New allotment holder, Romford Essex

[Garypm]

Hi there just taken on(3 weeks ago) a plot in romford. I'm a total newbie. Luckily the plot wasn't/isn't to bad.. Been trying to dig enough space to get me started and just tidy the rest for now. Hope your prepared to be bombarded with questions . Thanks gary

[veggiechicken]

Hi Gary and welcome
We love questions here - never mind how daft they seem! Some of the answers are pretty daft too
Pull up a chair and make yourself at home!

[lottie dolly]

Welcome to the vine,that looks a good sized plot,and a blank canvas,bambard away with questions,we will do our best,good luck.

[happyhumph]

Hi Gary and welcome to the vine. Nice size plot there, good luck with it, and as VC & LD said, ask as many questions as you like & have a good browse.

[Baldy]

welcome along Gary. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask (or something...)

[Bigmallly]

Hello Gary & welcome to the Jungle, mark out where you want to put some beds & cover with cardboard till you get round to preparing them.

[Bren In Pots]

Hello and welcome to the vine Gary Like the others have said feel free to post your questions but I should warn you you'll get lots of answers and they'll all be different

[Garypm]

Thanks for the warm welcome
. I've been having a go at enough land to get me going for this year, but now I need to get serious with the weeds and getting it ready.

[veggiechicken]

You've worked hard to clear that much, Gary. Looks great soil!

[Garypm]

Cheers veggie, who needs the gym. The ground isn't to clever very heavy clay, bit of a bog at the moment. I'm thinking of doing a couple of raised beds and see what works best. What are people's thoughts on these? I have read a few things and it seems a bit of a marmite thing. Any one who as gone that route on here how did you go about filling them? Thanks gary

[Bigmallly]

You're quite right Gary, it is a love /hate relationship with raised beds. Personally I prefer them. Just put them in position & use the plot soil, adding manure & organic matter as you go along. Woodchip paths seem to go nicely with them.

[happyhumph]

As you've got heavy clay they could help you improve the drainage by just adding stuff on top which worms will pull down and mix in for you. Compost, manure, leaves, etc to fill them.

[Garypm]

A little update approx 9weeks down the road. . Enjoying allotment life if not harder then I thought lol. The ground is like rock at the moment but getting there.

[1Bee]

Fantastic, Gary!

I second the vote for covering whatever you're not going to cultivate straight away, but you've made huge progress. :-)

Hubby and I are from Romford originally - Gidea Park and Collier Row.

[Nicos]

Well done Gary!...looking really good!