newbie :)

[lallilou]

Hello
I'm going to be starting my first allotment this year! I'm excited but also feeling a bit out of my depth :/ I visited my plot today and its practically a blank canvas. Any advice on getting started would be great. I'm based in kirkbymoorside near York if anyone is local it would be lovely to hear from you
Happy gardening
Lizi

[Glutton4...]

Hello, and welcome to the Madhouse!

There's loads of information on here, so grab a cuppa, and get stuck in.

[Bill HH]

Welcome! A lot depends on how entheusiastic and fit you are. But for starters grow what you actualy enjoy eating. Pay attention to succesional sowings so you have a consistent supply as in things like lettuce. its easy to plant far too many that use up a lot of space and are all ready in one go. Ask lots of questions on here. Post lots of pictures. Best of luck.

[lallilou]

Thanks bill! I'm itching to get on but the weather is so lousy here in books it says its good to draw out and plan so I have a few ideas in mind. Would like to get some paths put in but maybe just using the membrane to start with until I decide where everything fits/ suits ? I have a endless supply of chippings and timber products as we have a timber yard so looking forward to maybe making some cold frames myself could be interesting

[arpoet]

Wecome, Lizi. Is your plot overgrown, or is it ready for planting? If overgrown, clear a bit at a time. Build a compost heap. Keep it simple for the first year and like bill says, grow what you like to eat that grows locally.
Planting Tatties are a good way to start. Find a local source for hos much.. well rotted if pos, and FREE.
You will soon find you are amongst friends on this forum, but most of us are a wee bit daft.
Roger

[muddled]

Hello!
Lovely time of year to be starting!

I would say grow really easy things, spuds (in the shops soon) pumpkins and squashes (take up loads of space and look dead impressive plants) things like that.

If you can't wait to get started, now is a good time to sow onion and shallot seed. They like a bit of warmth to germinate (airing cupboard?) but then should grow happily enough on a window sill.

Happy New Allotment Year

[lallilou]

Will deffo be trying the pumpkins thanks guys

[mothhawk]

Welcome, lallilou you're right, it's best not to make permanent paths until you're sure where everything is going. You'll soon notice where you regularly walk up and down and where you take short cuts across beds! There's a lot of good advice in the allotment advice forum if you have a read of some of the threads.

Have fun with your new lottie

[Verinda]

Hello Lizi, welcome to the forum

[Guest]

Hi and welcome to the vine

A lot depends on what time you have and your priorities. Don't be hard on yourself in the first year it will be a massive learning curve but one that is likely to be the biggest help for future years.

Ask as many questions on here as you like, no matter how daft you might think they are. Everyone is lovely here and are immensely helpful and knowledgeable

Good luck!

[Knight of Albion]

A very warm welcome to the forum, dear Lizi.

[noviceveggrower]

Hello there and welcome to the Vine Great bunch here and very knowledgeable. Ask a question and someone will know something about it.
So sit down and make your self at home

[Bill HH]

Thanks bill! I'm itching to get on but the weather is so lousy here in books it says its good to draw out and plan so I have a few ideas in mind. Would like to get some paths put in but maybe just using the membrane to start with until I decide where everything fits/ suits ? I have a endless supply of chippings and timber products as we have a timber yard so looking forward to maybe making some cold frames myself could be interesting

A timber yard!!!!! That gives you a massive advantage. Dont forget raised beds, enter raised beds on you tube and you will get all the info. pros and cons. Will you have a green house or poly tunnel? they extend your growing season at both ends. Do you have much gardening experience?

[veggiechicken]

Hello Lizi and welcome
Like BillHH, as soon as you said "timber yard" I was envious.
Raised beds, sheds, cold frames, compost bins, chippings for paths...........the list goes on.
Have a good think about what you want to put where, before you construct anything permanent. Above all, enjoy it

[Bigmallly]

Hello Lizi & welcome to the jungle. What a great time to get a plot, spend the next couple of months playing with pencil & paper, checking out the multitude of threads on the vine, browsing through seed catalogues, forget the membrane & try & source some cardboard. It's useful to put cardboard down on your paths with chippings on top. Plus cover any areas you are not digging to keep weeds down. Keep your eye out for the 2015 Calendar as it will be starting in the next few days, it's where some members take monthly photos of there plots/gardens & watch them progress over the coming year.........Here's last years: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...dar_76464.html

I think Penellype is from York although I think she grows in her Garden. She may be along soon to welcome you............Don't make it a chore, do little & often & I'm sure you will enjoy it.