New Allotment

[crucy86]

Thanks Everyone

I have now drawn out the allotment on paper so when I can ill go up with stakes and string and mark it out, ill then try and hit each bed one at a time!

I wont bother with green manure this year and will instead try and use manure.

Few other questions if that's OK?

How much manure should I spread (I have access to quite a bit) or is it a case that its as much as I can get before I cant do it anymore!

I've been reading through the forum and noticed several posts regarding using mulch as a weed suppressor once things get going and that it also aids with water retention. Whats the best type of mulch for this purpose?

I know getting the soil condition up is a very long process, other than manure, is there anything that can speed up the process, I originally though about shop bought compost but I can imagine a 125l bag goes that far? I'm only starting with a few beds, would it be beneficial for me to add some?

Thanks in advance,

Craig

[mrgrower]

Hi I used cardboard boxes covered over with a good few inches of horse poo and found that even areas that had been hard as stone and hiding world war two tanks became very easy to dig after just 4 months and the soil although not great is breaking up so much easier .

[rustylady]

Don't bother buying shop compost. That's good for growing stuff in pots and celltrays but far too expensive to put on your plot.

[crucy86]

Thanks mrgrower, so put down the cardboard and then the horse manure on top.. probably going to be a silly question however if I half fill a rubble sacks (cant carry more than half!) - something like Rubble Sacks Roll 30Pcs | Screwfix.com

do you know what that equates to in terms of how much it will cover at a few inches thick? I imagine im going to need quite a few trips!

now to find some cardboard too!

[bojangles]

Where about is your plot in Milton Keynes? Im from MK too. Do you know about the alloment shop in Tattahoe sp?? pop into local shops for cardboard. Good luck with it and rem to take photos too!

[crucy86]

Thanks rusty, I thought it may end up a little costly!

bojangles, the allotment is in Broughton Gate - Didnt know about the allotment shop - any good? silly question but what sort of stuff do they sell?

[mrgrower]

local supermarket go speak with the night manager ask him to keep all the largest boxes and go pick up around 5:30 / 6:00am in the morning thats when they start neeing to clear up I get all my card from the local supermarket. Oh thats because I work in it on nights

[bojangles]

Thanks rusty, I thought it may end up a little costly!

bojangles, the allotment is in Broughton Gate - Didnt know about the allotment shop - any good? silly question but what sort of stuff do they sell?

I have find it very good and at a very good price. There is so much there and with very helpfull people who don't mind silly question throw at them. I can easey spend a couple of hours in there chatting and showing my progess photos of my plot. Now I don't buy from a GC unless it's been reduced down.

[crucy86]

Thanks

do you know whats its called off the top of your head ?

where abouts is it?

[bojangles]

I don't know the postcode only know how to get there from my house. Its windmill Hill Garden and alloment association. It's near to Emersony valley shops. It open sat and Sundays 10am-12am till Nov I think then Sundays only I think. Sorry not good with names of roads normally I end up driving around for a bit for the first time going there!!