Novice allotment owner

[weggyg]

Just starting out with an allotment (10 rods), quite well managed by previous owner, luckily.

Can anyone advise on where to get free seeds or plants or at least avoid me making expensive mistakes.

Looking initially at growing garlic, onions, broad beans, overwintered peas, spring cabbaage.

also want to grow currants and rhubarb.

Can anyone advise on how to cover unused land to hold back weeds - cheap options

Thanks for any advice or help
W
May need to

[zazen999]

I am afraid the only way to learn is to make mistakes. And you will need an initial outlay for your tools and seeds. And esp fruit.

You might get some free rhubarb, rasps or strawbs from other people on your site, if you ask.

the cheapest way to keep weeds back is to hoe them down, or dig them out if they have deep roots, and cover with cardboard. Then plant your seedlings through the card next year.

[alex-adam]

Hi Weggyg,

As Zazen999 says, there is always some initial outlay, but as also mentioned other plot-holders may be happy to let you have some stuff.

Now, is there a Seedy-Sunday seed swap in your area?, look at this link: Seedy Sunday: community seed swap event and biodiversity campaign in Brighton and Hove

Alternatively, not FREE, but probably very inexpensive at this time of year, have a look in the garden centre 'bargain box'

Garlic - lots of controversy here about viruses etc.,, but that great gardener Geoffrey Smith always planted supermarket garlic (as I do) with no problems - worth a try at least for the 30p or so it will cost.

Good luck with your plot,

a-a

[Ananke]

You could also try Freecycle

[alex-adam]

You could also try Freecycle

Do they have FREEcycle in Glasgow? I always thought you Scots were too canny to give stuff away (Ho Ho!)

[pauco]

Hi weggyg, welcome to the Vine from me too.

paul.

[BarleySugar]

If you aren't too worried about varieties, there can be some good buys from the 99p or £ store if you have one near you. One of the plotholders today was saying they have all sorts of fruit bushes at our one. The plants are probably not very big, but quite a few people have success and it is a good way to get stuff to start with if money is tight.
I've had some good experiences with freecycle too. Compost bins and water butts in particular, as well as kneelers and tools. It's a bit out of season for boot fairs, but they can be good for tools too. I got a couple of lovely, 'old fashioned' hoes (better quality than at the shops) for a couple of quid each in the summer.

[alex-adam]

............... It's a bit out of season for boot fairs, but they can be good for tools too. I got a couple of lovely, 'old fashioned' hoes (better quality than at the shops) for a couple of quid each..............

As Barley notes, car-boot sales can be a good source of tools.

I am an advisor to a community allotment and growing project, and have often been asked about inexpensive tools by newcomers. To illustrate what can be had, I took this photo of a complete basic kit which I assembled from car-boots - the whole lot cost under £20.00 - Of course most needed a bit of TLC. wire-brushing, linseed-oil, sharpening etc., and the draw hoe had to have a new shaft.
http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/...ictools1-1.jpg


a-a

[hamamelis]

You might be able to talk a few currant cuttings off someone, if you know anyone doing their pruning, as it's about the right time for it.

Can get free cardboard from some shops- either from outside, or just go in and ask, it's good at keeping weeds back.

Good luck, and remember to enjoy!

[salome2001]

buy John Harrison's Complete Vegetable Grower book from his website and you'll get free seeds to start you off (and it's currently selling at half the price I bought it for a month ago - grrrr). Good book though.

[salome2001]

BTW does your allotment have a shop? Just bought enough broad beans to well and truly do me for a winter sowing for the princely sum of 37p (sold by weight). other seeds also a lot cheaper than RRP, though I prefer to buy specific varieties from the seed merchants