In the end I did take on the other plot after a friend said she'd like to share it and then a friend of hers also said she was keen on the idea. Between the three of us, splitting the work and the rent, it's not such a daunting proposition. As my friend and I want to grow herbs for dying (her textile work is a serious art-form) and her mate makes incenses, we will not be growing just the culinary things and the extra space will be welcome. Although it will also mean that there is now room for some of the less common edible herbs, so that will be something of an adventure too.

We've had the plot for a couple of weeks now and if it ever stops raining I'm looking forward to making a start.

Thanks SarzWix and Donald for your help.