Overgrown allotment cleared, now what to do?

[krazy_krok]

Hi all,

Ive recently obtained and cleared a very overgrown allotment(not been worked for about 10 years). I've rotorvated the land but want to stop the weeds coming back best i can. I was thinking of manuring my beds and covering over with non permiable black plastic. I have aquired a supply of manure but think it's going to be fresh rather than rotted. Should i let the weeds on the paths grow back to help the paths form? Was thinking of having beds 6 foot x 7 foot(12 of) and four raised beds(no dig way). Also considering a pollytunnel. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated as i'm a total beginer all i know i was from what i've read up on via the net.

Check out the before and after pics.........Cheers

[Capsid]

Wow, that looks like a lot of hard work! You could grow some green manure over it all and then dig it in spring time. That will suppress the weeds and improve the soil condition. Then it's just a matter of planting and weeding. Don't forget to plant some garlic, onions and broad beans now, especially since you have cleared the area.

If you let the weeds grow on the paths then there is the danger that they will spread their roots into the plot as well as spread seed. So I'd use something to keep the weeds down on the path. That big grey carpet (?)/tarpaulin in your pic would be ideal to cut up and lay on the paths, I think.

[Nicos]

Flipping heck krazy krok!!!...nice job!!!

I think you'll be in need of a soak in a hot tub, a beer and a back rub

Have you designed the layout of the beds/paths etc?
Do you know what you intend to grow...requiring permanent beds, or on a rotation??
Have you taken into consideration N/S for maximum light- or shelter from trees /hedges?
Distance from water source for hot dry summers()

Good time to stand back and imagine what and where and WHY you have chosen that layout.
Grab a chair,pencil and paper and a flask and sit in the sun and plan.

...and most of all ...enjoy!

Oh..and welcome to the Vine!

[krazy_krok]

Thanx people,

It's been hard work but it'll be worth it in the long run(my backs not thanking me though!!!). I like the sound of the green manure, not considered it before as don't know much about it, will definatly have to do some research into it. I've made a plan online through growveg.com. Chose the sizes above to make the most of the space available. Got three rows of the beds planned with Brassicas in one, potatoes in another and onions in the last which i'll rotate each year. Then two raised beds one with straws manure and compost as a salad bed and the other with topsoil and horucultural sand for carrots/Parsnips. Then was going to grow toms, Peppers/chilli, Aubugine, grapes, melons and cucumbers in the pollytunnel. Also a row down one side for soft fruit bushes. got excellent shelter and nearby tap. Loads of frogs but spotted the odd mouse.

Wasn't going to bother growing anything this year but getting on to marhalls now, thanx for the tip.

Cheers again much appreciated

[zazen999]

Hi

6 ft does seem quite wide; can you reach to the middle of that without standing on the beds?

My first job on the plot once cleared was to mark out the paths and put weed fabric down - thus demarking which was path and which was bed.

Anyway - The work you have done looks wonderful, if you don't plant anything for more than a couple of weeks, then sow with the green manure or cover with cardboard to keep the weeds off, as well as the seeds that are blowing about now...

[moggssue]

Now, there's a good job done well! TIme for the fun to start now, the planning and all that. Make sure to come back and tell us all how you get on. And watch out for the return of those pesky weeds ..... I'm trying thick black plastic as I clear my beds of their summer crops, no idea if it'll work but has to be better than leaving the soil for the weeds

[jaykay]

You've got a blank canvas! When I first got my plot I set out the position of the raised beds with string and sticks before actually building them so that I did not walk on the soil and compact it. I then set to and got the beds built and planted and ignored the paths thinking that walking along would help keep the weeds at bay - this was a big mistake as the weeds popped up like fury as soon as my back was turned. As zanen999 says, get that weed fabric down on path areas asap - it will save a lot of work in the future. Enjoy choosing your first crops and look forward to that day when you can taste them!

[chuffa]

well done krazy_krok, you've done a lot of hard work getting from to where you are now. I would make your raised beds wide enough so you can still reach the middle without walking on the soil. Check out my album. They are made 10ft x 4ft internal measurements out of old scaffolding boards. Phone scaffolding companies up and talk to them about their old boards, they may want to get rid of them and may even let you have them free of charge with just a small delivery fee. Its worth a go.

[greenfingers007]

Well Done Krazy Krok, that looks like a fantastic job well done, Would definately recomend getting some onions in and garlic. well done you.