[gilesi]

Have just got a half plot allotment, about 40 square meters. I am keen but a total newbie !

Would appreciate any help on the best way to start. There are many weeds and some old cabbage plants on the plot together with a large rosemary bush. There is also a small semi derelict timber shed and three small compost bins in addition to a large quantity of rubbish, including an old chemical toilet in the shed !!

Any advice would be much appreciated

Thanks

Ian

[m1ckz]

first job will be    get some photos   lol

[Fairy Plotmother]

Welcome. My advice is to take it slow and steady and enjoy!

[Baldy]

I think its a good idea to clear the plot bit by bit, so that you can then plant in the bits that are sorted. If you have a plan of how you are going to divide up the plot that will also help. Bear in mind that you should also do plot rotation so that you grow crops from different families annually. People tend to have a 3 or 4 year rotation system.  (That might help you work out how to divide up your plot)

Grow things that you  and your family like to eat - seems obvious but I still tend to grow more sprouts than we can manage (as we only have a symbolic number on the C h r istmas dinner plate)

Is the shed repairable? Its handy to have somewhere dry to store things...

Remember to enjoy it 

Someone will be along soon to advise you to keep a diary...

Pip pip,
Balders

[snowdrops]

Welcome to the site. Lots of threads on here about how to go about starting,have a search. Most of all take it slow & enjoy, when it becomes a chore the fun goes out of it. Do take lots of photos to record you're progress when the going gets tough

[Yorkie]

http://www.allotment-garden.org/allotment/clearing-new-allotment-plot.php

[mjg000]

Follow the above advice, go slowly, have a plan in mind,  start in one corner and dig a bit, create a rectangle bed, cover it, and move on to the next, when the time comes sow some seeds.  DO NOT expect any great vegetable  harvests this year  but take delight in what you do harvest and enjoy the lovely and unexpected tastes.  look forward to many years on your allotment.  Slowly, slowly , catchee monkey.....

[Hampshire Hog]

As others have said take it steady. Also be careful as you dig up weeds etc you may find you have some rhubarb or even asparagus hidden on your plot. Once you have a bed or two focus on easy things first such as some salad leaves or beetroot.
Good luck
HH

[Pimento]

Hi!

Ditto and ditto, take your time and enjoy. Keep your rosemary bush! Clear a bit then plant something, so that you get the fun part as well as the toil and have something to show for your efforts.

Better to make good foundations than do a half-job rushed. It's slow and back-breaking, but if you dig each bit really properly and get all the perennial weed roots out, life will be so much easier in the long run.

Once you've dug a section, cover it with plastic if you can't plant for a while to prevent all your good work being undone.

Save your shed if you can (not so sure about the old loo!) as the space and shelter will be invaluable, at least for now.

Most of all, have fun! And welcome.

[Goosegirl]

Hello and welcome gilesi. I echo all that's been said on here plus, if you decide to trim your rosemary bush, only cut into the new pliable growth if there is any.

[gilesi]

Thanks all for the advice - much appreciated !

Ian

[Enfield Glen]

Take some cuttings of the Rosemary bush. If the bush is big and woody it won't grow back if you prune it. You should get a dozen in a 3" pot and at least half will root with no effort at all. You will then be able to replant them where suits you.