Suggestions please....

[vegtable newbie!]

So, my new allotment - tonight I am hoping to plan it!

What do people suggest I grow in my first year please?

What size shed do you advise as well please?

I am planning to do raised beds! What wood do u suggest I use, I have had old scaffold boards, decking and pallet boards suggested.

What size do you recommend I have them?

Last question....... I have 6 sm meter squared beds at home that I do not plan on getting rid of! What shall I grow at home?

Thank you very much

Sue

[zazen999]

a - grow what you like to eat
b - don't make any permanent beds until you have grown there for at least a year. Just make some temp paths [I used weed fabric] as you might change your mind later down the line.
c - mulch with cardboard any area that you aren't growing on to keep the weeds down and it will add good organic matter to the soil.
d - grow the tough nut stuff at the lottie and the more tender stuff at home so that you can keep an eye on it. Lottie - potatoes, leeks, swedes, brassicas, beans, peas, broadies etc. Home - tomatoes, peppers, lettuces, herbs like basil etc.

[chris]

Well, what do you like to eat?

Spuds are easy, and provide good ground cover.

Wood wise, treated will last longer but you'll get a good few seasons out of untreated wood. Size wise, see how far you can reach, and double that for the widths (comfortably, so you don't end up stepping on the soil unless it's sandy/doesn't compact easy?). Length.. I've 12' long beds and they're just about right to prevent me from jumping over them.

Grow things that need more attention at home, or require more water.. really though it boils down to what you like to eat I could recommend you grow loads of tomatoes, but you may have an allergy to them

[chris]

d'oh beaten to it by the z'ster.

[zazen999]

Er - snap. Again.

What do I win?

[taff]

nothing, for you are all-knowing and all-seeing, and too quick off the draw

[salome2001]

So, my new allotment - tonight I am hoping to plan it!

What size shed do you advise as well please?

Sue

as big as your allotment association will permit and not bigger, or else you will find your beautiful shed the target of a Notice To Remedy (a nice way of saying "demolish") letter

[di]

I'd agree to waiting to put in permanent beds, not just in case you change your mind, but also give yourself time to try and clear the weeds. I only have one raised bed and it's been a nightmare to dig nettle roots out.

Also agree, grow things you like. One that I always suggest to new plot holders that are worried they won't be able to cultivate their whole plot in one season though is pumpkin. Even if you don't like them, they can cover so much ground and make it look cultivated You can plant them through your layers of cardboard.