maximising vegetable yield

[megan48]

Hello,
This is my first post on this forum, so please frogive me if the infromation iam after is already on here.
I have just been given a new allotment, however i have just been to see it and it is tiny- 4m X 10m.
I had big plans until I saw its size, I now feel a bit deflated.
We have already bought seeds and made basic plans, however most crops would take up a lot of this area.
I think that I will need a rotation plan to maximise growth, has anyone got any ideas about rotation of crops within ayear, so that the land is always growing something
Thanks

[zazen999]

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ger_29101.html

Hi Megan

Have a look at the above thread.

Also look at square foot gardening.

Is it a full plot you've got or a 1/4 plot...is there any chance of increasing the area once you are established?

[megan48]

The council says that it is a full plot but i somewhat doubt it.
Thanks for the advice, I will have a look

[zazen999]

My beds are that size, and I have 9 of them plus 2 ft paths so it's not a full size one by any means.

How much rent are you paying for that?

Is everyone growing on such a small space?

[FionaH]

Its still bigger than my veg beds in the garden

[Sue]

Hi
That is small, one thing I would suggest is to grow vertically as much as possible.
Runner beans, Climbing french beans and tall growing peas on arches or trellis.
If you have compost bins use them to grow your cucumbers (put a good layer of soil and compost on the top, insert cucumber - stand back)
The other thing is to look for compact/baby veg to cram in as much as possible.
Still, small as it is, it's a start, good luck with your growing.
Sue

[Victoria26]

Don't be disheartened sweetie. Look into vertical gardening and pots and container gardening too - You'll soon turn into recycling gurus/slaves like the rest of us!

[Alice]

Welcome to the Vine Megan.
I think your allorment is quite small as allotments go, but it is a lot of growing space.
If you don't give it all over to growing potatoes you can grow loads in there.
And in a space that size you can have the place well tended and not a constant battle with weeds etc.
It sound good to me. Enjoy.

[Paulottie]

The council says that it is a full plot but i somewhat doubt it.
Thanks for the advice, I will have a look

A Full plot is 250 sq.metres. (10 rods or 302 sq yards if you prefer)

Very fertile raised beds and module sowing is the probably the most efficient method. The secret is to keep harvesting small and tender; Always have something waiting in the wings to replace crops; sow little and have clumps /patches at reduced spacings rather than rows...used to do well like this but I'm a traditionalist at heart and have lots of space now.... but check out Geoff Hamilton (Ornamental Kitchen Gdn). for tips.

Firstly grow what you like to eat, and what is expensive to buy. ie if you have limited space there is little point in growing maincrop spuds. Secondly try to gauge what you can preserve and reasonably eat (nobody wants more than 4 or five lettuce a week)..making the most of your harvest is vital. (freezer, pickles jams etc.)

[Eyren]

Hi Megan, and welcome!

10m x 4m is definitely not a "full plot" in the traditional allotment sense - mine is about 8m x 8m and was described to me as a "3 pole plot" i.e. 3/10ths of a full plot. Maybe yours is the size of plot that is currently being assigned to beginners by your council in an attempt to reduce waiting lists? (BTW, if you put your location - just town or county name - in your profile - it helps us to give more accurate advice.)

In any case, you can grow a surprising amount in a small space - at RHS Harlow Carr not so long ago they did a project with raised beds in a 3m x 3m plot, from which they were able to produce some fresh veg for the table all year round! The project is described in "Grow Your Own Veg" by Carol Klein, along with lots of good basic well-laid-out information on sowing and growing all kinds of veg - I would recommend it highly if you are starting out on a small plot.

[kirsty b]

Hows about making a sturdy frame (think footie goalposts) and suspending hanging baskets from them? Strawbs, salads and some types of cherry toms can be grown in them. Then perhaps something climbing could go up the posts either side.
Or build a salad bar, if you find Wellie on the members list, take a look at her blog, she built one the other year I think.