New allotment - how to prepare the ground

[Philosophical]

Hello all,

Last September I took ownership of an allotment covered in weeds. Ive chopped it back and covered the raised beds, but I was wondering if I should add anything to the soil before I start planting? There's a local farmer selling "well rotted" manure and another selling bags of fertilizer, but would I need to add anything as it's the first year of growing?

(I'm trying to add pictures but my phone won't let me(

[Guest]

Hi and welcome to the vine.

If weeds grow then your plants etc. will (in theory) grow fine in that soil. There is no necessity to add anything at this point. 'However' you do need to bare in mind that the more you grow the more nutrients are being taken from the soil, so if you keep the beds spotless of decaying debris/ organic matter then there is nothing to replace the nutrients that have already been taken. Another reason for adding matter is soil structure. If you have found your soil workable then again there is no made rush to worry about it.

Hope this helps

[Snoop Puss]

Hello and welcome.

Most (not to say all!) plants will benefit from good loamy soil containing a decent quantity of nutrients. I personally would add manure, something like BFB and then later in the season a scattering of hardwood ash on the fruiting plants to cover all the basics (don't add ash where you're going to grow potatoes, by the way, as it can cause scab).

Do you know what's in the bags of fertiliser being sold?

[JMCKG]

If the manure is well rotted there will be no problem, just plant through it. Good start to go no dig, google Charles Dowding.

[Philosophical]

Thanks all, I think I'm going to buy a little (but maybe not the "trailer" full advertised.

The ground is working ok at the moment, so I'm eager to experiment until I get a system that works well.

It's 'well rotted horse manure', if that changes anyone's mind!

Thank you all again for your comments - I daresay I'll be posting more questions over this first year!

[JMCKG]

Thanks all, I think I'm going to buy a little (but maybe not the "trailer" full advertised.

The ground is working ok at the moment, so I'm eager to experiment until I get a system that works well.

It's 'well rotted horse manure', if that changes anyone's mind!

Thank you all again for your comments - I daresay I'll be posting more questions over this first year!

Well rotted is what you want.

[Snoop Puss]

Have a look around the forum, Philosophical. There's loads of info already here and friendly folk happy to answer questions, though we don't always say the same thing! Good luck.

[geepee]

Hi and welcome to the Vine.
All good stuff so far....however I would add my Two Penerth and say....be aware of NOT putting too much FYM in/on the areas you intend to grow Carrots or Parsnips....It encourages 'Fangy' growth .
Gp

[Dalrimple]

I'd be inclined to get a full trailer of it if you can afford it and it's well rotted and no weeds in it ! it really is good stuff and it don't take up to much room! you could put it in some old builders bags and use it has and when! atb, and welcome to the vine.