newbie seeking help

[dinky_doo]

hi folks im in preston lancashire and have just got a plot

well me and the family had a look at it and even though its very over grown we took it on well i have strimmed it down and now im a bit stuck in what to do next

we dont wanna use any weedkiller on it so is it best to hire a rotavator to turn it over or get stuck in wit the spade i tried to dig on thursday night but i could only get half a spade deep as the ground seemed very hard the plot is about 35 x 35 ft

also could you reccomend any sites on t'internet i could have a shufty at same for any decent allotment related mags

any help would be greatly helpful

[Peter]

Seriously, do not rotovate.

Also check this thread http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ead.php?t=1677

If there are any perrennial weeds, bindweed or couch especially, then you will chop up the roots and spread them everywhere.

Guess what these two lovelies regrow from, yup, roots, the smallest bits as well.

Strimming is fine, just leave it to re-grow about six inches of grass is good, then use glyphosate type weedkiller and follow the advice in the thread referred to above.

This is heartfelt advice and I do rotovate, I have three.

[dinky_doo]

cheers for that peter many thanks

[Shortie]

Welcome to the 'vine Dinky_doo

Let us know how you get on won't you, and what you decide to grow on there

[dinky_doo]

will do pal

[dexterdoglancashire]

Hi Dinky Doo
Did you understand where I was trying to describe re: manure in Chorley? Hope so - its on the road going towards Botany Bay......
Im a newby as well, and dug over my very well overgrown back garden earlier this year - even found david bellamys lost landrover in there! (ha ha). I was going to hire a rotavator but they cost a lot of money.
I bought (in the small ads LEP weds nite) a type of strange spade - its got three "prongs" on the bottom but also has a "peddle" - ie. you dig in the prongs and press on the peddle and it turns the soil a treat.
I guess you could get one from a garden centre - sorry dont know the name of the thing!
I dug over my back garden 10' x 30' (not big I know) all by my little self - a big achievement for me!
Its your choice - before I dug it over we (ie my hubby and I) had to hand dig out the top layer of, well, dead/alive grass and lots of unmentionables - then I used the digger fork.
Good luck!
Do keep everyone updated as to your progress.
dexterdog
PS whereabouts is your allotment?

[dinky_doo]

hi dexter my plot is on blackpol rd you'll see loads of little gates between deepdale road and garstang road we are site 4 gate 3 dead opposit the elms schoo; enterance we have a few plots vacant i think at the mo nip in to the parks department ask for allotments

[dinky_doo]

Hi Dinky Doo
Did you understand where I was trying to describe re: manure in Chorley? Hope so - its on the road going towards Botany Bay......
Im a newby as well, and dug over my very well overgrown back garden earlier this year - even found david bellamys lost landrover in there! (ha ha). I was going to hire a rotavator but they cost a lot of money.
I bought (in the small ads LEP weds nite) a type of strange spade - its got three "prongs" on the bottom but also has a "peddle" - ie. you dig in the prongs and press on the peddle and it turns the soil a treat.
I guess you could get one from a garden centre - sorry dont know the name of the thing!
I dug over my back garden 10' x 30' (not big I know) all by my little self - a big achievement for me!
Its your choice - before I dug it over we (ie my hubby and I) had to hand dig out the top layer of, well, dead/alive grass and lots of unmentionables - then I used the digger fork.
Good luck!
Do keep everyone updated as to your progress.
dexterdog
PS whereabouts is your allotment?

we will have a drive down on saturday cheeers mate

[dexterdoglancashire]

hi Dinky Doo
Do let me know how the manure gets on over the weekend!
Got a couple of books I would recommend for you - firstly The vegetable & herb expert by Dr D G Hessayon - gives you step by step instructions on growing every type of veg you can think of - my bible! Also The allotment book by Andi Clevely which I got from Tesco a few weeks ago.
Not forgetting of course - GYO magazine - have now subscribed but what a FAB read with lots of useful advice and help - and of course, The Grapevine! Everyone is SO helpful and friendly you can ask any question and you will get sensible advice without being made to feel daft!
Finally - I have a few seedling plants which u r more than welcome to have if you want - Ive got the following spare: leef beet, cauliflower, beetroot, leeks, rocket, lettuce, and peas (a few). Im only learning myself, but it would be worth planting them just to see what happens.
If you would like them please let me know, I'll let you have my phone number and you are welcome to pick them up.
Best wishes
Dexterdog

[nick the grief]

Hi Dexter,

The spade you bought is a Terrex spade I think. They take bit of getting used to but when you get the hang they are brill. I've been looking for one of those myself. Apparantley the only week part on them s the spring which snaps, but there is a firm around here that makes replacements. Unfortunately the person who knows the address is in hospital at the moment so I can't ask.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Hi Nick
I was lucky to buy this from our local paper for £15! 2nd hand but never been used - It has been worth its weight in manure droppings! thanx dexterdog

[dinky_doo]

just got back from the plot with the kids i was doing the round up they did 3 runs of carrots,spring onions and letttuce they are so excited im gonna get a bath as i stink of round up
y the way what is a cloche

[dexterdoglancashire]

Hi Dinky Doo
A cloche is a plastic tunnel type thing with 1/2 wire rings to make a temporary tunnel/greenhouse effect thingy! good description eh? no, dont think so! try logging onto ebay and you'll see everything you need! (I got a 8' x 6' greenhouse complete with staging from a lass in Cleveleys for £20!) I do have a couple of choches - you can have one if you want - do u want any of my seedlings? you r more than welcome!
PS Yep, know where you allotment is - I could drop seelings off if you want - no probs!
Best wishes
Dexterdog

[nick the grief]

Hi Dinky.

http://tinyurl.com/o6amn

Have a look at these, this is what dexter was on about

[dinky_doo]

ahh i see now cheers mates