oh no we have a long summer holiday... how not to lose the plot....

[salome2001]

It looks like we will be taking the little ones back to Australia to see the family in the summer, probably for the best part of the school holidays in July/ August. Not the best time from a growing point of view but unavoidable as DH is a teacher. (karmic retribution for having a baby in November when nothing needed doing)

So.... what can I do to maximise what I do get from the plot up to mid-July and from September? Any suggestions for how to keep the plot from being overrun with weeds (I was thinking of planting through black plastic). I don't currently have anyone to plot-sit, even for free vegies, and my lottie neighbour is herself likely to be away!

(anyone want a plot-sitting gig in Bristol??)

[Hazel at the Hill]

Hmm - lots of advice likely to come your way here, Salome

But as a starter for 10, I'd cover the whole lot with cardboard now (except where you are putting in your early crops inc. broad beans, early peas, potatoes, lettuce etc) then harvest and turf that lot out before you go away, and plant through the cardboard your squash, runner beans, sweetcorn, maincrop spuds & outdoor cucumbers and let them get on with it for six weeks.

I'd mention to the allotment chairman/council that you are away and are NOT abandoning your plot and that you are taking reasonable measures not to let it all go wild in your abscence (send a letter & keep a copy if feel it necessary).

Shame you don't have a pal who can do some casual weeding/reap the benefits whilst you are away - I'm a bit far from Bristol!

[arpoet]

SUMMER? Is that a new word?

[Feral007]

If it's anything like last summer then you could probably pop a few goldfish there and no one would notice till after you were back?

Where are you going to in oz?

[alldigging]

Weed and mulch as others have said.

Cardboard is good - so stockpile that and then weigh it down with bark perhaps.

Ask on the plot if anyone minds harvesting stuff for you - you might get some kind soul offered to do that.

It's tricky asking someone else to weed it unless they are familiar with the plot.

[SarzWix]

You could also get your winter veg started like cabbages, brussels, kale etc before you go, they'd be happy enough being planted through cardboard. And where you can't put cardboard, straw and grass clippings could be used as a mulch to keep the weeds down?

[alex-adam]

You could ask the Allotment Committee if there is someone on the waiting list, with some experience, who would be willing to 'allotment-sit' for you. They of course should be given first refusal on all produce grown during your absence.

a-a

[Tripmeup]

A lot will really depend on what the weather is like when you are gone, which is not much good to you before you go I know... As others say, you can have your cabbage seedlings ready to go in and sow carrots and turnips before you go... I usually just sow carrots and leave them to get on with it ( after covering with fleece)
You could also sow beetroot just before you go..

[salome2001]

thanks for all that. I had a few ideas along those lines. Good ideas Hazel regarding early crops. I am thinking that I might be missing out on tomatoes this year unless anyone knows any good, very early varieties.

[kathycam]

I'm trying tomatillas this year, not sure how hardy they are. I have a friend in Bristol who is on an allotment waiting list. If you're within cycling distance of her, she may be able to go down at weekends, in return for free veg/wine. It depends on how busy she is with work etc.

[alldigging]

Allocate some time on your rerun to get it all neat again.

[hamamelis]

Whereabouts in Bristol?

[salome2001]

Whereabouts in Bristol?

St George/ Kingswood BS5/BS15

[salome2001]

I have a friend in Bristol who is on an allotment waiting list..

kathy, if she's within reasonable distance of BS5, tell her to get in contact with Bristol East Allotment Association. I know we have vacant plots on a number of sites. For some reason this isn't getting passed on to people languishing on waiting lists for the BCC sites

beaasec@gmail.com

[WPG]

Salome, if you're leaving any empty beds I'd suggest you sow some green manure just before your trip. Something like phacelia or white mustard should survive without watering and will keep the weeds at bay. Once you get back you can just dig it in, ready for planting overwintering crops.