Planting now for new allotment...

[WeedItAndReap]

I'm going to look over an allotment this Saturday, having made the top of the list. Sounds on the 'phone like it's in quite good condition and may even be plantable quite quickly.

I'm now thinking that I could start some things off in my little mini greenhouse at home, on the assumption I might be able to plant them on in late July or possibly into August.

Am I cutting it fine for runner/french beans if I get them started in root trainers today?

What about borlotti beans for drying?

I'm pretty sure I can start off some cauli/cabbage depending on the variety.

What do people think?

[Hazel at the Hill]

Deffo dwarf french beans, any cut and come again lettuce, pak choi. I've had a late crop of peas from a late sowing too.

[andy_j]

Basically you've got nothing to lose by having a go with some seeds. Certainly nmost of the salad stuff can be sown up to the end of July but to be honest, I would happily sow all of the beans, peas, courgettes, sweetcorn and silverskin onions now.
You could also look at buying pre germinated stuff such as leeks and brassicas.

Go for it.....a decent late crop would be perfect

[Greenleaves]

I always so a second lot of runners in July, you will be suprised how quick they get going, the later crop is not as prolific as the first but still worth planting up

[Alison]

Fine for most of the things you list but in my opinion it's too late for drying beans as they need a good long season. Good luck with it all.

[WeedItAndReap]

Excellent, thank you. I'm going to get some seeds in this evening, but have ordered some overwintering brassicas as suggested - they were actually quite cheap. My guess is the growing space is only going to be 10m x 3m (!) so not room for loads! I will fill it with brassicas/onions/garlic over winter so it's then free by spring for a full range next year.

Then somehow I have to think about crop rotation - but that's a whole other post!

[Greenleaves]

Have a look at the Sqare foot gardening thread, sorry dont know how to link it

[noviceveggrower]

Hi,
Try get some plug plants. I know its cheating a bit but I did it last year and did ok with them.
I have got some sprouts plants that need to go out and some cabbage so I think if you do some winter types you should be ok.
If you get a blow away mini greenhouse remember to weigh it down. Its really gutting to see all your hard work ruined because it has tipped over.