Voice of doom and gloom from a neighbour- reassurance please!

[KateG]

We're the new kids on the block, along with at least one other tennant (there are other plots available and I'm not sure if they are taken yet). Anyway, their plot is directly in line with ours.

Our plot was cultivated last year but the tennants moved to a plot nearer to the gate. We assumed they wanted to move due to location (it is also close to the only tap on site). But today, the other new kid on the block came to introduce himself and spread his words of doom and gloom regarding our plot in particular Apparently the last tennants moved due to potato blight and also because the plot floods and 'is a dud plot, you can't grow anything on this one'. Makes me wonder, as his plot is in the same strip as ours, I can't believe his is so different (if it isn't, why has he taken it?!)

So, my questions - potato blight, is it really bad? Is it likely to be all over our plot? Will having raised beds with lots of organic matter in help us in the future? will it always be there?

Secondly, is it really possible to have a dud plot that grows nothing? the soil is quite clay-y but we're doing what we can and intend to dig lots of organic matter in each year. It can only get better, right?

Words of wisdom would be very much appreciated for this newbie gardener/allotmenteer.

[greenlung]

I reckon you should just keep positive and ignore the doom merchants.
Sounds like you know what you're doing.
Good luck ; )

[jacob marley]

Potato blight do's not stay in the ground year on year do not worry about it if he come's again with his doom and gloom type chat ask him if he has got his Colorado Beetle spray yet this should frighten the life out of him jacob

[Seahorse]

Blight is largely wind borne. Assuming you clear your plot of any old (possibly infected) tubers, you're as much/as little at risk of it as anyone else on your site.

[rustylady]

Ignore him, he's probably one of those people who are only happy when they're being miserable, if you know what I mean. Blight doesn't stay in the soil, it's wind-borne, and if you get it bad luck. Make sure you burn all diseased plant material and you should be fine for the next year. You say your soil's clayish - dig in plenty of organic material, or make raised beds. Clay is wonderfully productive when managed properly.

[KateG]

Brilliant, thank you all so much.

We've had such a wonderful day on the plot - 2 hours of back breaking digging, followed by 4 hours of sowing while my dad put up the new shed. The children love it up there, we love it up there and my parents love it up there. We've had 3 different people come over and introduce themselves and pass 10 or 15 minutes (one even did some plant swapping with us) so following my post earlier in the week where I felt over whelmed, I can honestly say I'm in love with this lifestyle. I don't want any miserable toad telling me it is all a no hope. Y'know what? I'm not sure I care. I just love being up there, with red kites flying over head, my children knee deep in mud and giggling like mad and my husband happily digging away (so tired that he can't speak, even better )

Good news about the blight though, thank you

[rainbowbrite]

glad you've caught the bug just do a favour for all of us and do really well with ur growing and make him sick!!! remember you have a lot more helpers then he does

[Nicos]

I agree- potato blight is the same for everyone in the locality!
You could choose one of the Hungarian blight resistant varieties next year just to prove a point!!!- if you've got spuds in now then start spraying with Bordeaux mixture now ( it may seem a bit early, but you'll be the one sniggering in a few weeks!!!!)

Raised beds will be fantastic on your plot. Sounds the ideal plot!

We grow on peat and the water table bounces around underfoot until late April ( ie 3" beneath the surface if we are lucky!!)
Raised beds have been a blessing for us...and so much easier to cultivate/weed!


Sounds like you have a lovely spot- I'm glad you're enjoying your time there......we've just got back now from our lottie and cooking supper...it's been a fantastic day for us

Oh..and welcome to the Vine!!!!

[dinky_doo]

ahh clay soil. we are growing on clay and to be honest its not as bad as some ppl make out.
make your own compost i have 3 bins on the go at home and we are building a large heap on the plot,dig itin when its done and you'll befine.
the only problem we have is when its been really hot and dry and the beds look like they have been baked,but underneath its nice and .

[Norm]

Call me cynical darlings, but I'd think he wants you to give up so he can take the plot and if he's only just started, how come he knows you have a duff plot. The words 'backside' and 'talking out of' spring to mind. Do what you've planned and at the end of the season, hand him a HUGE cabbage with the words "not such a bad plot after all then"

[jackie j]

Just ignore him put in some ear phones and listen to your favourite music. Plant what you like and enjoy. One chap who kept bugging me soon got the message and now doesnt bother me. Everyone else is helpful.

[heebiejeebie]

I'm just as cynical as Norm...

We have clay soil - it's really productive! Back-breaking at times and gets a bit waterlogged in really heavy rain, but after a couple of seasons' worth of digging in garden compost it's getting much easier to manage.

[KateG]

Thanks again, you've all really lifted my spirits again.

I'm off to do a search on bordeaux mixture...

[Flummery]

Hi KateG. I agree with the rest of this brilliant bunch. He's a show-off know-it-all who wants to take the shine off your day. You are obviously not going to let him! I hope your harvest is bountiful - as to blight - if you get it - he will too. He doesn't know what he's talking about. Best of luck.

[Wormcast]

lottie

keep up the good work and smile at the doom merchant it really gets to them