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Hi,
As a very new plot holder (2 weeks) I will share some of what I have learned so far.
Getting a plot just after Christmas meant funds were low and the idea of growing was to have fresh food and save a few pennies! Beg or borrow tools if you don�t have them. I had nothing so was straight on to my local Freecycle group where I managed to get an abundance of stuff including an electric propagator.
Down at the plot I wanted it all done all at once but it just daunts you so you need to break it down. Mine had 4 small raised beds so I got clearing those first � Hooray! No I can actually grow something!
Next job was to start on the real plot areas. I first cut anything high down to ground level, took a thin, wide, fan shaped rake and just dragged it around. It got up so much rubbish that it already looked more manageable. Now I am taking it a strip at a time and digging out any weeds and roots whist turning the ground over � these sections are being worked to the same size as the raised beds because I know I can do them pretty quick � and again I get a small but ready to use area for growing.
When I am not digging I am working out what my family likes to eat � we will not eat 100 lettuces before they go mouldy! Its just the first year so I will try small quantities of various things. Its not a chore � its fun so I am making it fun. Try anything as an experiment for this year � just chuck some seeds into the floor and when they start to grow come back to the forum for advice on care.
During this stage I will sit down to learn a few things about crop rotation, feeding plants, improving soil, and compost.
One of the main things is to make sure you don�t totally close yourself away from the rest of the plot holders. My first day there and I had a few people introduce themselves to me, tell me what's going on with a few bits, talk about the AGM, and even offer me some seeds/share of an onion set to get going, and give advice about what the neighbours grow that might steal a bit of sunshine on my side to make me aware of any problem I might have with certain plants and I can move them accordingly. Obviously you have work you want to do but keep a social side to it too.
Oh, and wear a t-shirt and jumper in the winter months � I was very hot when digging but when I stopped for a rest I started to freeze.
I still have so much to learn just to get to know the basics but it�s an enjoyable process and the whole family are getting involved � quality time together!
Thanks
Liam
As a very new plot holder (2 weeks) I will share some of what I have learned so far.
Getting a plot just after Christmas meant funds were low and the idea of growing was to have fresh food and save a few pennies! Beg or borrow tools if you don�t have them. I had nothing so was straight on to my local Freecycle group where I managed to get an abundance of stuff including an electric propagator.
Down at the plot I wanted it all done all at once but it just daunts you so you need to break it down. Mine had 4 small raised beds so I got clearing those first � Hooray! No I can actually grow something!
Next job was to start on the real plot areas. I first cut anything high down to ground level, took a thin, wide, fan shaped rake and just dragged it around. It got up so much rubbish that it already looked more manageable. Now I am taking it a strip at a time and digging out any weeds and roots whist turning the ground over � these sections are being worked to the same size as the raised beds because I know I can do them pretty quick � and again I get a small but ready to use area for growing.
When I am not digging I am working out what my family likes to eat � we will not eat 100 lettuces before they go mouldy! Its just the first year so I will try small quantities of various things. Its not a chore � its fun so I am making it fun. Try anything as an experiment for this year � just chuck some seeds into the floor and when they start to grow come back to the forum for advice on care.
During this stage I will sit down to learn a few things about crop rotation, feeding plants, improving soil, and compost.
One of the main things is to make sure you don�t totally close yourself away from the rest of the plot holders. My first day there and I had a few people introduce themselves to me, tell me what's going on with a few bits, talk about the AGM, and even offer me some seeds/share of an onion set to get going, and give advice about what the neighbours grow that might steal a bit of sunshine on my side to make me aware of any problem I might have with certain plants and I can move them accordingly. Obviously you have work you want to do but keep a social side to it too.
Oh, and wear a t-shirt and jumper in the winter months � I was very hot when digging but when I stopped for a rest I started to freeze.
I still have so much to learn just to get to know the basics but it�s an enjoyable process and the whole family are getting involved � quality time together!
Thanks
Liam
Kill it lots. And kill it again!
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