New in Manchester

[shangrilyla]

Hello!

I'm new to the forum, just thought I would say hello. I'm in Manchester, and was just recently lucky enough to get an allotment! I'm originally from rural Maine, in the states, so moving somewhere where land is sparse (to say the least) was a bit of a shock.

Hoping to learn a bit about when to plant here in the UK. (At this time of year in Maine, there's several feet of snow on the ground!) And what kind of pests/diseases to look out for.

Hope to get to know you guys!

All the best,

Amanda

[Mrs Dobby]

Welcome to the vine Amanda, there's a load of helpful peeps on here, so ask away with any questions and Im sure you will get plenty of replies!

Whereabouts in Manchester are you? We're on the Western edge in Partington, so fairly local, depending whereabout you are!

[shangrilyla]

Hi Mrs Dobby! It's good to see someone local-ish already! I may be asking your advice about when it's safe to plant!

We live in Castlefield and work in the city centre, but the allotment is in Harpurhey. So pretty central, really.

I think I'll need the help! My boyfriend and I are both in our mid-twenties... so not a lot of collective gardening experience, really. My grandmother grew and sold veggies from her home, but I only remember bits and pieces from her... I'm sure I'll be asking loads of questions as we get going!

-Amanda

[Two_Sheds]

Hoping to learn a bit about when to plant here in the UK.

Let your seed pack be your guide
If you have a greenhouse or a sunny windowsill you can start a few weeks earlier than the pack states.

Have a look on the What I Did Today thread to see what people are planting

[Jeanied]

Welcome to the vine Amanda - you could do worse than follow Mrs Dobby's blog - it is fascinating!

[Incy]

Welcome to the vine Amanda. I'm also in Manchester so not far from you. I'm sure that you will get lots of good advice from friendly people on here. I know I have.

[Florence Fennel]

Hello Amanda and a very warm welcome to the Vine!

[ginger ninger]

Hello and welcome to the vine from me as well. xx

[Currysniffa]

Hello Amanda, Welcome to the vine

[Mrs Dobby]

Welcome to the vine Amanda - you could do worse than follow Mrs Dobby's blog - it is fascinating!

Lol, thanks Jeanied, Ill slip ya that tenner later! lol!

[Mrs Dobby]

Hi Mrs Dobby! It's good to see someone local-ish already! I may be asking your advice about when it's safe to plant!

We live in Castlefield and work in the city centre, but the allotment is in Harpurhey. So pretty central, really.

I think I'll need the help! My boyfriend and I are both in our mid-twenties... so not a lot of collective gardening experience, really. My grandmother grew and sold veggies from her home, but I only remember bits and pieces from her... I'm sure I'll be asking loads of questions as we get going!

-Amanda

Hi Amanda,

Not too far away then, bout 10 miles or so!

Nothing wrong with starting in mid twenties (wish I had), we're in our early 40's, and have had the plots for 5 years now, like you my Grandparents were the ones who grew veg, atill remember helping Nan in the veg patch all those years ago!

As for times to plant, well, last frost is supposedly in late May, but for the past few years its been more like April, so planting times are pretty much as specced on the seed packet, if you have a greenhouse, then you can get away a bit earlier, we usually have toms and peppers in the greenhouse in April. Spuds go in at Easter, but be careful to earth them up (to protect from frost) until May, and to cover with fleece if a late frost is forecast!

HTH