Just got my first allotment!

[geoff]

All the appropriate congrats & best wishes Newspaper and cardboard are good and free for mulching, but pull off all the packing tape, plastic stickers and so on first.. See if you can get some manure delivered from a farm or stables. Then; clear; then mulch with cardboard topped with manure . This will all rot down by spring, and you can dig it all in
It's better to clear a small area properly than struggle, and end up doing it all badly
Could clear a small bed and plant garlic in november, it needs to over - winter to grow properly. I've always used supermarket garlic and never had any problems

[fran]

Congratulations Mrs. Jackson. It looks beauoootiful! Very much like mine did when I got it just over a year ago - and now I've got tons of stuff growing. It can be done - but just try a small bit at first and get that really good. Just what you've done really! I love the gate!

[leoblackcat]

The 'before' pictures of your allotment looks just like the one I have been offered! I have two young children, so I will probably not be able to get it straight as quick as I'd like. I think I am going to go the same way as you have, clear (slowly) and cover with cardboard - I hope to get in some garlic before winter....Hadn't thought about rabbits - might have to get some fences put up first

[LilyRose]

Lucky you! Enjoy it -- you have all the time in the world now to think, plan and experiment! I hope my turn comes soon - I'm 143rd on the list. . .:s

[lesleygl]

I know how exciting it is to get your first allotment . This is my first year and apart from one or two disappointments it is wonderful. I was told it would be difficult to cope as I work full time but I have managed to fill the space with veggie, fruit and two ponds. I also have half a pot. Don't let the so and so's get you down have a go and enjoy.