Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: Mary Mary on July 12, 2008, 19:04

Title: Maximising space
Post by: Mary Mary on July 12, 2008, 19:04

Hi Everyone - this is my 'maiden' posting - so forgive any errors please!

I am in my 4th summer with half a plot in good old Essex clay.  I have recently 'found' the forum site and am very impressed by all the excellent advice available.  I will certainly be trying Munty's bean frame next year!

Now I have retired I am really enjoying more time and hopefully better planning of my planting - not very good so far!!

I have begun harvesting my potatoes and am keen to maximise all my available space - what would be the best crop for a 'second' planting in this ground? - I have been trying to rotate my crops (as all the books recommend).

Any suggestions gratefully received.  Many thanks.

Title: Maximising space
Post by: chickchick on July 12, 2008, 19:49

hi mary mary and welcome, great here isnt it?!
im no expert but ive been in the same predicament, so im now growing cabbage,broccoli, cauliflower and leeks now where the spuds were! they were all ok to grow from seed from may to july, so i planted them 2 weeks ago.
hope this helps and good luck

Title: Maximising space
Post by: PAH48 on July 12, 2008, 19:52

Hi! M'M this is only my second year with the lottie, but as I lift the tatties     I am planting leeks, broccolli , cabbages, collies ect, right or wrongly they seem to be doing brilliantlt so far,hope that helps, bye PAH

Title: Maximising space
Post by: Mary Mary on July 13, 2008, 12:31

Thanks chickchick and PAH48 for your suggestions.  

My dilema is:  when planning the rotation planting for next year do you count that ground as following on from potatoes or the second crop?

Confused of Harlow!

Title: Maximising space
Post by: johnathome on July 13, 2008, 15:14

Theres an excellent video example by Monty Don about crop rotation.

http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/crop-rotation/

Hope this helps :)

Title: Maximising space
Post by: Mary Mary on July 14, 2008, 09:08

Thanks johnathome - watched with interest.  

I find the forums so interesting I will have to time limit my 'on-line' as I am not 'out there' doing the work!!