Here are some initial observations from my first 6 months of working on my allotment. More experienced gardeners on here might enjoy either confirming or refuting these examinations:
Also, the main thing I have learned so far is that there's a lot going on, a lot to take in, and I don't know even a fraction of it. Every new plant is a learning curve, every season is different. This is a lifelong endeavour!
- My soil is different around the plot. Some areas it is more clay-like, other areas it is finer. This is probably due to previous cultivation and addition of materials. Having a good dig around has revealed a lot - so I can now have a vague idea of where to plant things. (e.g. carrots in the less rocky and clay-like beds.)
- Digging in the winter is pretty much futile. Having taken on my allotment in late October, I spent many hours on my knees in the cold trying to dig over beds. The soil was heavy, roots hard to remove cleanly, and the soil dug at that time looks less tilthy than the stuff that I dug over in the spring. Digging in the cold also hurts. If I ever find myself in that situation I'll probably just wait until spring, when 1 hour of digging is worth 2-3 in the winter.
- Just plant something!!! It's really rewarding to see something actually growing. I planted organic garlic bulbs (from the supermarket) on winter solstice and they are looking great. Shallots from sets (and probably any onion) are easy peasy. Just go for it and stick stuff in the ground.
- Experiment! It's completely overwhelming getting an allotment for the first time. There's tonnes of information, but sometimes it's too much, and sometimes different approaches contradict each other. Better to go for it and see what happens. Of course, take all advice you can get, but don't be afraid to think about it yourself. Plants actually have pretty simple needs. I'm sure you can improve yields with different techniques, but for now just have fun with it.
- Rhubarb grows like crazy. I can't help but make this observation, because I have two well-established bushes on my plot that I inherited. They have gone crazy. I have harvested huge amounts, mostly to give away, and it still comes back. Have fun donating it liberally if you have one
- Take your time and enjoy it, say hello to your plot neighbours, be creative
Also, the main thing I have learned so far is that there's a lot going on, a lot to take in, and I don't know even a fraction of it. Every new plant is a learning curve, every season is different. This is a lifelong endeavour!
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