Newbie in Berkshire

[Kaz210707]

My husband and I have just taken over our first allotment, we've always been keen gardeners, veggie plots in the back garden lots of flower beds etc, so thought we'd take the plunge having found out there were some available in the area we've just moved into.

The plot is 6m x 20m, so very large for starting out and very overgrown. It has been strimmed down so not very tall grass etc which is good.
But where do we start? Thought maybe putting down something to try and kill the worst of the grass and weeds before we start digging (hubby currently away with work for a while).

Really not sure where to start but we're trying to get it sorted ready for next spring, not going to rush into it.

Thanks in advance.

[Lumpy]

Hello Kaz and welcome to the Vine.
Sorry I’m no help at all about a Lottie except to say try not to stress too much.
I’m sure other Grapes will bumble along shortly to help you out.

[Small pumpkin]

Welcome to the vine

[Baldy]

Welcome along.

I'd suggest take some time to think about what will go best where - where to put a shed, compost bins etc etc. See if you can spot any existing plants - soft fruit / rhubarb are often left behind when a plot is given up. Maybe clear a small area so you can plant some quick crops now - lettuce, radish etc. Dont' try to clear too much in one go - little and often is the way. Laying down weed suppresent / cardboard etc is probably a good idea.
Are you going to dig / rotavate / no-dig?

Good luck with it!

[lottie dolly]

Hello welcome to the vine,firstly i would look to see what weeds there are,like thistles ext as they need to be delt with differently,have a look at other plots to get an idea of what you have about,next cover it up for now,and if you feel like a you want to do something,fork over a bit at a time to remove any roots,also look to see if you have any rhubarb and fruit bushes ext,and mark where the rhubarb is,main thing is to enjoy what you do,all the best.

[Kaz210707]

Hi all,

Thanks for the responses.

The allotment people have strimmed the plot and its all dried out like hay now, so not sure I'll be able to tell what weeds are there never mind any bushes that there may be left.

Is there a way to upload pictures via a phone? If so I'll pop one up of what the plot looks like.

[veggiechicken]

Hi Kaz and welcome.
You may need to make a few more posts before you can post photos - but it can be done!!
https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...one_94345.html

[Kaz210707]

Can't really see what is on the plot as it's all been strimmed to about 6" grass, weeds, plants by the allotment people before we took the plot on. So think.identifying anything maybe a task and a half as it's all now dry and dead.

Not sure about dig/no dig/rotovator. How are they set up differently? Does one have any advantages over another?

Thanks

[Kaz210707]

I've found the link but it says unable to upload? Is there a maximum size or something that's stopping it?
Tia

[Greenleaves]

Yes 1.99 Mb

[Kaz210707]

Here's our allotment.

[Greenleaves]

Welcome to the vine, enjoy the benefits of the advice and humour
Bit late in the season to plant much but an ideal time to start preparing for next season. Have you decided if you are going raised beds or no dig or just open ground?

Have a look at the calender thread and you will see many different approaches.

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...dar_95593.html

[Bren In Pots]

Hello and welcome to the vine Kaz

[Baldy]

I'm moving towards no-dig and not just because I'm getting older. The theory is that you disturb the soil less so it keeps its 'natural' balance a bit more. You also benefit from not having to keep throwing a spade or rotavaor at it. You do need to do a decent amount of preparation though.
Diggidiy dig still works too...
Either way you need to put some time and effort in.
Check out Charles Downdings videos on youtube for no-dig examples (though remember its a bit like Monty DOn on Gardeners World - i.e. its his job, he's got employees to do stuff for him etc)
No dig is working for me - I'll be putting a few more no dig beds in over winter - mine are made with pallet wood, cardboard for suppresent and then whatever I can get together for the growing medium - I've got 3 extra compost daleks this year...

[Kaz210707]

I think that hubby may prefer the digging approach. The last year or so he's been in a much more sedentary job, so likes to get out and do some manual work also helps with his mental health.