Covering up the allotment

[Alison]

I just assume that everybody's plot is a mess when they get it and waist high with bramble and weeds . Mind you I do love standing in the shed looking out and feeling smug that I tamed it - although there are times when it doesn't look very tame!

[Two_Sheds]

I plan on covering up about 1/2 of my allotment (125m2) for the main bulk of the year.

I've just looked at your blog: your plot looks fabulous. Please don't waste the space by not planting it Are you just feeling a bit overwhelmed by the enormity of the task?

Do you like kidney beans? I'm covering nearly half my plot with French beans this year, because I love dried beans and because I don't have so much time this year for plotting (new puppy).

Or pumpkins/squashes? They will cover a lot of ground too, and can be pretty much left to it over the summer

Winter veg? You need to get them in the ground in the spring, and they'll grow all year until you pick them next winter. I never plant enough.

[di]

When we took on our first plot we dug it from top to bottom and that's the way it stayed. It really is very daunting and far harder to picture what you will grow where. My next plot, I started to do the same but less than a quarter of the way through, got disheartened. That's when I started making beds. Not properly measured and tidy ones, just a little bit higgledy piggledy. What's good about it is, once each one is prepared you can picture what you'll put in it.

My point is, as TS says, it could just be that you feel overwhelmed by the huge space. I agree with those that suggest covering with cardboard and growing through it, but also suggest you try breaking it down into beds. Even if it's just a string path down the middle and string to section three large beds either side. Although you'll have the same space to manage, I bet it will feel a lot less daunting.

Good luck. x

[di]

Also, totally agree with squash, potatoes and beans as good crops for your first year and great ground coverage. Then, if you do split your plot, one of the areas could be dedicated to things like carrots and beetroot and salads.

Last week, I planted the last of my potatoes. I made the rows by soaking and laying sheets of newspaper in rows and planting the potatoes inbetween. Think I might do this with my beans also. (must get batteries for my camera and I'll post some pics)

[rustylady]

First job get your spuds in. You don't need to dig, just make holes with a trowel. Once they start growing they grow so fast you will really feel you're getting somewhere.

[taff]

going to secind cardboard and squash, and also spuds. I grew pink fir apple last year, the foliage was 5ft and no weeds were observed after they got going.

[Aberdeenplotter]

going to secind cardboard and squash, and also spuds. I grew pink fir apple last year, the foliage was 5ft and no weeds were observed after they got going.

Glad you found that Taff.

[MancGardener]

Thanks for all the advice.

I will get my spuds in today (weather dependant).

What would be the best way to grow pumpkins?

[Two_Sheds]

What would be the best way to grow pumpkins?

Not sure what you mean ...?

[MancGardener]

Not sure what you mean ...?

Is it best to start them of in my greenhouse or sow them direct?

[Two_Sheds]

I sow everything in modules, otherwise the slugs eat them.

Pumpkins are tender: they need warm weather and plenty of sunshine to ripen.

Mine are 2" high in the unheated gh: I'll be hardening them off for a week next month when they're getting too big for their pots, then they'll go on the lotty until harvesting in Sept.

Here's a quick how-to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...rgettes1.shtml