What have I done?

[CluelessK]

Hi,

I have just got a plot 8mx8m after being on the waiting list for over 5 years. I am so excited but slightly daunted about the amount of work to clear the plot. It is mostly grass, weeds and some junk from the previous owner but the council kindly took the rubbish away and put down some weedkiller. I don't know how effective this will be in this wet weather and am not sure how this will effect when I can plant?
I have been advised I can access the plot from 2nd Feb? Does this sound right?
I took my son (age 4) with me to measure up and he loved it so looking foward to getting stuck in.

Wish me luck

[Florence Fennel]

Hello CK and a very warm welcome to the Vine. You've done the very best thing and you'll never regret it I'm sure. There is loads of advice to be had on here. I wish you the very best of luck and happy growing!

[Nicos]

Hi there- and welcome to the Vine!!

Congrats on getting your plot...brill eh???

Don't be daunted by the idea of preparing the plot-just take it slowly.

2nd Feb is only 2 weeks away- so that should give you time to plan what and where you want to grow...what you could do with buying...and read up on rotations and ground preparation.
(Might be worth asking what weedkiller they used)

looks like you're in for a fantastic journey....brill!!

[Glutton4...]

Hi, and welcome to the Madhouse! Congratulations on getting your plot!

[Alison]

Don't panic, although you plot may feel big at the moment, it's only about half the size of a full plot so you'll soon have it under control, just take it steady

Personally I'd not be happy about the council weed killing the whole lot but there's not a lot you can do about that now. As said above, try to find out what they've used.

[vicky]

Hi and welcome to the vine. Congrats on the lottie, your son will love it! I have a 4 year old too and he would spend all his time doing muddy things if he could!

[binley100]

Hi welcome to here.......what have you done? Well you've just taken on something that will give you lots of fresh air, exercise, time with your kid and hopefully lots of fresh veg....
Congratulations .........

[Florian]

Hi,

I have just got a plot 8mx8m after being on the waiting list for over 5 years. I am so excited but slightly daunted about the amount of work to clear the plot. It is mostly grass, weeds and some junk from the previous owner but the council kindly took the rubbish away and put down some weedkiller. I don't know how effective this will be in this wet weather and am not sure how this will effect when I can plant?
I have been advised I can access the plot from 2nd Feb? Does this sound right?
I took my son (age 4) with me to measure up and he loved it so looking foward to getting stuck in.

Wish me luck

Welcome That sounds awesome very best of luck (not that you need it!)

[Poddington Pea]

Hi there!
Everyone's right, you'll have a wonderfull time! I got an allotment at this time last year, I had a 4 month old baby, no help from the council and minimal help from anyone else!!!!!
Still, we had some lovely pinics with friends, the biggest laugh with my sister (we still talk about our 'worm santuary''), I grew some mighty fine peas lots of potatoes, herbs and courgettes. I had the allotment 6 months when we decided to move to Somerset. It was sad to leave after I'd put so much effort in, and now I'm having to start all over again in my own garden! But I wouldn't have changed my experience for the world! Being outside having a dig is the most rewarding way to spend a day.
Top tips;
If you've had to wait 5 years there'll be someone else just below you on the list! Work on a small area and work it well. Cover the rest with weed suppressing fabric, failing that cardboard or old carpet. If you've done this the council won't be able to tell you you're not cultivating it ( a major insult when you know how much work you've put in!)

Good luck and have a great time x

[pauco]

Hi and welcome to the Vine. Great news about your lottie! 8mX8m eh, take your time getting it ready, then you will think mmmm, is it really big enough lol, thats what the growing bug does to you, have fun.

paul.

[CluelessK]

Thanks everyone! bought a book this morning so got some reading to do! Nice to feel so welcome

[Aberdeenplotter]

I suspect the date you have been given reflects the time they think it will take for the weedkiller to be effective so do be patient. Once you can get in there. get the plot dug over asap so that the frost can get in and break down lumps and clods for you and then just sit back and wait for springtime with a cuppa and a few seed catalogues

[Currysniffa]

Welcome to the vine CK and congrats on getting your plot! I got a 10mx12m plot last April and soon had it in shape, I had a very a good growing season I thought for my first try on a allotment (see my Album). I treated my plot with Roundup weed-killer to kill it all off and apart from the new head I'm growing I don't have a problem with it and will use it this season on my paths. Enjoy

[ginger ninger]

Hello and a very warm welcome from me as well. Congratulations on your plot I bet ya can't wait to get planting things.

[CluelessK]

Went to have a look again and to measure up yesterday only to find my next door neighbour who also aquired plot the same week had a mini digger and has cleared the lot and put a foot of top soil on his. Mine now looks even worse so have made a pile of rotten pallets and cut back the brambles whilst my son was digging for happy worm helpers!! Roll on 2nd feb