Officially got my plot today.

[Bohobumble]

Think about putting taller things (like a shed) where it'll block the least amount of light - ideally on the Northern boundary.

Same for each bed if you can; i.e. broad beans 'behind' peas, the cordon tomatoes behind the bush types/potatoes etc.

Is it possible to find out what was grown in each bed last year so you can plan to avoid disease?

Other than that you'll get a feel for your style of gardening, everyone has a way of doing things and will offer advice accordingly, read good quality advice in books (try the library) online and of course all you allotment neighbours will have plenty of advice for what works for them.

You can't listen to it all, so try out the bits that make sense to you, take some with a polite pinch of salt, you'll learn what works for your ethos, lifestyle and your location.

Indeed that might be very different from the folks three plots over - on my plot I grew demon onions last year after just shoving in some old sets quite late and essentially doing nothing more, one of the other plotholders told me she'd tried every location over the years on her plot and just cannot grow a healthy crop.

I have the worst of the wind on my plot so I have to be particularly careful, whist other plot holders can get away with a little more it seems.

[Nicola.P]

I will get some clearer pics/ measurements tomorrow and use photoshop to mark put what is mine to show you all. I will need opinions from those in the know as I know nothing.
As it is a small plot I will need to plan carefully.

[Nicola.P]

Thanks. Yes I will be able to find out what was grown as the guy that gave up my plot still has half on the plot right behind me, I have been told by the council lady that he is really friendly so he will be able to tell me what grows well etc.

Been to visit 4 times in the last week for a nose at different times including midday at the weekend and have so far not seen another person. I might poke a hello postcard through my 2 neighbours shed doors just as a polite hello.

[21up]

Thanks. Yes I will be able to find out what was grown as the guy that gave up my plot still has half on the plot right behind me, I have been told by the council lady that he is really friendly so he will be able to tell me what grows well etc.

Been to visit 4 times in the last week for a nose at different times including midday at the weekend and have so far not seen another person. I might poke a hello postcard through my 2 neighbours shed doors just as a polite hello.

Hi Nicola.P
i go down to my plot Every day as mine was covered with yard high weeds /bramble /gravel / plus more.I got mine in October 2014
and it amazes me that for days on end i am the only one there.
hope yours goes OK cheers Peter

[Bigmallly]

Looks brilliant Nicola. Get the pic on http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...dar_83084.html & record its development over the season.

[sparrow100]

This time of year there are only a few regulars on our site - it's too wet on our field to do much. You just wait till the weather warms up though....

[Lumpy]

Congrats - Well Done!
We only got ours 2 weeks ago and the more I (we ) do the prouder I become.

[Greenleaves]

Congratulations and I hope it brings you many years of enjoyment Going by the second pic in your first post thats one hell of a slope

[Nicola.P]

Congratulations and I hope it brings you many years of enjoyment Going by the second pic in your first post thats one hell of a slope

It is on the flat I promise.
But at the time I didn't have the completed paperwork (I didn't know it was sat on my doormat at home waiting for me) so I thought the plot wasn't mine yet so I was snooping and creeping around doing a bit of a 007/ burglar impression and because I didn't want to walk on someone else's plot I just turned my phone to a funny angle.

[KevinM67]

Hi Nicola.P
i go down to my plot Every day as mine was covered with yard high weeds /bramble /gravel / plus more.I got mine in October 2014
and it amazes me that for days on end i am the only one there.
hope yours goes OK cheers Peter

Due to work, I can only get down to my plot at weekends - and I go whatever the weather (unless it is really pelting it down). Like yourself, I've been the only person down there for months.

And also, congratulations Nicola - you're gonna love it.

[Nicola.P]

I will mostly be a weekend allotmenter. I will be able to pop down for a bit one weekday a week and will be able to pop down each evening for watering and stuff.

So far I have been down there mid-day at a weekend, morning of a weekday, afternoon of a weekday x 2 and still no-one. The council lady told me they are all very nice and friendly and that they all have a great raport but I am starting to wonder if they even exist! (although it is winter and not a lot to do) On the plus side it will be nice and quiet.

I do have a question though, is it ok for me to add well rotted manure to the soil around this time or is that best done at the end of the season?

[Bigmallly]

I put well rotted manure on my beds any time of year. Most put it on in Autumn but I don't follow many rules.........

[Bren In Pots]

Congrats on getting your plot Nicola
The plots around you look worked so that's a good sign there's nothing worse than someones weeds blowing seeds all over your plot.

[Nicola.P]

Just took my parents to see it and my dad has said that there is tonnes of work to do to it and that working full time I won't have enough time to do it so not feeling as excited now.

There is a bit of digging and the beds need tidying up but I don't think it is that bad. I did say it doesn't all need doing straight away but they are not impressed (they garden but don't grow veg and as far as I know have not been to an allotment before)

[Martin H]

Don't be discouraged, Nicola, parents don't know everything. You will do fine. It's not as if you've got a 10-rod plot waist deep in brambles and couch grass, is it!