Small Allotment

[Amandaod]

Hello! I'm new here, and to gardening. The most I've ever done is grow herbs in my window sill.. but I'm keen to do more! Just a question about size..

Allotments aren't popular in this area of Scotland, there is a large one close by to me but it has a 2-3 year wait (usual!).
However there is one the next town over (literally a 5 minute drive) which has one available now. I'm going to go see it next week, its 15x15ft. I wondered if this was a good size for a complete and utter notive? I honestly don't even know how/where to begin, so it will be a slow journey. I'm unsure on storage etc at the moment, but just wondered if this sounded an okay size to start off with, though I'm sure it's very small compared to others.

Thank you

[WendyC]

Welcome to the Vine. Perhaps you could add your location to your profile when the system will let you, then we won't have to guess where you are!
It is a smallish area to start with but as you say you haven't worked a large area before. At least it will be manageable and you won't get overwhelmed. It might be worth asking if there is the possibility of a second or even third plot in the future if you find your self wanting more space. Probably worth staying on the other waiting list too if they are bigger and nearer, then if one comes up in a few years you'll have a bit of experience behind you to know what you want to do.
To put it into perspective, our standard plot sizes are 2.5 rods and you are being offered a little under 1 rod. Most people on my site only have one plot. A full plot is 10 rods.

[Jungle Jane]

Some things can be grown very close together eg-peas & carrots,beans & corn,tomatoes & peppers. If you have time,have a look at square foot gardening,there are some good planting plan ideas online. If you have an idea of what you want to grow before you go & take photos.

[Jay22]

Amanda is in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire! Good luck with the allotment Amanda!

[Amandaod]

Thank you guys! I am so excited to go have a look and hopefully get started soon.

I will definitely have a look at square foot gardening. It's nice to know its doable and an okay size for a beginner

[veggiechicken]

There's an enormous thread on Square Foot gardening http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ing_44388.html with some useful links.
Good luck with your viewing

[Aberdeenplotter]

25 squ metres is not an allotment. The Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society has been battling with the Scottish Government to have 250squ metres enshrined in new allotments law presently making its tedious way through parliament as part of the Community Enablement bill. Looks as though the Government has now been persuaded to accept this but this could of course change. The local authorities have been trying to weasel out of reducing waiting lists by sub and then more subdividing plots and calling tiny areas allotments.

[Bigmallly]

Hello Amanda & welcome to the vine. 25sq mtrs is rather small but ideal for a total newbie. What I would do is put a 2ft path centrally in both directions leaving you 4 6ftx6ft beds. 2 beds I would use for spuds, 1 for Courgettes & 1 divided into 36 squares for Square foot gardening. Of course you may have your own plans but it gives an idea as to what is achievable. You may want to dedicate one of the beds to fruit.

[cariann88]

Hello and welcome

[Amandaod]

Update - just got offered an amazing plot on the initial allotment I wanted, right around the corner from my house. I'm just back from viewing it, not sure of the exact size but at least 3 times the size of the one I was going to see on Monday. I have a photo but I'm on my phone just now so will add it soon, go to pick up my keys and sign the paperwork tonight, start tomorrow!! It even comes with a good shed

[veggiechicken]

Fantastic, Amanda. Sounds perfect for you
Getting impatient for the photos though...............

[Amandaod]

Here it is! (Hope I attached it right.. ) I can't wait! Think I might purchase Allotment for Dummies Going to pop out in the morning and get all my supplies and get stuck in.

[veggiechicken]

That's ready to plant Amanda. You've done really well
Is the greenhouse yours as well?

[Amandaod]

Thank you! I don't think it belongs to my plot, I believe it might be the woman's next door (who I met and was lovely).

I'm going to sign my contract and pick up my keys tomorrow morning then head out to get supplies. I suddenly feel very overwhelmed as I'm unsure where exactly to start. My plan is to put in a couple of rows of potatoes at the top left corner.. and that's where my plan ends! I have a short list of things I'd like to plant, so need to work out what goes well next to each other and as I'm starting lateish in the year what I can do.

[veggiechicken]

When you're ready to start planting, tell us what you want to grow and we'll help you work out where and when.
If you can measure up the plot exactly, draw it up on some graph paper and mark on it where the shed is, where North is and any trees that may shade the plot, we'll be off to a good start.