Hello from Kingston

[sparrow100]

Hi there,

I've had my half plot for just over 18 months and am slowly taming it from a weedy, tree-rooty mess. I do spend all the time I can down there - or on the internet reading up on what to do to it. It's on heavy clay and spends 3-4 months of the year as a cold bog, but has grown some of the tastiest veg I've ever eaten!

I have a particular weakness for squashes and chillies, and try to cram as many of both into the space as possible.

This is the first time I have ever grown anything, so I know I have an awful lot to learn.
Beryl

[veggiechicken]

Hello Beryl and welcome to the Grapevine
Pull up a chair and make yourself at home, someone will be along with coffee soon

[Bigmallly]

Welcome to the vine Beryl, Chillis are best grown in a greenhouse & soon it will be that time of year when some grapes start sowing their early chillis. Look out for the thread.

[PyreneesPlot]

Hello and welcome from another clay-bound cold bog, and a sloping one at that.

I reckon the plants that survive taste all the better for their struggle!!

[Bren In Pots]

Hello and welcome to the vine Beryl

[sparrow100]

Thanks for the welcome guys. I definitely agree - clay makes for tenacious plants!

I have 10 chillies I'm trying to overwinter at home - I don't have a greenhouse (yet- holding out for one on freecycle!) but I do have a couple of culticaves, which are brilliant.

[Glutton4...]

Hello, and welcome to the Madhouse!

I was gonna be smug and say I've been to Kingston - but it's a different one to yours; much warmer and with sandy soil...

Blimey, it was ten years ago last month!

[Veggielot]

Hi Beryl

I hadn't grown anything when I started 4 years but that just added to the enjoyment of growing things. It is without doubt one of the best decision I have made and there is always something new to try/learn.

[Verinda]

Hello Beryl, welcome to the forum

[Bill HH]

Welcome, it sounds like you have quite a challenge. If wet soil was my problem I think I would be going down the raised beds route. maybe a cheap poly tunnel built on concrete slabs etc. Celery does well in damp soil.

[sparrow100]

Thanks! This is what I am working towards, though digging is something I am getting sick of. Raised beds are definitely the way to go - I was lucky enough to get about 15 floorboards on freecycle, which has helped keep the cost down a lot. I've dug some of the paths in soggier ground a bit deeper and filled with woodchip to try and improve drainage a bit. Worked a treat so far.

[Florence Fennel]

Hello and a very warm, if somewhat belated, welcome to the Vine