Advice please - Where to start?

[Jo_]

Hi Everyone,

I have a nice big space and really want to get it ready for planting ASAP, I'm a bit lost at where to start.

This is my space I was originally going to dig up the ground but finding everything in it from wood chip and stones etc.. I'm removing as much as I can but thinking maybe beds would be the way forward, can I leave the wood chip in my plot as it's under the soil or should I dig it out and add new soil? Currently in the process of turning my soil over and removing as much weeds as possible, it really is unorganised mess at the moment but thankfully I'm not to over run with weeds etc.

This is my first ever allotment, I know I have a lot to learn. Which is why I'm here!

[Capsid]

Welcome!

That's a nice space with not too many weeds in it.

I think the wood chips are fine and they may help soil structure, so continue to dig it over, if it's not too much work. I would recommend planting some spuds (it's not too late) as they really help break the soil up for next year.

[Scarlet]

I wouldn't worry about the wood chip either this year. Plant in areas as soon as you've cleared them and see how they do. If you want raised beds etc you can do that after a growing season to see what works best for you. I'd cover some large weedy areas with cardboard and plant through the card with squashes, courgettes etc to cut down your work.

[Two_Sheds]

I'm a bit lost at where to start.

In your first year, and esp. as you're starting somewhat late, I would just get planting. Don't worry about organising beds or specific areas, just whack something in.

You'll learn a lot in your first year, esp. what your soil is like and what will grow in it. Then, you can decide if you need or want raised beds.

Just get cracking

[Jo_]

I'd cover some large weedy areas with cardboard and plant through the card with squashes, courgettes etc to cut down your work.

This maybe a silly question but how do I plant though the cardboard and the card?

Thanks, everyone I've got the full family digging so hopefully have it all dug up and planting started by Saturday. I was maybe going to cheat just a little and get some garden center veg plants to start me off to, what do you think?

Spud's, I'll get them planted Saturday. I haven't started any plants off will they be alright to go straight into the soil? Is there anything I can do to help with the growth?

Thanks everyone so far for the advice.

[Two_Sheds]

Cut a X shape in the card with a sharp knife, peel it back a bit and plant your seedling.


Or if the card is soggy, you can cut through it with a sharp trowel or bulb planter

[The Allotment Shed]

It would be a good idea to begin with some plug plants. The sooner you can get harvesting then the more you will enjoy the fruits of your labour.
I would suggest mixing in some bags of compost too if you can justify the cost. It will help with feeding your crops and improve the soil Take it steady and plant as soon as you have dug or any weeds will soon swamp the area again. If you decide not to plant immediately then make sure you cover the areas, preferably with thick cardboard.
Good luck

[~kirsty~]

potatoes!!! That's what i'm doing in my overgrown patch. The others with similar plots to mine are going for raised beds... I found space for beans as well in mine as I've a fence to grow against, and going to risk things like squashes, courgettes etc. Wilko's also had reduced strawberry, asparagus, horseradish and ginger, so definitely risking it planting those, but for 25p couldn't go wrong if they grow.

[snakeshack]

plant the ginger in a 6 inch pot and put it on your windowsill its not too good outside