Newbie plot advice

[Vegifuture]

Hi all,

Just found this site and I'm currently in the process of trying to acquire a plot and learn how to get the best from it.

I'm a complete newbie to this and have no idea what to do or what to expect as a return for my efforts so any pointers / advice would be greatly appreciated.

I have found a plot which is 58sqm and is available for £125 a year. I can get it now but one of my main questions is how could I best use my time at this part of the year to make it worthwhile getting now and not waiting until the weather improves next year.

I'm obviously going to be reading an awful lot over the coming weeks but really would like any advice people could chip in with.

Many thanks
John



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[rustylady]

Hi John, welcome to the Vine.

Whereabouts are you, and what sort of condition is the plot you mentioned in?

[WendyC]

Welcome to the Vine. Where abouts are you, if you add your location to your profile it helps people to give you the best advice according to your local conditions.
Assuming you are in the UK there are things you can plant now, such as onions, garlic, broad beans. If you take it on now you can take time in preparing the soil and deciding how to lay out your beds. If you wait til Spring there is so much to do you may be running just to stand still!
My plot is the same size as yours and costs me less than £20 a year. I guess yours is still only £10 a month, if you spread the cost.

[Vegifuture]

Hi thanks for reply. Yeah sorry in England north west.




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[Vegifuture]

I'm not sure as yet. I have only found it available online today (private as the list with council is 10 years or something).

I checked still available so I guess next step is try to arrange getting down there to asses.


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[rustylady]

Are you sure about the length of the council list? If you add your location (nearest town) to your profile it will show on your posts.

[Vegifuture]

Will have a look and do that now. I'm based in runcorn Cheshire. The plot I have found is just down the road in frodsham if anyone is local and knows the area.


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[Vegifuture]

Can't work out how to add location. I'm on my phone so will maybe look how to do on computer tomorrow.


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[Dorothy rouse]

Can't work out how to add location. I'm on my phone so will maybe look how to do on computer tomorrow.


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You go to 'people' , then click on your name at the top, this takes you to your profile, and you can add info.

You keep pressing the 'back' button, top left,until you get to a list of contents on the left hand side, people is near the bottom

[Bill HH]

Before we can help with advice it would be useful to know what the site is like already, is it just overgrown jungle or already cultivated? either way this is a good time to start.
As to what you can expect, i would say a lot of hard work, many dissapointments, but a great sense of satisfaction when it all starts coming together. My advice would be to concentrate on growing what you like, there is no point growing stuff just to throw or give away. As time goes by you will also find some things grow better on that particular plot then others. Spend the winter reading all you can and ask as many questions as you can. Best of luck,

[Bigmallly]

Welcome to the vine, now is a good time to get a plot rather than spring when you will be busy preparing plants. As Bill says, it takes a lot of hard work & dedication. £10 a month seems a lot to me so you have to work out if it is worthwile taking your own principles into consideration i.e GYO v Supermarket. Good luck with whatever you decide. If you take it on, come back then more informed advice can be given with regards to preparation, planting, sowing etc.

[veggiechicken]

Hi John and welcome. Only you can decide whether the rental costs is worth it to you. Do check out the council waiting lists before you commit yourself.
I found an earlier thread about these plots so there maybe someone on here who knows the site http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ham_52641.html

[rustylady]

I'm not sure as yet. I have only found it available online today (private as the list with council is 10 years or something).

I checked still available so I guess next step is try to arrange getting down there to asses.


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Have you had a look at this site? It's well worth getting on the list anyway Allotments

[Vegifuture]

Cheers for all the replies folks. Lots of good pointers that I will take on board.

Yes that's the place in frodsham and I did think it was a bit pricey but in the grand scheme of things it's not a bad price for a hobby plus I will hopefully get some produce I can use.

I have called the council and we are on the waiting list which all they would say is that it's very long!

I have sent an email asking can I go along and view the vacant plots so will maybe take some pictures and load them on here so I can get opinion on what may be best.




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[Vegifuture]

Going down at 4:30 today to have a look :-) will hopefully get a couple of pics.


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