Help Needed BADLY!!

[Otakujin]

Just got my Plot it's overgrown but working on that.. really need some help though not sure what sort of things can I start planting and when?? waant to grow Potatoes, Carrots etc and some fruit Stawberries & Raspberries. but do not really know where to start and do not want to get it wrong.... ANY help will be gratefully recieved

[Two_Sheds]

only got a minute to reply to such a big question... so apols for being brief.
1) get a good book, like Vegetable Expert by Dr Hessayon (library)
2) use the Search facility on this website for specific and general queries
3) take it slow. Use the winter to read up on stuff, make lists of what you want to grow, and plans of what/when/where
4) enjoy it

[rustylady]

Spend the time between now and February/March clearing your plot. As Two Sheds says, read some good reference books - if you don't want to buy then use your local library. Take your time and enjoy what you're doing. Good luck.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Hi, Otakujin and welcome to the Vine!

Yep - Twosheds is right...

I would:

• get yourself a book (or subscribe to that well known and excellent publication GYO...) in order to plan WHEN to sow things.
• clear the plot - it might be a bit of a slog, but as most things are pretty dormant it's the best time of year to get on top of it
• put aside an area for fruit/permanent plants. Bare rooted fruit plants can be put in now.
• also try to find room for shed/greenhouse and compost heaps/bins
• split the rest of the area into 4 then you can rotate the 4 crop groups year on year

and yes, have fun too!

[TPeers]

They've said it all...........

Good Luck, have fun and don't forget to stop and look. It is amazing what can be seen in the way of wildlife in the average allotment.

[Flummery]

Welcome to the vine. Can you put your location in your profile - it will help people to give you advice based on where you live. If the plot is still in an overgrown state I'd spend the time between now and March getting it cleraned up. Plant spuds/carrots from March onwards - it will get a good start at the best growing time. Rasps can be planted now while they are bare-rooted. Best of luck and happy growing!

[simonytfc]

Read books and 'wise up' on growing. You seem to of got a plot at the right time of year as nothing really needs to be planted untill next spring. Good luck!

=]

[Snadger]

If you do want soft fruit they will be in the shops soon as bare rooted plants. You probably won't have the area ready for them yet but they can be planted in large pots and kept until you have decided where to put them. Concentrate on the soft fruit area first and you may have it ready in time!

I did this with my soft fruit this time last year and when I finally decided where I wanted them I dug a hole big enough for the pot and planted the lot. Now I can dig the pot up, dig the final planting hole, a bit of muck, take the well rooted bush from the pot and plant them up permanently!

As others have said, get yerself jenned up, make a start on the winter digging, and prepare the areas you will need first according to your cropping plan and taking into consideration crop rotation!

[Alice]

Welcome to the Vine Otakujin. I would clear the ground now and plant in the spring. Do let us know how you get on.

[momol]

Hi Otakujin,

Welcome to the vine. As what every grape has said about clearing the plot, take it step by step, you will get there and most of all enjot it.

Momol

[bluemoon]

Try to go to your allotment in awful weather conditions, even if only for a few minutes, as you'll be able to identify the likes of frost pockets, waterlogged ground and areas which might be vulnerable to wind-scorch. That way you'll avoid any nasty surprises after planting.

Also identify things such as hedges, fences and sheds and note where any shadows they might cast fall. This sounds daft I know, but it's so easy to plant, for instance, your spring cabbages, in what in summer seems like a lovely, sunny spot, only for them to spend six months languishing in the shade as objects cast a shadow in winter which can be much longer than you'd imagine.

[Snadger]

Try to go to your allotment in awful weather conditions, even if only for a few minutes, as you'll be able to identify the likes of frost pockets, waterlogged ground and areas which might be vulnerable to wind-scorch. That way you'll avoid any nasty surprises after planting.

Also identify things such as hedges, fences and sheds and note where any shadows they might cast fall. This sounds daft I know, but it's so easy to plant, for instance, your spring cabbages, in what in summer seems like a lovely, sunny spot, only for them to spend six months languishing in the shade as objects cast a shadow in winter which can be much longer than you'd imagine.

Good advice bluemoon!

[Otakujin]

Thanks for all the Advice.... where to start seemed like a good idea Grow some veg and fruit... show the kids that food does not grow in Tesco's!!!. well made a start clearing out the plot got about half done. Thankfully the soil seem good but read something about testing it ?? sounds like a chemistry exam...

[HeyWayne]

Thanks for all the Advice.... where to start seemed like a good idea Grow some veg and fruit... show the kids that food does not grow in Tesco's!!!. well made a start clearing out the plot got about half done. Thankfully the soil seem good but read something about testing it ?? sounds like a chemistry exam...

I avoided the soil testing bit, and opted for trial and error - more fun in my humble onion (though the "serious" gardeners will disagree I'm sure).

This has been my first year, and whilst the books are great you run the risk of doing what I did and going into information overload.

When you look at a plot this time of year it's easy for it to look very daunting - the best bit of advice I received was to take it one chunk at a time. I've been going since Feb/Mar this year and I'm just about using the whole plot. That's not to say I've finished yet - there's always something to do, wether that be trying new techniques, new varieties, new tools etc etc. That's the beauty of it, every day is a school day!

You will have successes, you will have failures, but ensure you have fun - particularly if you're trying to encourage kids.

Each plot is different, it's what makes allotments great.

Above all, make sure you keep active on here - there are some great people, giving good advice and encouragement, you'll not go far wrong with this lot behind you.

Good luck!

[shirlthegirl43]

Hi and welcome to the vine Otakujin. Other grapes have given you lots of advice. I would add one thing, keep lots of notes of what you plant and where and how well it does. This is useful to refer back to for comparison in following years.

Enjoy your growing.