Viewing allotments tomorrow

[CaraFlower]

Hello all, I'm sure you've had similar questions so apologies for the repeat.

I am viewing an allotment site tomorrow - they apparently have 18 recently vacant plots, with 4 having gone already, so unless there are a lot of people viewing between now and tomorrow afternoon I will get my pick of the rest.

What sort of things should I look out for? The allotment guy said we could try and find one near my side of the rather large allotment site which is brilliant.

But other than that anything I should think of or ask about? Is there anything you think a plot would benefit from in an ideal world. I am hoping there are some with already established perennial plants and few weeds

I am quite excited!

Thank you,
Cara.

[Bren In Pots]

Hello and welcome to the vine Cara

I'm a back garden grower I can't help with choosing an allotment so instead here's a couple of older threads that might help.

but still feel free to post any questions someone will be along with the answers

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...elp_70997.html

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ent_69202.html

[alldigging]

Ideally you want to spot the perfectly laid out plot that no one else has spotted.

Most important is sunshine. Avoid the shady side.
Next to look for is water.
Buildings already would save you money.
Establish fruit would be good.
The quality of weeds will tell you about the quality of soil!

[sparrow100]

From my limited experience I'd go for one that is flat, not near big trees or hedges, full sun, near water, preferably near manure/woodchip piles.

Ask them about the soil, whether it floods/has standing water in the winter, what are the worst weeds on site, what expectations they have of new tenants in what timeframe and whether there are any communal tools if you have none.

One that has lots of weeds can mean that it is very fertile. Ask when your preferred plots were recently worked and if anyone knows what was grown there.

Having said that, I am blissfully happy with my plot onna slope, near to a massive oak with blackthorn hedge on the south-side and which has every shade of weed and floods every winter.

[rosiepumpkin]

We were offered a plot in full sun near a water butt or one in half shade ages from the water. We went for the shady one as it was private and we don't like roasting in the summer. Creative solutions for maximising light are in progress

[Alison]

From my limited experience I'd go for one that is flat, not near big trees or hedges, full sun, near water, preferably near manure/woodchip piles.

Mine is on a gentle slope which is extremely useful as I can easily gravitate water from the water butts off the shed at the top of the plot. Can see how a steep slope would be a pain though. As for water - all ours are equally near the sky, manure - nearest stables about a mile away and woodchip piles - sorry, what? Seriously though, the point I'm making is that these questions aren't necessarily relevant, especially on small sites, the nice lady from the parish council would have been very confused by such queries.

Don't write off plots which are knee deep in weeds, mine was and I loved the fact it was a blank canvas so I wasn't constrained by the previous holder's layout.

[Noosner]

My only tip is to go for the one you like best, provided it gets plenty of sun. Your seeming gut reaction will probably be based on lots of relevant little observations.

[CaraFlower]

They're self-managed so I think it's someone who is there a lot that is showing me around.

Basically: Shade, Water, drainability, slope, buildings, plants, manure. And ask about nasty weeds and how damp it gets.

Thanks

[Fleurisa]

I would refuse any plot that has horsetail on it

[Alison]

I would refuse any plot that has horsetail on it

If I thought that they I wouldn't have an Lottie at all as they all have it round here. Mine is rife with it but I don't mind much as it doesn't compete like a lot of other weeds. Bind weed is the one I really hate but all things like that are manageable whereas things like position, light etc are difficult to change.

[CaraFlower]

This is the one we chose. The water is at the edge of next doors plot. No Horse tail, but bindweed and lots of old carpet!. We've already picked a crop of blackberries and dried beans. And a strawberry.



The other choices were: a long thin one with 3 fruit trees at one and and a dilapidated shed, but otherwise blank; Another blank one with a dilapidated shed that had previously belonged to the guy on the adjoining allotment and a smaller one with a summer house type shed, rhubarb and otherwise blank (but they had had to have two bonfires there to get rid of rubbish). I think we made the right choice.

Thank you for your help.

[noviceveggrower]

Glad you managed to get one and the one you picked you are happy with. Bonus picking some berries and beans already

[Noosner]

It looks lovely, well done. And yes, how great that you've had a mini harvest already.