Hello

[reddevil]

Hello all

I just got my first allotment last year, around the beginning of April. As the plot was located on a site that had just been cleared I spent most of last year digging it over and removing roots, broken glass etc.
I planted some seeds, most of which I received from my very generous plot neighbours.
I has reasonable success with spuds, onions etc.
The soil is heavy clay so I intend to add quite a bit of horse manure over the next few years.

The plot is on a steep slope and is very windy.

I often have a look at these forums which are a real source of valuable information. Hopefully I will be able to contribute as I learn the 'tricks of the trade'.

Always willing to learn - RedDevil

[Janek]

G'Day Red Devil! A very warm welcome to you from Down Under! We hope you will enjoy your stay here with us. But, of course, we aren't here all the time as we do spend time tending our lots and gardens!

You can permanently solve two of the problems you mentioned. First, dig in loads of gypsum into your soil. It is the best clay breaker around and it will improve the soil structure incredibly. Secondly, if you terrace your lot with railway sleepers, old logs, scrap metal sheeting etc it will be so much easier for you to grow your stuff. As well as that, all the rain that falls on your raised beds with soak right on in with no run off. We are very conservatively minded with water in Oz as so much of the country is in drought, either permanently or most of the time. Enjoy!

[Two_Sheds]

First, dig in loads of gypsum into your soil.

more info: Here is Why You Should Use Gypsum in Gardening and Growing Vegetables from Allotment Vegetable Growing

[Janek]

Thanks for posting this link, Two Sheds. There is a lot of useful information there.

[ginger ninger]

Hello Reddevil and welcome to the vine, dig what ever organic material in that you can lay your hands on, I'm surmising you already have a compost bin/s on the go, the sleeper idea is really good, you can pick them up from reclaimed timber yards all over, even old door would do the trick....Good Luck and keep us posted how you get on.

[sweetiepea]

Hi RedDevil. Welcome to the vine. If you do decide to use old railway sleepers, just make sure they haven't been treated with creasote (I can't spell, but I'm sure you know what I mean!).

Good luck with the growing.

[Bigmallly]

Welcome to the vine RD.

[RedThorn]

Hi and welcome to the vine RD from RT

[FionaH]

Hi welcome to the Vine

[runnerbean]

Hi and welcome to the vine enjoy your new allotment, we are all here to help new members

[ladylottie]

Hi RD and welcome to the vine. Everyone is very helpful and friendly on here so if you have any questions someone will be able to help you. Good luck with the lottie in 2010.

[reddevil]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Happy New Year to all

Kind Regards

RedDevil

[Jeanied]

A late welcome to the Vine RD - you will get all the info you need on the vine, y'know - along with a couple of wacky ideas - some of them supplied by yours truly! But seriously - join in - it is a really rewarding experience!!