[cabte]

Hi all.

I have just got myself an allotment think its around 100sqm.
The ground is quite hard and quite sandy and full of stones some quite big.
As im new to this and never done anything like this before. i have a few questions i need answering please.

what should i do with the ground? should i just flatern it as much as poss take out as much of the stones as i can and then just put some compost/topsoil down or should i just save the £ and
just the ground as it is.

Whats the easiets way to break up all the hard sandy soil?

If i do it in time is it to late for me to start growning veg now ?

no doubt i will have more Q as i go along.

thanks in advance

carl

[DavidT]

Good evening Carl and welcome to the site. Your first job is to start digging, removing the biggest stones and all weeds.

[flitwickone]

yep i agree with the above post but do plant as you go      get some cauli brussels etc seeded and on the go and decide on your rotation for the coming years

good luck and welcome

[cabte]

Hi and  thanks for the quick replys.

Should i mix some compost in of do you think the ground will be ok as it is with there being so  much sand in it, as it is a sand colour not like  normal soil.?

[flitwickone]

compost is always good but im no soil expert
one will be along shortly   

[Yorkie]

Welcome to the site and I've moved your post so that more veggie growers will see it 

It's definitely not too late to start growing things.  Carrots will like the sandy nature of the soil, but be prepared for some, er, interesting shapes as a result of the stones!!    If you can guarantee lots of watering in relatively dry periods then there's not that much which should be off limits.

Some people recommend a mattock (aka azada) in preference to the fork for breaking up ground.

Re your soil, try the following basic test.  Take a palmful and squeeze it into a ball.  When you open your hand again, does it stay formed at all, or just run out of your fingers like beach sand?  This will give you a broad idea of how extreme the sand proportions in your soil are, and the scale of what you will need to do over time - but don't worry!

What you do need to focus on on an ongoing basis is improving the soil structure.  Lots of organic matter, over time, will do the job.  That's compost, leaf mould, manure, etc.

It's probably too late for manure for this growing season, but if you can get hold of some (lots) for autumn, that will do wonders.  Just make sure it's well rotted when it's applied, and that it's herbicide (aminopyralid) free.

[cabte]

Thanks for the top advice.
I will be down there tomorrow night to get the correct size and what im going to need.
so i shall do the test.
water is not a problem as there is a river running through the allotment.
Thanks again.
carl

[Salmo]

If you are going to ask lots of questions you will get better answers if you tell us where you are by entering it in your profile.

[Runwell-Steve]

Hi welcome to the site.

[cabte]

Hi all

Ok i went to my allotment tonight did the soil test which was a total nightmear as the ground is that hard that i couldnt even get loose soil.
The owner came over the ask if i wanted any compost  also they have a machine coming on Wednesday to loosen the ground up and if i wanted them to do my ground for me.
So not a bad start 5 tonne of compost and the ground turning over for £30.

Iv seen the compost as most of the other peeps on the allotments have got some so it look quite good.