I currently have about 22 rods! that's a fair amount of digging. You will be surprised just how much land you can use, especially if you grow permanent crops. ( I'm a very committed and slightly insane though and was well on top of the first plot before I persuaded Mrs P and allowed to attempt a second)

There is no point in taking on more than you can manage. A 1/2 plot can be surprisingly productive especially if you go for the raised bed method. Paths and shed and so on do take a lot of space if you choose this method. I suggest that you spend time and money to make sure you sort out your paths properly as you want to spend future time growing veg- not weeding paths.

I prefer using mainly traditional rows though and I use Mypex initially to suppress the weeds; for paths; and both for growing through and covering unused land. Also I tend to plant stuff that has been raised in modules or pots. In general once you are over the initial mountain and into the rhythm, the majority of the prep work is done in the Autumn and then the propagation in early spring. If you don't win in the spring it is impossible to catch up with the weeds in the summer. Grow spuds, runners and squashes (Big and help suppress weeds) this year -rather than carrots and onions etc. Also wait till next year and you've cleaned out the land before putting in raspberries, currants or asparagus etc that will be a nightmare if infested with weeds.

I think you have the right idea, to start with divide it up just take small bites each time, do them well and mulch. I have seen to many people break their backs digging it all in May then throwing a lot of seed around and giving up as they see the weeds are back before their seeds are up. LITTLE AND OFTEN is the key and you will soon win.

Good luck with it.

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