1st allotment unsure where to go after bad start

[Noosner]

I got an allotment about four years ago. It's pretty much under control now, and I did do it bit by bit. Even so, that meant putting in a 7-8 hour day down there once a week, including in winter. That might seem a lot, but because I had no idea what I was doing I didn't work very efficiently, even though I read lots of books and got lots of advice. (I blinking well enjoyed it tho!)

But I've since observed that this is the case with most newbies i.e. we get things wrong. This is no problem, but you do need to expect it to happen, and to be able to devote time to sorting it out. Four years on, my plot is easier maintenance, and when time is tight, I can get away with just spending a weekly morning or an afternoon there.

In other words it is a long apprenticeship, and whether you get it tamed in a weekend, or opt for the gradual approach, I think regular visits are the all-important thing, say once a week, even if it just to pull a few handfuls of weeds up. You'll be able to see what's going on and what's working/not working.

Does this apply over winter? Well, it does to me. But that's partly because I love it at my plot and it is my therapy!

[Two_Sheds]

How offten to people visit thier allotment?

My plot's all weeded and under control, so I only have to do 9-12 hrs a week, March to Sept.
Now things are slowing down, so it's manageable in just 4 hrs a week

[Kristen]

My plot's all weeded and under control, so I only have to do 9-12 hrs a week, March to Sept.
Now things are slowing down, so it's manageable in just 4 hrs a week

I'm curious what is taking 4 hours a week at this time? I'm sure I will spend 4 hours on a project between now and end of year, but I can't see any "average" single week taking that long.

I'm figuring that this week I need to remove the sweetcorn crop, and sow some green manure there. That will take me perhaps an hour?

Another week or two and I will clear the Runners, and plant green manure. An hour or two.

And then there will be Garlic to plant soon, I reckon that will take an hour, perhaps two.

I'm still picking Runner beans, Cauliflowers and Chard ... but I have "harvesting" in a separate time-slot-pocket from Sowing / planting and Maintenance.

[Feral007]

By Golly, I'm an Old Codger too!

I'm not going to start digging the stuffing out of things though. The older I get, the less I want to dig.

When I say take things easy, and start small, I mean start and carry on. I don't think everyone is happy with trying to do it all at once. I'd cover it for winter as the weeds get weakened and the worms get cracking under there.

And really, going into winter, there are greens that can be planted. But the rest planned out and a good plan with times on it would help better than just going in and digging up a storm.

I think you need to work out what style of gardening you want to try Spacedhopper and then get on with it. If it works, good.
If you find it doesn't suit, then try something else. Some people cant imagine growing things in rows, some people can't imagine not. Have a go, then revise, and have another go.

[Two_Sheds]

I'm curious what is taking 4 hours a week at this time?

- deadheading the flower borders on the perimeter fence
- transplanting self-sown seedlings from my lotty to the communal flower beds
- cutting dead spent material up with seckies, & leaving on soil as mulch
- harvesting
- shelling 1000s of dry beans
- shearing the green manures
- weeding the gravel roadway
- pulling up bean canes as the beans are harvested (but some are still going strong)
- collecting autumn leaves for leafmould
- catching CWBs in my fishing net
- desnailing the brassicas & the bean canes

[Kristen]

Thanks 2xSheds ... several of those things are not in my Vegetable Time Budget, as I also have an Ornamental Time Budget and picking & processing the harvest is definitely not in my Growing Time Budget as I would have to go to a shop to buy produce if I didn't pick it ...

... but I may be cheating? I'm good at paying for things out of the other pocket when it suits me!

[Alison]

I just have a gardening time budget, don't want to use any of that budget up splitting it down further . Even in the depths of winter I have a few hours every week checking things over, harvesting winter veg etc. any home sowing is included in this as is checking over stored winter veg etc.

[skeggijon]

Welcome spacedhopper. I work 4 12 hour night shifts, then get 4 off, so I have the luxury of being able to spend quite a lot of time at the lotty. I generally spend at least 3 to 4 hours, 3 days a week there and can always find a new project to be getting on with.
However, the important thing is to enjoy it - you rule the lotty, not the other way round. Just because you have all that space, you don't need to use it all immediately. Do a little at a time and be encouraged by that progress and you'll be fine

[Feral007]

I have to have different time budgets?

Well in that case.....add in an hour or two a week out of the Relax and Enjoy it Budget

I have a chair and a small table in both my gardens. And the backyard had the trampoline, need to get the mat fixed so I can sit and survey the back yard as well.

I really do think that you need a flexible time frame.
You do need time to spend on the lottie, but it doesn't have to be large chunks, just reasonabley often, and if you plan for when the busiest times are, and don't go on holidays (or have a baby then you can fit it into your lifestyle.

I've always picked a few weeds here and there while watering. But now I work away from home I have to have larger chunks less often. It's still working and I still enjoy it. Just different.

[Knight of Albion]

A very warm welcome to the forum, dear Matt.

That looks a fine plot and it looks like it has served previous owners well.

It has got a little overgrown.... That is Nature for you. She won't tolerate a vacuum for long.
But little by little you'll get it cleared and be ready to go.

Gardening is very much a learning curve. Wisdom would say start with the crops that are easier to grow and then as you gather experience try your hand at other things.

Runner beans are easy to grow and a reliable cropper. Can provide fresh greens every day for weeks in the height of the season. Definitely a good one to start with.
First and second early potatoes. Once they're in, other than some mounding up, they'll largely take care of themselves. With enough water they'll produce a hearty crop, and if you're going to be organic, you can eat them with the skins - that's where most of the nutritive goodness is.
Tomatoes, a summer favourite, fresh off the vine, wonderful.They'll need staking and feeding, but once they're away ... A reliable fruiter for the novice gardener.
Romaine lettuce, very tasty, very easy to grow. The ideal salad vegetable.

Start with these 4 as the backbone of the plot, you should get a good harvest for minimal effort.
(I say that because I feel you may have your hands full!)
Trial anything else that appeals and see how you get on.

Congratulations to you and your dear lady on the impending birth of your child.

[Dorothy rouse]

Hello Matt, looks like you are in very 'rural Kent'? I'm also in Kent, just wondered whereabouts you are, I'm in Rochester, hardly rural. And am pleased we have some rain at last, it's been so dry and warm.

The others have given you loads of very good advice, I'll just chat, when is your baby due?

[muddled]

Hello,
I'm new here too and my allotment is just on the Kent/London border so we're practically neighbours!

I took on a half plot in March, very overgrown with couch grass. I plonked down some manure (free from the local stables) then bought a roll of black plastic from screwfix and laid that over the top. Then I cut holes and planted through it, always 'planting' a bottomless pop bottle next to each plant so I could water it.
In this way I grew a large selection of pumpkins and winter squash, courgettes, early spuds, sweetcorn, beans etc and all the while the couch grass was getting weaker, the plot inspectors saw a plot full of produce and there were no weed seeds to bother my neighbours.

If you manage to clear a little space, now is a good time to plant garlic and broad beans...next month is good for overwintering onion sets, tulips and daffodils. It's much easier to feel motivated when something growing!

Congratulations on the imminent arrival of your little one ;-)

muddled x

[Florence Fennel]

Hello and a very warm welcome to the Vine