Newbie

[Blue Roots]

Hello all

I am new to this site and indeed allotments. I have just got my first plot Which did have grass/weeds etc about 3ft high. I strimmed it down and now have what can only be described as a very blank canvas.
I have been reading some of the very good advice on this site and pretty much get the impression that I should start to dig/turn over small sections at a time?

I wanted to check if now was an ok time to do this?

I have attached a picture of the plot. Any advice would be very much welcome.
Thanks

[WendyC]

Welcome to the Vine. Yes now is an ideal time to start digging, although if it is very wet you'd be best leaving it til it dries out a bit. If you add you location to your profile any advice can be more tailored to your situation.

[Bigmallly]

Hello Blue Roots & welcome to the jungle. If the ground is soft enough then yes you can start preparing it now. Try & get hold of some cardboard & cover the areas you are are not working, this will help keep the weeds down & kill whatever is underneath it...............a perfect time to join the http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...dar_83084.html

[Martin H]

Hi, welcome!

The advice about covering with cardboard is good.

I would start digging a bit at a time, if it's impossible then stop.

If it's clay soil it's likely too sticky to get any weeds out just yet, but if your ground is lighter you may be able to get a lot done in the next couple of months.

[Greenleaves]

Welcome to the vine, I echo the advice of my learned peers

[KevinM67]

Yep, a big welcome from me and like others have said - now is a good time to get started (weather permitting).

If digging, I find frosty/icy soil perfect for it, especially clay soil - as long as your spade can get through it though.

[muddled]

Hello Blue roots,

Looks like a nice site, with well worked plots either side of you.
Another vote for covering here, although I use black plastic because cardboard tends to blow about a bit. Whatever; the bits you cover can't be growing weeds faster than you can dig them which in spring will be very important.

[Knight of Albion]

A very warm welcome to the forum, dear Blue Roots.

[Lumpy]

Hello Blue Roots - Another Grape Whoop Whoop
I have been using black plastic sheet as well. Try and do a bit at a time otherwise you might end up doing your back some mischif.
I found that I got very carried away with I want to do this and this and this......so just pace yourself and it will all be briaaiant.

[Guest]

Hi and welcome to the vine.

When digging try to have your back to the undug part (it becomes a little less daunting)
Take breathers whilst digging (those odd minutes you get to look at things around you, oh and the odd chat)
Set yourself targets (dig till end of a row, if you don't feel too bad set yourself another. It is surprising how quickly they all add up)

Good luck

[Bren In Pots]

Hello and welcome to the vine Blue Roots

[Nicos]

Hi there , and a big welcome from me too!

Remember to cover the bits you have just dug too or the new weed seeds will start to germinate

Have a natter with your new neighbours too to see what grows best in your soil...and more importantly , especially for your first year, what struggles and consider avoiding those for now.


Nice plot!

[PyreneesPlot]

Hello and welcome from me too. Another one for covering (and not digging if at all possible) and I've used plastic and cardboard, there's posh!!

[noviceveggrower]

Hello welcome to the Vine. Can't really add anymore to the great advice already given. Sorry I'm late had some computer problems.

[Snadger]

Before doing any digging or covering you need to make a rough plan. If you're going traditional, dig a bit then plant a bit to keep the enthusiasm going. Shallots can be planted any time from now on so there's a good starting point. Please make room for soft fruit which can also be planted now.
If you are adopting the bed system there's no need to dig where the paths will be so draw it out on the site with sprinkled flour, an old tin of spray paint or even a hose pipe especially if you want curved beds.
Dont forget sheds, sitting out areas,greenhouse, compost bins etc All of these areas including paths don't need digging

Good luck and remember only to grow what you or your family like to eat, especially stuff that is expensive in the supermarket.