New to Allotments....

[scarfy]

I have just accepted an allotment and I need some advice on where to start. How do I plan it...realistically? Even after reading the books I am still daunted! I have read books so I know to plant on a rotation basis and to plant either a 3 or 4 group family. I would also like to fit in some rhubarb and some flowers that I can cut but how do I fit these in? The plot is really long with Rasberry and blackberry bushes at the bottom (these do need cutting back)

I have never grown stuff apart from the odd herb before and I am really excited but at the same time daunted as where to start.

Any help and or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Two_Sheds]

There might be some ideas in older threads, like this one: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...art_25996.html

[weed reaper]

Hi I am new and have my 1st plot Its covered in snow at the mo but I intend to get weeded and dug over with some sane and horse muck mixed in. I am looking at what I would like to grow here is my list of seeds I have just bought cheap as chips of ebay?

carrots - onion - cabbage - red onion - cellery - parsnips - fennal also just splitting a few garlic bulbs so I can plant them.

I would get your plot ready as dug over weeded and maybe get some muck dug in and sand if poor drainage.

Then get your seeds and a few pots or trays and sow the seeds ready Mine will grow on my kitchen window and on the table if needs be.

when they are ready and the plot is ready you can just make a start.

the seeds need to be grown when it says on the packs so read the info 1st.

I am looking forward to it all but don't let it scare you enjoy it

[Flummery]

Don't include your rhubarb when you decide on your plots for rotation. You can keeep fruit bushes, rhubarbm asparagus, cutting flowers, all in their own bed for ever. Just rotate the others by group.

Welcome by the way - how rude of me!

[Snadger]

First of all, congratulations on getting your allotment plot.

You could give 1000 gardeners an outline plan of your plot and I bet NONE of them would come up with the same planting scheme!

Gardening is a very personal thing and you really need to look on it as a blank canvas and let your imagination run riot.

I'ts best to learn as you go from your mistakes. Read as many books on vegetable gardening as you can.
Your plot will never be finished as your ideals will change over the years (hopefully) you have it.

**** have got it right to some degree.......JUST DO IT!

[scarfy]

Thankyou for the advice guys. I will keep you all updated as to how it is going or should I say growing!

Just by looking at the other plots there, I have noticed that Brussels and leeks seem to grow very well.

[krazy_krok]

Letsgrowveg.com do a free month trail. its a gardening design tool and helps you plan your beds and your crop rotations with some advice thrown in as well

[Saraheliz]

Hi

I know the feeling thanks for posting this as I have just acquired one! I presume I cannot dig in new horse manure? and have to be careful it has not had weedkiller used on it. I don't have anything else to dig in unless i spend loads, any advice most welcome!

from
Sarah

[Eyren]

No - fresh manure will just rob your soil of nutrients

Incorporating organic material is always good, but you don't have to dig it in - the worms will do it for you, and do a better job in the long term. I would stack fresh horse manure and leave it to rot down until autumn at least - if you are really strapped for cash, just go ahead with your growing and see what you can scrounge up during the year, like coffee grounds from your local $tarbucks

In the meantime there's a few things you can do to improve the soil, like collecting vegetable trimmings from the kitchen and putting them in a bean trench (assuming you're growing runner beans, that is!), and you can make (free) fertilizer from nettles and/or comfrey. You can probably also get a cheap "dalek" compost bin through your local council - home-made compost won't be ready for months, but at least you'll be recycling your organic waste.

[triangleallotmenteer]

triangle allotment

hi im new to allotment keeping and this site

my allotment is a triangle shape and im confused in how to plan and plant it.

any advice would be welcomed.

[NOG]

Start in one corner and work your way arround.

I plan what I am going to do at the allotment before I go. Then go and do it then go home. Otherwise you can go and work allday and then thing that there is so much to do and get all dis-enchanted.

Slow - slow.....thats the way to do it.

[SarzWix]

Welcome to the Vine Triangle
Don't worry if you end up having triangular beds to fit into your plot shape. The veg don't have to be grown in dead straight lines , so long as the space between plants is correct, you can plant them however fits best.