Andy's Allotment

[Andywalters.26]

So I've introduced myself and now questions!

I will probably have loads so will just keep them all in here.

First a bit of info:
This is my first time growing veg other than a few onions and some salad (not particularly successful). The plot is currently overgrown with couch grass and I am slowly working my way across the plot clearing as much of it as I can.

I've attached a rough plan of the plot - [IMG][/IMG]

There are trees running down the right hand side so the left gets more sun however the other half does get some sun in the afternoon/evening.

What would you do!!!

I thought I had it all planned out but now don't know! I've been doing loads of reading and now I'm unsure how to lay it out. Will a greenhouse be ok near the trees? should I go smaller edged beds with paths? or more larger traditional open beds? The plots not very big so don't want to waste any space.

I know thats a lot but any ideas or thoughts would be gratefully received! I have a week off next week so would like to have a plan in place and get cracking.

Thanks

[veggiechicken]

Where's North? Which way round does the sun travel?

Trees, unless they're evergreens, lose their leaves in winter which will give that side more light. Do the trees overhang the plot?

[Snoop Puss]

Hello and welcome (again). More info required, as VC says.

Big question: what are you hoping to grow (as in: what do you like eating?)?

[Chestnut]

What do you (and anyone you live with) enjoy eating?

I started with stuff that I was told were easy to grow, and didn’t put in any long-term plants until I’d had a year to get to know the plot, sunlight at different times of year, prevailing winds, which bits have a tendency to waterlog or dry out.
First year I gres spuds, peas, runner beans, beetroot, cabbages, courgettes, tomatoes and chillies in GH, garlic, onions and pumpkins. Last 3 didn’t work so well for me that year but I haven’t given up on them yet.

Now gradually experimenting with new things. Tried cucumbers this year with great success, as well as leeks, kale and sprouts. Also started to plant a few things which I like but are expensive to buy. Eg Raspberries, currants and gooseberries, though these haven’t been in long enough to give any decent crops yet.

[Andywalters.26]

Thanks for the reply's so far.

[IMG][/IMG]

This picture might give a bit more info in terms of which way is north. (hope you can see it)

The trees do over hang slightly but once the leaves have fell off i will give them a bit of a trim. The red line in the photo is the path of the sun however it would be further south so kind of off the picture if that makes sense.

I have been told i need to leave a 1m path down one side so that will go along that right hand edge.

in terms of what i want to grow, everything! i love cooking and more importantly eating so as much and as wider variety as possible. things like onions, carrots, salads, beans, squashes, cabbage, broccoli i dont think we could ever really have to many! things like beetroot id like to have but not massively important.

my first plan was to have 4 beds (edged not really raised) and a greenhouse over on the right with paths around and in between. then over the course of a few years try things in the shadier part. although when i worked out the actual amount of square footage id have it wasn't very much.

so i guess what im asking is how would you lay it out? i know its really difficult to say without seeing it. but any ideas will really help. Thanks again, just typing this out has helped me think of a few more things!

[bario1]

When you say the 'right' do you mean the right of your image where the shady part is?

You have to remember also that the sun doesn't get very high at this time of year - between May and August you might find your plot has very little shade at all in the middle of the day

Greenhouses need sun to 'work', so place it in the sunniest available spot. Use the shadier end for a shed, storage area, compost bins, comfrey patch etc...

[Andywalters.26]

Yer sorry, right as you look at that picture.

[ESBkevin]

On the subject of greenhouses. They are used to extend the growing season. Typically in the full summer we often shade them to regulate the excess tempreture. But in the spring and autumn they need all the light those short days can give.
So I would have thought the geenhouse being over to the right wouldn't be a bad idea, before the leaves emerge you'd get all the light anyway and by July you'd be shading the greenhouse anyway so the trees do that for you.
Whilst cutting back the trees will be a big help, remember that under the ground the roots will be absorbing plenty of moisture and fertility, so avoid any deep rooted planting near there if you can. Perhaps dedicate some of that area to compost bins made from pallets, a plot tool shed and storage of out of season trellis or net supports.
Have you thought about a couple of 'keyhole' style beds, think capital E's facing one another so that you can lean onto any growing surface from one side or another and you have maximised the cultivated space.

[Mark_Riga]

Hello Andy, most of the stuff we like to eat, there are other things in nature that like it also. Some things are fairly trouble free and it is always good to grow some of these if you like them e.g. parsnips, rhubarb, blackcurrants (they are shade tolerant), beetroot, courgettes, lettuce (main pest is slugs but usually leave some for you) and squash of various types. Onions and leeks are usually trouble free but can have some serious pests, other plot holders may be able to advise on what they can grow , what pests they get and what protection you may need for other veg you want to grow where you are.
A potato crop is good to help clear land I find and couch grass is usually easier to remove while you are harvesting them. Courgette and squash are also good at smothering weeds.

[Andywalters.26]

Some good ideas. Thanks everyone. Think I've got a plan in my head, will draw it out and upload a picture later on.

[Andywalters.26]

So how does this look?

it wont all get done this winter and will probably change a bit overtime but as a rough plan how does it look?

[IMG][/IMG]