds

Waltons have written to me as they would like some of my "tried and tested wisdom gained" from my 65 years on this earth with the last 11 having an allotment on my thoughts about "repurposing an old shed or buying a new one", and have provided a list of questions for me to answer, listed below as they are writing a new article to help potential customers to make the best choices. 

Waltons have done this with myself and other people that are deemed `gardening press' in the past and it's always interesting to see who else gets selected to give them feedback and how many of us have the same or similar opinions. 

When they publish the article on their blog the list of contributors will be provided with links back to their blog, and credit any tips that they use listed.

Before I begin a little explanation about terms used to describe the parts of a shed and the styles and shapes of the roofs 

Shed Terminology 

Image curtesy of Waltons - Use this link for more information re Shed Terminology 

Roof Types

There are many types and shapes of roofs but for the majority of sheds one can broadly categorise them as 3 basic forms Apex & Reverse Apex, Pent and Gambrel. 

The terminology for roofing on buildings is a little different and what one needs to know is that a roof is considered a flat roof if the pitch/ slope is less than 10 degrees. There needs to be a slope or pitch to the roof in order for rain to discharge freely and for the roof not to retain water. In the shed world a flat roof is known as a pent roof

Pent - A pent roof is often made from a single panel and slopes towards down towards the rear of the building. The door is typically located at the front of the building as this offers the most headroom, but can supplied on the sides.

Anything above 10 degrees annotates a pitched or sloping roof and if one single slope can also be referred to as a mono-pitched sloping roof. 

The terminology for roofing on buildings where there are two slopes or duo-pitch normally from the front and back of the building that rise equally such that the ridge or apex is located at the centre of the distance between the walls, and the walls on the sides continue up and form a triangle can be referred to as "traditional eaves / ridge pitched roof with a gable end" Buildings can get roof treatments on the sides to give the roof more character like hips etc.

In the shed word this type of roof is simply known as a traditional Apex roof – The traditional apex roof is where roof boards meet at a point at a central point of the shed to create an equally sloping roof from side to side. 

Reverse Apex – A reverse apex roof is similar to the traditional apex with a central point but slopes from front to back rather than side to side. The door is typically placed on the longer side of the building, creating greater headroom.

Cladding

Now that's understood lets get back to the questions posed by Waltons "We’re looking for your expert opinion on:"

Storage Sheds:

• What’s the best sized shed for garden storage?

Such a how long is a piece of string type question. Depends on a lot of factors, How much do you have to store?, how big is the garden?, are there any size restrictions or factors to take into consideration like a tree you want to retain etc.

Sheds are available in a huge range of sizes, but what one has to remember is that despite metrification in 1974 the UK construction industry has never really embraced the system, and so we end up buying 3 metre length of 6" x 4" (inch) timbers. This is also true with the shed industry, they think in Imperial feet and inches not metric.

 Popular shed sizes in Feet are  6 x 4, 7 x 5, 7 x 7, 8 x 6, 8 x 8, 10 x 6, 10 x 8, 10 x 10, 12 x 8, 10 x 10, 12 x 8, 12 x 10, 14 x 10 and 20 x 10.  

Whatever size you think you are going to need increase it by about 20% and personally I think and 2.4m x 1.8m (8ft x 6ft) is ideal. I started off with one this size as my man-cave shed when I first got married, and then got a 1.8m x 1.2m (6ft x 4ft) shed for kids toys once we had children, and really I should have bought another 2.4m x 1.8m (8ft x 6ft) because kids garden toys take up a lot of room. especially when the second one comes along.   

• What’s the best configuration for doors and windows? 

Depends on the location and where the access is coming from, what you are doing in the shed and if you want some natural light getting in the shed and how much light. Most shed companies offer a selection of option and additional extras and different styles and configurations for windows. 

 

Personally if it's just being used for storage you have to ask the question do you actually need any windows? You may want larger or double doors to get stuff in and out easier. Or perhaps just a window or two to let in light.

• Which roof style is best?

Having had both apex and pent sheds I would always recommend going for a pent shed.  

• Do you have other tips to help people choose a storage shed for their garden?

Make sure when selecting a location and size to allow for access all around the structure so you can maintain it, don't place it too near to boundary fencing. 

Select a material timber, metal or plastic based on how much maintenance and life expectancy against cost and budget.  

Allotment Sheds:

• What’s the best sized shed for an allotment?

Depends on the rules and size restrictions that apply to your allotment by the council or other owner that runs it. There are some allotments where sheds are not allowed or only sheds without doors are allowed or only timber stores up to a certain height are allowed, so before you make any decision check the rules.

On my first allotment I went for a 6 x 4  (1.8m x 1.2m) Apex shed and soon found that I filled it very quickly and was left with no where to shelter or sit if it started raining. 

I could have gone up to an 8 x 6 which would have been better, but it was my first allotment and I was not sure if I was going to last at the new hobby and money was tight so that's why I went for as cheap a chips in terms of the size and cladding. 

The door on the 6 ft (1.8m) gable was still low and I had to get used to ducking to get in and out of the shed. Being an Apex shed the eaves restricted the amount of storage shelving one could have. I also ended up building an extension on the side for more storage and as a onion drying rack. 

8 x 6 is the maximum allowed size of shed on my allotment and I should have taken it to the max.    

• Does a particular configuration work better?

I need to clarify what Waltons mean by this question and then edit. 

• Which roof style would you choose, and why?

This is my second shed on another plot, again with an onion drying rack extension, and having had both apex and pent sheds I would always recommend going for a pent shed. These days the pent sheds appear to have a greater slope that those of a few years ago. Pent sheds have higher doors and are more spacious inside and there is more storage area to use. 

• What are your best tips for choosing an allotment shed?

• Check the max allowable size you are allowed.
• Buy the max allowable size you are allowed
• Chose a material timber, metal or plastic that will give you the best life expectancy .
• Plan what you are going to store where and how.
• Allow an area for making tea and coffee and sitting out of the rain.
• Up North in the UK many allotment sheds have wood burners in. 
• Don't even consider an Apex type go Pent.
• Make sure you don't skimp of getting a decent level base of paving slabs in for the shed, again insitu concrete is not normally allowed.   
• Although sheds come treated, take the time to treat the floors and all panels yourself inside and out before you erect it.
• make sure you have access all around so you can treat and maintain it on a regular basis.
• make sure your shed is not going to cast shadow on your neighbour plot.
• Buy what you can afford.  

Workshops:

• What is the best sized shed for a workshop?

The largest you are allowed check planning restrictions in your area, and then working out how much workspace you need and how much access and working room you need.  

• What’s the best configuration for doors and windows?

Personal choice depends on access and how much natural light you need to make using it comfortable and functional. 

• What solutions have you used for storing tools and materials (shelves, boxes under desks, etc)?

 

Work bench is a must and shelving for tools and equipment also hanging tools on walls for ease of access. Storage racks and stacking boxes with lids etc. I've also use old chest of draws for storage in a shed. 

• Do you have other helpful tips for choosing a workshop shed?

• Check planning the max allowable size (plan area and height) you are allowed.
• Buy the max allowable size you are allowed and can afford.
• Plan what you are going to store where and how .

Other types of shed (e.g. potting sheds, man caves, hobby rooms)

• Do you use your shed for a specific purpose like a man cave or a hobby room? If so, why did you choose the shed you have, and what advice would you give to others?

I was very fortunate to be gifted a 8 x 6 (2.4m x 1.8m) potting shed for my allotment by a friend, and it's been a real game changer for me. It's an ideal size and it has three staging's two along the window face and one along the narrow gable end wall opposite the entrance. 

 

The potting shed has been a real game changer for me on the allotment, I love it. I do however wonder if the type with the pent roof and the sloping windows would let more light in.

 Looking at the Waltons web site I found that they do a range of Combi Greenhouse / Sheds which I didn't know existed until today. Take a look at their web site as they sell a huge range of sheds and structures made of timber, steel and plastic.     

A question hinted at in the email but not directly asked was "Thoughts about repurposing an old shed or buying a new one"

If I had inherited a shed like the one shown above on my first allotment what would I have done?  

If it was was not structurally sound I would have made it so and I may have ensured it was water proof, but once I knew that having an allotment plot was more than a five minute wonder I would have replaced it with a nice new shed. 

My Apex shed on plot 1A is now 11 years old and doing well, and my Pent shed on Plot 1 has been with me for 8 years and has been on two different allotment sites Mill Green and Spencer Road, and now I also have the potting shed which will have it's first birthday in a couple of months 

I really hope that if you managed to get to the end of this post that you have found it useful and time will tell what Waltons think of my contribution to their questionnaire.