New allotment and a total beginner- help!

[maisiechain]

Hi all,

My family has just acquired an allotment measuring 125 sq ft. It seems massive to me & has been vacant for about 18 months. It is totally overgrown and I feel very daunted, mainly because of 3 reasons:

1) I don't know what to do really
2) I know nothing about growing anything
3) I don't want the plot taken off me because I'm not fast enough getting it sorted

I have made a start with the kids (this is why I'm doing it, it seems like a great thing for them to learn). We have cleared about 3 rectangles & covered them with old carpet. Unfortunately this was back in September and then I did my back in, so its now January and we are back and determined to get things under control!

Should I cover the whole plot? There is grass everywhere now, or should be carry on doing small sections and covering? Can I still put manure on the bits we've done or am I too late? I notice everyone else did that a while back.

If I just sow stuff in the 3 or 4 sections this year, is it ok or will someone come and take my plot off me?!!! I just can't see me being able to do it all.

Thanks!

[Nannysally99]

Hi, welcome to the Vine, I only garden at home, but there are lots of people on here that can help you.
One or six will be along in a minute I'm sure

[Martin H]

Hi Maisie and welcome to the vine!

I would suggest that you carry on clearing small patches, keep them clear of weeds and plant up with veg in the spring.

Cover as much of the undug parts as you can, to keep the weeds down until you get a chance to clear more small patches.

Unless you have a source of manure that is already well rotted down and from a trusted source, you could spread it on your cleared patches but otherwise I wouldn't bother this year.

Most allotment sites have rules about how much of your plot should be cultivated, but as long as you are making progress and your plot isn't spreading weed seeds over the rest of the site they will usually be tolerant.

Good luck, have fun, don't try to do too much at once!

[lottie dolly]

First things first,welcome to the vine
Secondly calm down,Rome was not built in a day
This time of year,not a lot goes on i presume you are in the uk,some peeps have had to much rain,then nothing can be done,most peeps grounds are far too soggy,as for your concernes ref loosing the plot,depends on what you were tolled,generally,when a person is unable to attend their plot,it's best to say something to whoom ever is in charge,so they get an understanding,also do ask other plot holders on your site whats the best way they use,look at other plots from the road side and see what others have done,you will soon have too many answers to shake a stick at lass,some sites do not allow carpets,please don't be put off,come the spring you will be buzzing,take a little at a time and rest between,there are lots of threads on here that will help you,maybe those in the know would post a link or 2,you have to keep the faith of growing your own,if you not try,you will never know,and what a lovely place for the children to learn,not only about growing,but nature in general,

[Guest]

Hi and welcome to the vine

Firstly check your contract. It should list what is expected and what you can and can't do (carpet on some sites is a no no). If you are still worried talk to your committee/ council depending on how your site is run.

In regards to everything else take it sensibly (as you have already found out) . Clear the ground bit by bit. Covering with layers of newspaper/card then mulching will help stay on top of new weeds. If you can't mulch then weigh down with old bottles filled with water. Then plant through.

If you have inspections and you are worried then lots of canes and labels will give the impression you have sown/planted things

Any questions, just ask they are a great bunch here.

Enjoy!

[Bigmallly]

Hello Masie & welcome to the Jungle. Everyone has been in the same situation as yourself. The last thing you want to be doing is pulling your back out again so get some extra help ASAP. All the above advice is what I would have also suggested. This was mine when I first got it although I gave it up due to retirement & relocating:

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...++40+days.html

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Hi Maisie!

Daunted you will be! It being a totally new venture for you and your family.

But "Breathe in" Your Allotment management folk (Sorry you never stated wether private or council run) will not expect you to have it up n running within a few weeks time, and some, if not most, as ours do, give you the first year rent free if it as not been cultivated for a certain amount of time, and 18 months is one heck of a long time for a plot to become over-ridden!

Also has Martin has said, a lot of allotment sites only state you have to have a certain amount of ground in good cultivation, ours being a third or 30% to be exact!

Now casting my mind back a good few years, I set up a few raised beds to equate the third needed, just so I had a little room to grow a few stuff as to reward what was gunna be a long slog as not to get disheartened, and had a little reward for effort put in!

But seriously don't break your back, it's after all supposed to be fun and enjoyable! A little at a time, you'll soon have it "Licked"

All the very best of Luck to you with it!

[skeggijon]

Welcome to the vine - we'll help you through it, well in spirit at least
Slow and steady wins the race.

[veggiechicken]

Hello Maisie and welcome
I can't add to what everyone else has said although they have omitted something very important - Photos. We love Photos of plots. Please take some of your plot now, then in a few months time, you'll be able to look at them and see how much you've achieved.
Please join our http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...dar_87848.html

There are some photos of other plots at http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ter_34360.html that may encourage you!!

[maisiechain]

Thanks!

I feel better already! Yes it seems sensible to look over my council contract and see what percentage needs to be cultivated. I didn't think to do that having just skimmed read it when they sent it!

Bigmally I love your photos, wow, you did an amazing job! I notice you had a plan to start with, I must say I don't have a plan, but now you've got me thinking I should! It looks so cool and I love the hut too.

Might have to drag my husband off the computer at w/ends and get him to help!!!!!

We live in a very built up part of town and have a tiny patio out back. I just love taking the kids to the allotment and seeing all the green, it makes me smile every time. I don't mind doing the hard work & they are great at helping, but I now feel more relaxed about what's ahead. Thanks!

[Bigmallly]

That's good news maisie, you sound more upbeat already. The Vine is a really friendly community so don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how daft they may appear to you. Remember, we've all been where you are now.

[Lisasbolt]

Helcome to the vine Maisie

Everyone has pretty much covered everything, but please do not stress yourself out about it, gardening should be enjoyable and it would be horrible to get disheartened and put off at the beginning.
If you think you might have problems it is always good to talk to us, to the committee especially, people are a lot more understanding and can give you so much more leeway if your honest and explain, deserted plots and not knowing what is happening will be your problem, us gardeners know what it is like to screw up your back and they will help and understand.

Good luck and enjoy

[Jungle Jane]

Hello Maisychain,I just use my garden to grow things,an allotment can fit a lot more in,you are so lucky enjoy it! I was thinking,as you've cleared 3 rectangles,would it be a good idea to get some garlic & onions in one of the beds? Also you can buy seed potatoes soon (I was thinking of getting one bag of earlies today ) & they need to sit on a bright windowsill for about 6 weeks+ (chitting) before you plant them,March is a good time for planting,if you get main crop varieties & first & second earlies,they will take up a lot of space in the beds & they are harvested at different times (main crop take longest). Also if you have some bamboo poles or a support,rounded varieties of peas like meteor can go in now,mice like them,but you can add more if you have bare patches. The wrinkly sweeter peas like kelvedon wonder & bingo are spring sowing. Peas & beans are particularly good for the soil. When the plants have died down,leave the root in there & the soil will be enriched with nitrogen for your next sowings (sweetcorns a high nitrogen feeder & anything leafy).

[vixylix]

Welcome Maisie! Sounds like you all have a big adventure in front of you!

I am a garden grower but I think you've had some solid advice here, particularly in terms of stepping back and appreciating what you have already achieved.

I would suggest starting to look at seed catalogues / websites and doing some research and reading both here and on the web to give yourself an idea of what you would like to grow. This will help you determine what spaces you need to create and will help you to formulate a plan BUT most of all will get you excited to get things in the ground!

Good luck with everything and keep us posted!

[jonny the plant pot]

Hello
I'm in my second year on my allotment and I was/am exactly the same as you.
Best advice I can give you is its a marathon not a sprint and grow everything you can fit in .
By that you will learn what you like and enjoy growing for next season were you will have more of an idea as to what you prefer to grow.
But most of all have fun we are not farmers.