I've got one!!!

[rustylady]

Good luck DDL, and congrats on getting your lottie

[dexterdoglancashire]

Do you intend to wrap it and get it under your Christmas Tree..?

What a good idea! Not sure the OH would approve - and Dexter the dog would probably c**k his leg up all over the weeds! LOL! Dexterdog

[dexterdoglancashire]

Thank you Rustylady - I really appreciate your kind wishes! It feels rather strange at the moment - I've wanted a lottie for so long and now I've got one, I still think I'm dreaming! Dexterdog

[Snadger]

Nice one DDL! I'm pleased for you!

Have you had Dexter there yet! If he's anything like my dog I'm sure he'll lend a hand with the digging!

Is OH not involved with Wilkinsons somehow? Surely they will sell black plastivc sheet, they sell everything else!

Nice to have you out of hibernation for a while anyway!

[dexterdoglancashire]

Hi Snadge! Thanks for your very kind comments! I only went down this am to see which bit was mine - didnt take Dexter, although Im sure he would've had a super time! Drawing up plans as we speak! Have you got any tips? I thought about dividing it up the middle (methinks - 25ft across by 30ft long?) thats by my feet measurement - my OH calls me sashqwuich (you know what I mean!).
I thought about a path up the middle with four plots on the left - shed etc top right........havent got any further - but any suggestions/amendments VERY welcome!
Dexterdog

[snohare]

Congratulations, DDL.
First things first according to my way-too-obsessive allotment planning - which way is South, and is there anything that will shade out plants/shelter tall 'uns/cast heat back at ripening fruit ?
If the ground is level, odd though the idea seems, it might make sense to have the compost heap bang in the middle, even if only at one side. (Think about the amount of time you will save if you can just throw the rubbish/weeds straight into it from everywhere in the garden. )
Do you want a little pond to encourage frogs or toads so that they will be your anti-slug patrol...all it takes is a dish of water the size and depth of a handbasin, with some stones and plants in it for aeration and protection from predators, and maybe a bit of dampish/leafy shelter under the shed for summer/winter.
Don't forget, if you put your newly delivered manure/compost/whatever at the top of the site, that's God knows how many tons of stuff you'll be barrowing all that extra distance !

(Envious wailing and grinding of teeth noises in background is not me desperate to get the bare ground plot the cooncil hisnae "released"....much ! )
Have fun !

[nick the grief]

Well done DDL, I was down at mine yesterday and all we managed was a good natter & two cups of coffee Still it ws good.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Thanks for the advice snohare - I need to find which way is south, but have been looking to see what everyone else has what and where on theirs! Am on the scrounge on freecycle for plastic sheeting (to kill the weeds) and a garden shed - I don't want much do I?
Good to hear from you Nick - just wait till I get my shed - first thing, comfy seat and a thermos flask full of coffee! Dexterdog

[Mrs Dobby]

If you get a spare shed DDL, then give us a shout, the one on our plot is in need of some serious fixing and extending (its only 3' by 4', so hardly room to wield a mug of tea, let alone a flask!), so perhaps a new(er) one would eb a better idea! lol!

[HappyMouffe]

Excellent news, DDL

[Snadger]

If you get a spare shed DDL, then give us a shout, the one on our plot is in need of some serious fixing and extending (its only 3' by 4', so hardly room to wield a mug of tea, let alone a flask!), so perhaps a new(er) one would eb a better idea! lol!

Put it on your Santas' wish list! You never know!

[Mrs Dobby]

Lol Snadger! Dont think Mr D can afford one this year!

[Snadger]

Hi Snadge! Thanks for your very kind comments! I only went down this am to see which bit was mine - didnt take Dexter, although Im sure he would've had a super time! Drawing up plans as we speak! Have you got any tips? I thought about dividing it up the middle (methinks - 25ft across by 30ft long?) thats by my feet measurement - my OH calls me sashqwuich (you know what I mean!).
I thought about a path up the middle with four plots on the left - shed etc top right........havent got any further - but any suggestions/amendments VERY welcome!
Dexterdog

Make a list of what vegetables you want to grow. Decide which crop rotation regime you want to adopt, not forgetting an area for soft fruit and cut flowers if need be. I would say a compost heap is a necessity along with a shed.

The joy of having an allotment is that you are free to do your own thing!!!!

Once you know what you want to grow, where you put it is up to you!

Explore your inner self!!

PS Take a few photographs of the way it is now,and during it's transformation.
Post them on the Vine and I am sure plenty of grapes will offer you all the constructive critcism you can handle!

[nick the grief]

Thanks for the advice snohare - I need to find which way is south, but have been looking to see what everyone else has what and where on theirs! Am on the scrounge on freecycle for plastic sheeting (to kill the weeds) and a garden shed - I don't want much do I?
Good to hear from you Nick - just wait till I get my shed - first thing, comfy seat and a thermos flask full of coffee! Dexterdog

Souths easy If you look on a tree the moss & Lichen always grows on the north side so sout is towards Me & LJ from you

You don't want a thermos DDL what you want is a kettle & a gas stove then you can have as many cups as you want

[Stroppy scotte]

Many Congrats
Just enjoy every minute and await the fruits if your labour
Before you know it you will be entirely self sufficient!
Would love to see your tree if the lottie will fit under it!!! Maybe it is a giant oak!!
Enjoy