Advice appreciated

[Novice Nell]

Hi,

The allocation of my allotment is immenient, after months of pleading, begging and nearly stalking parish councellors to get one, I've finally been told to have a look at one that is free, paperwork may take another 3 weeks though (Vicar of Dibley world up here in the Chilterns!!)

I've looked at the allotment, and although overgrown is not too bad, my question is what do I do first??? It is so big, would you advise that I take time to clear the whole plot, or do it in stages....Also can anyone recomend any books on allotment planning etc.

As there are only 4 allotments on the site and 2 do not seem to be used, I don't think there will be the "community spirit" that larger sites have, so I would really appreciate advice from anyone!!

[digthatchick]

Hi and welcome to the vine. I think you should do this in stages otherwise it will be a daunting project that will seem never ending. Although it has been years since I had my allotment (mine is in the garden now!) a good book is The Allotment Specialist by A&G Bridgewater price £4.99. Good advice, lots of good colour pictures planting times, soil types. A great book and good value. I am sure others will be along soon with more recommendations. Good Luck.

[SarzWix]

The Readers Digest book - Food From Your Garden
Food from Your Garden and Allotment (Readers Digest) (Readers Digest) (Readers Digest) (Readers Digest): Reader's Digest: Amazon.co.uk: Books
is a brilliant book, covers everything from clearing the ground, through to storing your produce.
For your plot initially, I would beg, borrow or hire a petrol strimmer, and cut everything down, then measure it & draw a plan. Decide where your compost bins, sheds, future greenhouse, and permanent stuff like fruit bushes will go. Then cover up as much as possible with cardboard (get it from retail parks or industrial estates ) and start digging If you can't get it all dug over in time for the season, you can plant quite a lot of things into 'no dig' beds, such as potatoes, pumpkins & squash etc, you just put the cardboard down, put a load of compost/well rotted manure on top, then make a hole through it and plant the plant. If you can get hold of straw, that's great for keeping the weed growth down too...
Look here http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ment_5573.html for some more ideas

Good luck, and don't forget a plan!!

[bobleponge]

Welcome to the vine Novice Nell.
I dont have an allotment, I'm lucky enough to have a big enough garden, but the advice is about the same I think. A plan is a great idea, will give you a goal to work to as well as a good idea as to what you want where.
Slowly gently catchy monkey, cover as much as you can, but start digging bit by bit.
Only do small amounts at a time or the whole project will seem too daunting.
Get some spuds in when its time to plant them. They are great for breaking up a patch of ground.
Be prepared for sore bits that you never thought could get sore.
Only grow what you like to eat.
Most of all, good luck and enjoy what you are doing.

[selfraising]

Hi
You lucky thing! I would love an allotment. We have four in our area, problem is I don't drive so getting there would be to difficult. I think I would clear a section for now, at least that way you can get something in the ground soon. Good Luck!

[Novice Nell]

Hi,

Thanks very much for the book recomendation, I'll definately get that one. Yes, I think I will have to do the plot in stages, otherwise it will seem to daunting!! I got a call from the Parish council yesterday afternoon advisng that I can start working on the plot, however Snow has stopped play, time for planning I think.

Thanks again,
Nell.

[tootles]

You should read Rhona's thread about squash on spare land - it is a cunning plan.

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...dea_26872.html

[Novice Nell]

Dear Sarah,

Thank you so much for the book recomendation and the excellent advise, especially the "no Dig" beds. Luckily I have a petrol strimmer and the plot has one compost bin (I'll need more that that though) it also has some bushes on which I am hoping are fruits of some kind however it is hard to tell what they are until they come into leaf. I got a call from the council yesterday to say I can start working on the plot, however as it is now covered in 6 inches of snow I'll think I start planning instead.

Once again, thanks!
Nell

[bucky]

i agreed with bobleponge get 1 bed going this year , put potatoes and onion set in .
a good book to get is veg and herb expert by dr d g hessayon