Yup another newbie!

[Mrscrob]

Hi everyone, I've signed a year's lease for a half-sized plot from my local authority last week. I didn't have a clue about what to do until I started reading these forum posts.

I've just been clearing rubbish but next week - well next week I'll be very busy. Think I've managed to secure an old carpet from Freecycle to cover half the plot and then dig, dig, dig.

I've ordered some seed tatties from the Tattieman (again recommended by Grapevine members). How long do I have to chit them before planting?

Also how do you germinate peas? (probably a stupid question but like I said I didn't have a clue and now I only have a half-clue lol.)

Christine

[burnie]

Firstly welcome,I'm just down the coast from you.I've been chitting my tatties for a month,but that's only because that's when they were delivered and as we're still due some frost and snow,I shall'nt be planting them just yet.
Peas are something I just plant out as per the instructions on the packet,never bothered with any germinating indoors first.
Could I suggest you visit your library and get out any books on veg growing and have a good read,good luck.

[SarzWix]

Welcome to the Vine

I usually start my peas in peat pots, the sort that you can plant with the plant in it and the roots can grow through it into the soil. I usually poke my finger into the compost as far as my second knuckle, then drop the seed in. Water it well, then don't water again unless it seems totally dry. As soon as they germinate, put them outside in the day and in at night for a week or so, then plant them out.

You can sow them direct, but I don't bother because the slugs and snails mow them down as soon as they pop up, plus it rains a lot here and the seeds rot in the wet soil sometimes.

[FionaH]

I overwatered my peas and some rotted

[selfraising]

Hi and welcome Christine, good luck with your plot and most of all, have fun!!

[wozzawozacat]

Hi

Welcome to the Vine.

Good luck with your allotment.

[Florence Fennel]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the Vine and I hope to get lots of hints and tips. I've been growing veg in containers for the last few years, but last year I spread into two raised beds and I have dug up a good deal of lawn as the passion for veg growing gets more intense! Does anyone have any tips for growing cucumbers outside? I have never grown them.

[Mrscrob]

Thanks for that advice folks. I've been made to feel very welcome .

I've started taking a real interest in the weather reports - we've still got a few frosty nights yet I think, so there's plenty of time to dig the weeds/grass out before planting.

As well as the gardening bit I've still to mend a fence, get my son to make a gate and secure the shed. The 'greenhouse' with the dilapitated roof is getting left til later - probably next year. It'll probably need taken down because the wood (yes it's made of wood) looks rotten.

[tiachica]

Hiya,
Looks like we are from the same spot of soil!

How long were you on the waiting list for your allotment? Which area did you get it in? Garthdee?

Wishing you lots of joy and food from it!
tiachica

[jackie j]

Think I've managed to secure an old carpet from Freecycle to cover half the plot and then dig, dig, dig.


Christine

Hi and welcome
Last week at our AGM we were told we cant use carpet on any of the sites especially if they are foam or rubber backed as they have chemicals in them. So you need to check if you are allowed to use carpet on your site first.
Happy Gardening

[Mrscrob]

Hiya,
Looks like we are from the same spot of soil!

How long were you on the waiting list for your allotment? Which area did you get it in? Garthdee?

Wishing you lots of joy and food from it!
tiachica

Hi tiachica, my plot's in Greyhope Road, right next to the harbour entrance. Didn't bother going up these past few days cos I probably wouldn't have found the car-park cos of the fog!! I waited roughly 3 years and I'm lovin' it
I take it you're at Garthdee. That's such a busy plot - really good to see. Was just reading a post about fire-raising and theft from the plots at Bucksburn. That's so disappointing - that's someone's hard work and money gone.

Catch you later, Christine

[Mrscrob]

Hi and welcome
Last week at our AGM we were told we cant use carpet on any of the sites especially if they are foam or rubber backed as they have chemicals in them. So you need to check if you are allowed to use carpet on your site first.
Happy Gardening

Aah - you're the 2nd person that's mentioned this to me. I'm collecting it on Monday so I'll have to check. Hope it's hessian backed *fingers crossed*

[BumbleB]

Hi, and welcome to the Vine, I am new too and I have found everyone very helpfull and welcoming. Good luck with your lottie, I do admire all you folk who take on large plots for all of the often extremely hard work to get them to a standard to start growing crops. But reading all of the posts, everyone seems to soon have them in shape and are soon reaping the satisfaction of a good crop.

By the way, My family descends from Aberdeen (Meldrum), I have promised myself to visit one day.

BB