New allotment where do I start???

[Son]

I've just got an allotment after a two year wait. The plot is virgin ground and has been dug over by a tractor. Where do I start this late in the season? What can I plant now to get going rather than having an empty plot all summer long? Any suggestions gratefully received from a novice (but keen) grower. Thanks

[Two_Sheds]

Lots of things from seed:
salads
root crops
squashes and pumpkins (good ground cover, smother weeds)
French and runner beans

and even more if you buy in plants.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Lots of things from seed:
salads sow in seed trays/modules and plant out in about 3 wks
root crops
squashes and pumpkins (good ground cover, smother weeds)sow individually in 3" pots, plant out in about 3 wks
French and runner beans sow in loo rolls/3" pots and plant out in wks

and even more if you buy in plants.

Whilst you are waiting for that lot to be ready for planting out

• attack plot vigourously with rake/hoe in order to make the ground friable for planting into
• Mark out beds/paths
• Make bean wigwams.
• Make sowing plan for next year (inc. rhubarb & perenniels like asparagus & artichokes, fruit bushes in plan).

Enjoy.

[Hazel at the Hill]

....can you put your location in your profile? It'll help us advise you.

And welcome to the vine!

[Matt.]

Plant loads of squashes and pumpkins and you'll still get a decent crop. Then start planning how you want the layout to be going forwards.

[gojiberry]

If you are quick you can get most stuff in now, carrots, beetroot, peas, beans, winter greens and salad stuff. The few things it is to late for are potatoes, parsnips and leeks. However I'm sure you will find plenty of people on the site who will help you out with a few plants here and there. We had some one take on a patch 4 weeks ago and the plot is now full including winter crops.

Ian