Vegetable-only allotments have their pros and cons; they are productive in a short space of time, but can be labour intensive
Most vegetables are easy to grow, and give a quick return on your investment of time and labour. The downside is that they do need constant attention for good results. They can also be expensive to get started: tools, seed, manures, and fertiliser all add up.
An allotment can produce lots of vegetables, although if you often eat potatoes this won’t be such a concern as these will be plentiful. Most allotment holders start off with an annual vegetables-only plot as they clear the ground and eliminate weed or fertility problems. Once they have gained confidence or are sure they intend staying for a while, they are ready to invest in long-term crops such as asparagus and fruit.