We have an allotment!!!

[newbietogardening]

My friend and I have been allocated an allotment - a half plot - and I am very excited! It has an apple tree on it too, which is an added bonus. I live with my parents so I was starting to run out of space and she only has a small garden so we can't wait to start growing some stuff. I think we might grow some autumn peas and spinach and spring cabbage this year then start properly next year.

Anyone got any advice or hints?

[mandyballantyne]

Yeah!! Contratulations on your new plot I bet you are soooo excited.

What about some late potatoes, carrots etc I have just sown some spinage, salad, chard, and peas too. Also some of the seed companies are now selling starter plants try on www.dobies.co.uk who are selling about 50 plants for £10.50

Maybe just cover the ground you are not using this year to hold back the weeds, take your rime and enjoy!!

Happy growing, Mandy

[Headfry]

Congrats....now the fun starts
soon be time for winter onions and garlic!

Do get a bench to sit on!!!! it's a must. Part of the fun is just sitting and contemplating.

Get a note pad and keep a diary, add to this photos, drawings.....or more modern- a Blog!!

Most of all....just enjoy!

[Nicos]

Make yourself a compost heap!!

Most important of all, grab a chair , a buttie and a brew, and sit and enjoy it ( even if you need a brolly!!) and just get a feel for the place- see where south is , where the shade is etc etc and make a vague plan of where you want to set out the permanent features.
And get to know your neighbours!
On some sites where parking is a bit of a problem, you may want to put the first 8 feet aside as a parking bay ( there's nothing more irritating than having to park miles away from your site when you have heavy stuff to lug around and also having to move it from time to time to let someone drive past)

It's a great time for you! Enjoy

[Nicos]

Great minds eh Headfry!!!

[moggssue]

Congrats!! Can't give you any advice since I dont have a lottie (yet!) and am only new to growing, but had to join in the excitement!! Enjoy yourself!

[dexterdoglancashire]

Congratulations! I'm so chuffed for you! Well done! All I can do is agree with mandy - Ive just been on the dobies webwite myself and ordered some potatoes, onions, garlic and the chinese greens pack for growing in autumn winter. I'm also going to try lettuce as well as I believe you can grow those over winter. Good luck - do let everyone now how you get on. Bernie

[Peter]

Try some curly green kale.

Hardy winter veg which needs little fussing, just keep it weed free in firm ground and the plants are easy to identify and keep tabs on.

Plus late spring you oick it out and compost whats left.

[newbietogardening]

Thanks for the messages of support everyone - can't wait to get started!

[DirtDobber]

I had a look at your blog and enjoyed the pics and comments...I can't even imagine having to clear that mess of weeds but you all are doing a good job...Love the apple tree..what luck...Noticed the Chelmsford name...My husband and I have just moved from a Chelmsford, MA in the USA