Have just got an allottment OMG

[LOUBLOU1]

Ok Have just found out I have an allottment - What do I need to do. It looks as if its ready to go. Never had one before so please hand out your advice. I think its 200sq metres.

Looking forward to getting stuck in

Lou

[jackie j]

Congratulations Loublou1 It does seem a bit daunting when you first get an allotment. I got mine last september, if it doesnt need much work plant veg that you eat normally to start with and go for more fancy stuff as you get going. Only do a bit at a time tho if it is in a state.
One of the first things i did was get a shed wouldnt be without it now I only keep cheap tools etc in it.

[LOUBLOU1]

Not sure if we are allowed a shed - I would guess so - Its in a lovely location, Have been and bought some veg seeds - all ones which we will eat and some plug plants so it looks like something is growing. have only had a quick look this morning as I havent got my key yet - so hopefully going down after tea for a proper look - Cant wait. Funny what we get exited about. I love my garden at home but its just not big enough for veg and the kids race around it.

Lou

[HeyWayne]

Get yerself down there and admire it for a bit, take some photos, stand there some more, ponder, imagine, get excited.

Don't try and do everything at once as jackie's said, get yourself a good book - there's plenty out there and start working out what you want to grow. It won't transform over night, but that's half the fun.

Your knowledge will grow as it does.

Good luck, and be sure to enjoy it!

[moggssue]

Oohhh, how 'citing!! I'm just starting out with my lottie as well. I would say take some photos now so you can see how far you've progressed in a few months, sort of before and after. And if it's messy do little and often - I think that's the mantra around these parts!!

Good luck, enjoy!!!

[zazen999]

Lou - not far from us!!! Same council so I am guessing same rules???

What sort of condition is it in?

I will probably have brassicas in a few weeks time which you are welcome to have to get you started.

[Norm]

Priority allotment kit.
1) shed
2) small table
3) chair
4) camping stove
5) camping kettle
6) tea/coffee/sugar/powdered milk
7) cup/spoon
8) pen/paper
Once you have this lot sorted, you can sit with a brew. look out over the plot and draw out what you want to grow where next year. Put some stuff in now, just to get that sense of achievement and by this time next year, you will have the plot you want with the crops you want growing in it. Never be bullied into growing something you don't want to or doing something you don't want to do.

If you want to be totally 'organic' and 'environmentally friendly', go for it. Half and half is great. If you don't believe in 'organic' and 'environmentally friendly' that's your choice. Remember it's YOUR plot to grow what YOU want in YOUR chosen way.

Whenever you go there, all your problems from the rest of your life will be left at the gate, which is why so many people spend so much time on the allotment.
Enjoy!

[HeyWayne]

Priority allotment kit.
1) shed
2) small table
3) chair
4) camping stove
5) camping kettle
6) tea/coffee/sugar/powdered milk
7) cup/spoon

Show off!

[Norm]

Show off!

Nah nah na nah nah

[Snadger]

Get yerself down there and admire it for a bit, take some photos, stand there some more, ponder, imagine, get excited.

Don't try and do everything at once as jackie's said, get yourself a good book - there's plenty out there and start working out what you want to grow. It won't transform over night, but that's half the fun.

Your knowledge will grow as it does.

Good luck, and be sure to enjoy it!

Congratulations LOUBLOU1! Good advice HeyWayne!

[jackie j]

I quite agree norm the only thing I'm missing from your list is the table but have worktop inside shed

[bluemoon]

Quite right right Norm. You can always buy those spade thingies and hoe wotsits later, just start with the essentials. I'd add a corkscrew to the list though, just in case you're there some sunny summer evening.

[LOUBLOU1]

Nah dont need a corkscrew - Most bottles of red come with screw tops now.

Yummy

Lou

[lottie dolly]

DON'T FORGET THE PACKED LUNCH,or a pan later on in the season to cook something fresh straight from the ground.
have a look around at the other plots,and chat with the people,a lot can be learned from just noticing the way others do things ,congratulations by the way,enjoy.

[mikon_warrior]

Dont forget the radio, passes the time while your sitting in your shed waiting for it to stop raining. Im on my second season and loving it (my husband hates it so its one way of getting rid of him for a couple of hours) , My allotment is 500 sqm and i had it ploughed in december as it was basically a field - problem with the couch grass now though.......

Have fun and enjoy it, I sometimes get really stressed what to do etc but have decided to chill - if it doesnt work , theres always next year!