New Allotment owner & newbie to the site

[wadsleyparkowl]

Hi folks,

Well, as the title says I'm new to the site, only joined today. I'm as good as a complete novice as far as growing my own veg is concerned apart from some toms I managed to grow last year at home. I had been on the local council waiting list for about 6 years until last week when I was offered half a plot. All excited I went to view. 200 square metres with a water supply. There are half a dozen overgrown beds, some blackcurrant bushed & a lot of grass. Although very daunting I'm really excited& can't wait to make a start. There is no shed soI guess that may be a starting point. Any advice would be welcomed..

[alldigging]

Wow! What a wait!

Congratulations.

Read the rules on shed and see what you're allowed and what the process is.

Decide what you'll plant where and start on the beds you'll plant soonest.

[veggiechicken]

Hello WadsleyPO and welcome!! At least you didn't have to wait 6 years to join this Forum

[lottie dolly]

welcome to the vine,indeed what a long wait,as AD said,start work on the beds you will need first,lots of info on this site,if the grass is in the raised beds,it should be a doddle to get out,as the soil is usually soft,grab its hair and give it a shake,look over the fruit bushes,if they large ones,will they need a prune,if you not sure on anything,also take some pics before you start,always good to look back at your progress,good luck,

[wadsleyparkowl]

Thanks for the welcome My plan was to Clear the beds for the spring, having made a plan of what I'd like to try & grow. Nothing too taxing in my 1st year but I was unsure if I could clear one now & get something growing. I had been told to put lime down, someone else said manure & then cover. All a bit confusing. Think I'm going to do an awful lot of reading

[Samurailord]

Hi And welcome to the Vine.

Try a few test digs across your site to see the condition of your soil.

That will also give you an idea where your problem areas may be - i.e. clay, waterlogging, loads of rubbish just under the surface etc.

After that, make a plan (but don't be afraid to change it as often as you need) and break the work down into bite-sized chunks so you don't get overwhelmed by it all.

Above all, have fun and remember that we are all here to give advice if needed.

Andy

[Andromeda]

Thanks for the welcome My plan was to Clear the beds for the spring, having made a plan of what I'd like to try & grow. Nothing too taxing in my 1st year but I was unsure if I could clear one now & get something growing. I had been told to put lime down, someone else said manure & then cover. All a bit confusing. Think I'm going to do an awful lot of reading

You still have time to get overwintering onions and garlic in, but I'd advise doing so ASAP.

[rustylady]

My plan was to Clear the beds for the spring, having made a plan of what I'd like to try & grow. I had been told to put lime down, someone else said manure & then cover.

Clear the beds of weeds, then you can see what the soil is like. I wouldn't add lime until you know what PH the soil is. Very few crops need extra lime.

You need to be a bit careful with manure in case it's contaminated with Aminopyralid, but if you have a reliable source you could topdress your clear beds with it. I wouldn't think there would be any need to cover.

[Two_Sheds]

My plan was to Clear the beds for the spring

Why leave them empty when you could be growing food for a May/June harvest?

overwintering onions and garlic

and broad beans

[Matt94]

Hmmm wadsley park owl from sheffield your name does sound familiar lol - where's your allotment Rodney hill/ riverlin or hagg hill?

[wadsleyparkowl]

Why leave them empty when you could be growing food for a May/June harvest?

and broad beans

Thanks for the replies, I was aware of the broad beans but wrongly thought they would not be ready until June

Re the onions would that take the form of onion "sets" rather than sowing the seeds?

[wadsleyparkowl]

Hmmm wadsley park owl from sheffield your name does sound familiar lol - where's your allotment Rodney hill/ riverlin or hagg hill?

Rodney Hill

[Matt94]

Rodney Hill

So you know Pete then?

[Andromeda]

and broad beans

I always forget about broad beans...probably because I don't like them lol

[wadsleyparkowl]

So you know Pete then?

No, can't say I know him, met him though when I went to view the plot. Seemed a really helpful chap.