any help appreciated

[shepp726]

Hi all,
have been trolling this site since joining about 4 days ago trying to get as much info as possible before making this thread, (90% of it good info, 7% confusing, 3% funny).......anyhoo, have just been told i have an allotment, and am set to take over 2nd week of April.
The land was given to the parish by a farmer as a future cemetery, one third of which as been used for this purpose, the other 2 thirds have been set aside for allotments. the plan is to have 12 allotments 5m x 20m and a further 10 allotments half the size.
This land has been untouched for 10yrs, no fertiliser's, no cutting, no ploughing, therefore is overgrown with knee high grasses, and a few hawthorn saplings. i have no idea what part of the field i am going to be allotted, therefore my question is; will i have enough of this year left to be productive.
was intending to dig 4 beds each on being 2m x 4m plant some spuds, carrots and parsnips, peas, and beans, then plan better for next season.
WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK

[SarzWix]

You definitely will be able to get some things in this year, although a lot will depend on how much spare time you have for digging/clearing. Lots of things can be started in pots and cell trays at home and be growing on while you get the ground ready. Just about everything except deep rooting crops can be started that way

[shepp726]

am not gonna kill myself, thought i would just dig and turnover at first, then put spuds in to aid the soil, put plenty peas and beans in for the nitrogen, then basically hope for the best.
will have all summer to do some decent planning. dont want to waste any time or space.

[Jardiniere]

what do you mean ONLY 3% funny! It's far funnier than that ..... your plan sounds very serious ....and Sarz Wix's advice is very sound.
7% confusing? I've never been confused by any advice ...I've seen wrong advice .. oh must have been reading my own posts again!

[Hazel at the Hill]

WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK

We're not deaf, y'know.

Welcome to the vine - take it steady and enjoy yourself!

[SarzWix]

I guess it can be confusing when there are several different answers given to one question, but that's the nature of gardening, lots of different ways to achieve the same thing You just have to pick the answer you fancy and have a go. If that doesn't work, try a different way next time

[shepp726]

gonna be really overwhelmed when i walk on for first time, have read links of people who inherit cold frames and raised beds. even greenhouses.............
this is a virgin plot so any and all advice is welcome

[Darwin.]

Well the only advice I was going to give was that you could start off growing things at home and have them ready to plant out but I see SarzWix has beat me to it.

I started a few years back and I turned the sod and got a rotovator in, I wish now I had stripped the sod off and dumped it down the back. I'm sure everyone will tell you that's the wrong thing to do but if I were to start again that's certainly the way I'd go.

[veggiechicken]

Hello Shepp and welcome. I too am disappointed that you found only 3% of this Forum funny What size allotment are you having - the full or the half size?

[Verinda]

Hello Shepp, welcome to the forum!

[Feral007]

I'm sure he'll find it much funnier when his sense of humour warms up later in spring!

Welcome Shepp, and have fun. You'll have plenty of time to get some things in. And then just keep planting. Don't forget that the snugs will be handicapping those who got started early anyway

[shepp726]

thanks all, have asked for a full size plot, but all depends on how many want them. they may have to draw names from a hat if too many want full size. they have 22 plots and have had 21 applicants and two of those have asked for half plots, so just waiting now.

[PyreneesPlot]

Hello and welcome from one of the 3% (funny peculiar). Have fun.

[Glutton4...]

Hello, and welcome to the Madhouse, from one of the normal people!

[taff]

you don't necessarily have to have beds anyway. You could probably get away with throwing a whole load of pumpkins in anywhere, as long as you can see them.