Should I get a allotment?

Hi @Scrungee I have just had a look on Google maps on Satellite and although I can see the plot its really grainy so the image isn't really helpful. I'm able to go on Monday and have a really good rummage to see what I'm up against properly so will have a better idea then. I know I have taken on a lot of work but luckily I'm not shy of getting stuck in and hope that the effort will be worth it.

 

It will be worth it when you start eating the produce.

 

But you should still be able to compare it to adjoining plots, which normally are cultivated by May. If you cant get a time stamp for the image, look at whether hedges and trees are in leaf, Blackthorn in blossom, Hawthorn in blossom, grass/hay lightening, hay being cut, cereals being cut, local housing/extensions being built, etc., I can usually date an aerial/satellite photo to within a month.

 

Hi all, so here's my allotment progress so far. I have managed to clear half of the plot of surface weeds. Below is full of couch grass roots which I keep forking up to the surface, removing what I can see then letting the cold weather do the rest which seems to be working. I've broken one fork already anyway it's coming along nicely.

 

Well done. Looks like lots of hard work has been going on. What are you planning to grow this coming year?

Rusty

 

Hi @rustyroots, thank you
I'm planning on only growing what I know we will eat at first so carrots, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, radish and lettuce. I have ordered some sets from the allotment 2 types of potato one is Albert Bartlett I'm not sure of the other and 2 types of onions. Not sure off the top of my head what type they are but they came recommended from the allotment manager. The front section of the plot has to be ornamental so I have some sweet peas, dahlia tubers and salvia Amistad (cuttings) to put there. There are already some Sedum there I'm trying to keep but they are surrounded in couch grass so will see how I go. Apologies for the long reply

 

No need to apologise. It’s always good to pick the brains of the other plot holders. My grandad was the oldest on his allotments ( he had his plot for over 50 years) and he always used to go and speak to the new holders to give info on what was/wasn’t good to grow on the land. The other plot holders are a wealth of knowledge. Unfortunately I do not have a plot, I used to help grandad and dad on theirs, but sadly they are no longer with us and their plots were too far for me to take on and give the time. I have enquired locally, but the waiting lists are huge. One site has 37 people waiting! I might get one ready for retirement . Rusty

 

Wow @Jasmine star Well done-you're doing a great job. How exciting. I bet you are desperate to get planting.

 

Fantastic progress @Jasmine star, was wondering how you were getting on with it!

Nick

 

@rustyroots I think I have burnt their heads out there but the manager is lovely and has been there over 30 years (thank god). My uncle had the same influence on me with gardening from a early age. It was wonderful and is obviously still with me. Sadly he can't help me physically but I call him regularly to pick his brains. He's old school and it's amazing what he knows. I'm sorry to hear about your grandad and that you have a long wait for a plot. Fingers crossed you get one before retirement

Thanks @Snorky85 and @Nikolaos I'm chomping at the bit to get going.

 

So I'm on my merry journey first onion sets done today. Stuttgarter variety.


I have some more to do tomorrow. They are Red Baron.
Also been chitting some potatoes today. They are Albert Bartlett (Rooster) and Cara.

 

Ooh exciting @Jasmine star

Hope they do well. I did Rooster potatoes a couple of years ago and they were quite good.

 

Thanks @Snorky85 yes they were reccomended by the allotment manager. I think they maybe easy to start off with (fingers crossed)

 

Starting as much stuff off as possible in tubes, pots and modular cell trays is a good strategy when first planting up a previously overgrown plot, as your seeds can grow on elsewhere whilst the weed seeds in the soil germinate and get removed by hoeing shortly before small established plants go in, avoiding the experence of having seeds sown direct smothered by weed seedlings. It also gives you a bit more time getting on with clearance.

Plants like tomatoes and squash grow very well planted through x holes cut through Mypex type sheet membrane pegged down on the surface of the ground, eliminating the need for weeding amongst them.

 

Thanks @Scrungee , I wouldn't of thought of that. I have some membrane left over so will definitely try this where the tomatoes are going.