[RusticShed]

Hello All!

I've recently become the tenant of what can only be described as a very neglected plot. It hasn't been touched for at least 2 years and definitely represents a 'challenge'.

That being said, I absolutely love it! It already has a shed and greenhouse in situ, albeit they're a bit ramshackle. The greenhouse is overwhelmed by grapevines and the shed (as my username suggests) is a little rustic and in definite need of some tlc (aren't we all).

Despite the size of the plot, they've managed to cram 3 apple trees, 2 plum trees, a pear tree and a tree of indiscernible origins into quite a small corner. This is my first allotment and to be honest, although I feel incredibly lucky to have been given this amazing space I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment. I'll give you fair warning - I'll probably drive you all mad with lots of annoying questions 

Any tips on where to start? we've got most of the grass down to manageable levels and have started some digging but I'm sure there are things I haven't yet taken into account yet.

I've attached some pictures to give you an idea of what I'm up against.

[AndyRVTR]

Hello and welcome 

[Growster...]

It's a step-by-step process, Rustic, and now you have such a great opportunity, do just a little at a time - like dig an 8' x 4' piece, till it with your fork then rake it, chuck all the weeds in a heap, and move on to the next bit, and make it look as though it needs having something planted/sown in it!

You could try some late carrots for example, as just a few roots in several weeks time will show a result, and by then, you'll have dug over several more plots. The idea is to take it easy on youself, as ten hard weeks of cosolidated digging is just not the way forward...

As you've done the right thing in clearing the dross, check out a few websites - preferably here, as to what you already have, as - forinstance - a grapevine is a real asset, and can be a fabulous bonus!

Ask away, as we're all here to help and give advice, as any question is always a good one, despite any consideration that it might be trivial, because it's never that way!

Welcome and best wishes - you can see I'm reasonably local, so know something about our area!

[RusticShed]

It's a step-by-step process, Rustic, and now you have such a great opportunity, do just a little at a time - like dig an 8' x 4' piece, till it with your fork then rake it, chuck all the weeds in a heap, and move on to the next bit, and make it look as though it needs having something planted/sown in it!

You could try some late carrots for example, as just a few roots in several weeks time will show a result, and by then, you'll have dug over several more plots. The idea is to take it easy on youself, as ten hard weeks of cosolidated digging is just not the way forward...

As you've done the right thing in clearing the dross, check out a few websites - preferably here, as to what you already have, as - forinstance - a grapevine is a real asset, and can be a fabulous bonus!

Ask away, as we're all here to help and give advice, as any question is always a good one, despite any consideration that it might be trivial, because it's never that way!

Welcome and best wishes - you can see I'm reasonably local, so know something about our area!

The pile of weeds is certainly getting taller. We're basically working on the bottom half at the moment which is starting to give us an idea about size. Clearing a load of brambles seemed to make the plot look much bigger.

I like the carrot idea. I'll see what I can get hold of 

[Yorkie]

Welcome to the forums and congrats on your new lotty 

[mrs bouquet]

Hi and Welcome to you from me in West Sussex.   You can put pics on, I can't and I've been trying since the site started  .    Good luck with your plot.    There is always somebody here to have a chat with.  Mrs Bouquet

[wighty]

Hello from me too, I have family in East Sussex as in my daughter in Eastbourne.