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Hi,
As a very new plot holder (2 weeks) I will share some of what I have learned so far.
Getting a plot just after Christmas meant funds were low and the idea of growing was to have fresh food and save a few pennies! Beg or borrow tools if you don’t have them. I had nothing so was straight on to my local Freecycle group where I managed to get an abundance of stuff including an electric propagator.
Down at the plot I wanted it all done all at once but it just daunts you so you need to break it down. Mine had 4 small raised beds so I got clearing those first – Hooray! No I can actually grow something!
Next job was to start on the real plot areas. I first cut anything high down to ground level, took a thin, wide, fan shaped rake and just dragged it around. It got up so much rubbish that it already looked more manageable. Now I am taking it a strip at a time and digging out any weeds and roots whist turning the ground over – these sections are being worked to the same size as the raised beds because I know I can do them pretty quick – and again I get a small but ready to use area for growing.
When I am not digging I am working out what my family likes to eat – we will not eat 100 lettuces before they go mouldy! Its just the first year so I will try small quantities of various things. Its not a chore – its fun so I am making it fun. Try anything as an experiment for this year – just chuck some seeds into the floor and when they start to grow come back to the forum for advice on care.
During this stage I will sit down to learn a few things about crop rotation, feeding plants, improving soil, and compost.
One of the main things is to make sure you don’t totally close yourself away from the rest of the plot holders. My first day there and I had a few people introduce themselves to me, tell me what's going on with a few bits, talk about the AGM, and even offer me some seeds/share of an onion set to get going, and give advice about what the neighbours grow that might steal a bit of sunshine on my side to make me aware of any problem I might have with certain plants and I can move them accordingly. Obviously you have work you want to do but keep a social side to it too.
Oh, and wear a t-shirt and jumper in the winter months – I was very hot when digging but when I stopped for a rest I started to freeze.
I still have so much to learn just to get to know the basics but it’s an enjoyable process and the whole family are getting involved – quality time together!
Thanks
Liam
As a very new plot holder (2 weeks) I will share some of what I have learned so far.
Getting a plot just after Christmas meant funds were low and the idea of growing was to have fresh food and save a few pennies! Beg or borrow tools if you don’t have them. I had nothing so was straight on to my local Freecycle group where I managed to get an abundance of stuff including an electric propagator.
Down at the plot I wanted it all done all at once but it just daunts you so you need to break it down. Mine had 4 small raised beds so I got clearing those first – Hooray! No I can actually grow something!
Next job was to start on the real plot areas. I first cut anything high down to ground level, took a thin, wide, fan shaped rake and just dragged it around. It got up so much rubbish that it already looked more manageable. Now I am taking it a strip at a time and digging out any weeds and roots whist turning the ground over – these sections are being worked to the same size as the raised beds because I know I can do them pretty quick – and again I get a small but ready to use area for growing.
When I am not digging I am working out what my family likes to eat – we will not eat 100 lettuces before they go mouldy! Its just the first year so I will try small quantities of various things. Its not a chore – its fun so I am making it fun. Try anything as an experiment for this year – just chuck some seeds into the floor and when they start to grow come back to the forum for advice on care.
During this stage I will sit down to learn a few things about crop rotation, feeding plants, improving soil, and compost.
One of the main things is to make sure you don’t totally close yourself away from the rest of the plot holders. My first day there and I had a few people introduce themselves to me, tell me what's going on with a few bits, talk about the AGM, and even offer me some seeds/share of an onion set to get going, and give advice about what the neighbours grow that might steal a bit of sunshine on my side to make me aware of any problem I might have with certain plants and I can move them accordingly. Obviously you have work you want to do but keep a social side to it too.
Oh, and wear a t-shirt and jumper in the winter months – I was very hot when digging but when I stopped for a rest I started to freeze.
I still have so much to learn just to get to know the basics but it’s an enjoyable process and the whole family are getting involved – quality time together!
Thanks
Liam
Kill it lots. And kill it again!
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