[robinahood]

Tomorrow I am going to look at a plot which has been offered, my first ever!
I am 55 but better late than never.
My home garden is tiny and I'm just beginning to realise how much my options will be widened by having growing space.
I have read lots on this site about allotment gardening, but I was wondering, if you had one piece of advice for me to think about, what would it be, serious or light hearted?

[Blewit]

Hi Robina
When you visit the plot be prepared for it to be neglected and try to see past this. Look at a small section of the weeds (two or three square feet) and imagine how you could soon tackle them. It's just a case then of tackling the next three feet and so on.
Congratulations on being offered a plot, if you accept it take lots of photos, especially on day one. When clearing a plot it's not uncommon after a few weeks to feel like you're not getting there. Looking back at the photos you'll see your achievements and it'll pick you up.
Look forward to lots of proper tasting food, the type that's only available to the home grower and isn't available in the shops.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Christine]

Look at the plots around it to see if they are cared for or will you have weeds coming back. Look at the soil. I have recently taken over a second plot that is perfectly clear but the soil needs a lot of work to make it good though it will grow things even so but it will take a few years to get that up to good. But don't let the soil put you off - I'm 71 and can still get a spade going to good effect.

Talk to the other plot holders if you can about sourcing things like manure from local stables. Learn about green  manures. And don't have great expectations the first year.  Year one is a learning time.

[mumofstig]

Slowly does it  You don't have to get everything done at once.

Take your time and enjoy the process and the fresh air 

[Barry C]

Think of it as far better than a gym membership 

... for your money, you will get loads of exercise, with fresh air and loads of goodies to take home 

[madcat]

And remember - the sun will come out again!  However miserable it is today, it won't always be like that.   

[Tenhens]

All the things that have been mentioned
How big is it?
How far is it from your home?
Does it have a shed to store tools?
Annual rent
Water supply?

All things to take into consideration , and just one thing............

Good luck!!

[robinahood]

Thanks so much for all the helpful advice, I especially like the idea of taking pics, I have a rubbish memory so I'm sure this will help!
I'm excited at the prospect of a bit of land I can borrow, and will keep you informed!

[Wiltshire Worms]

Take it easy, little and often..cover the rest with cardboard

[victoria park]

Don't dig when the soil is too wet.
Keep a diary/spreadsheet of dates sown/harvested/success. Invaluable.

[spadework]

Try to grow crops you like that can be harvested throughout the year. It is easy to get harvests in the summer, not so easy for winter. Think leeks, parsnips, brassicas, (protect from cabbage whites and pigeons) winter squash etc.

I read of someone who asked an old gardener for one tip that would save fifty years. The reply? Always plant chard. (perpetual spinach) This crop is tasty and with one spring sowing you can have pickings all year round till the next spring sowings are ready.

[mjg000]

What you are aiming for is a plot which gives you food throughout the year.  Think about what you like.  Decide where you want to start.  Clear a small area and keep it clear by covering if necessary then plant it up and get going. Don't overstretch yourself.  Clear and plant what you can this season but aim to clear it over a period of time, enjoy it  and don't punish yourself if you don't get as much done or accomplished as you expected. Don't give up.

[goose]

my 'one thing' would be, as its now the start of the growing season, try and clear a couple of areas ready for planting some fool proof stuff  (potatoes/salads) so you have something growing to keep you motivated.

then tend to them whilst clearing/preparing the next bed to plant into and so on.  (it doesn't matter if you don't clear it all this year).

don't try to get it completely cleared before planting as by the time you have prepared the last bed, the first one will need clearing again and you have nothing to show for your efforts.

I have lost count the amount of people who give up after their first year as they have nothing to show for all of their hard work and lose interest.

good luck and I look forward to hearing how you get on.

[robinahood]

So, an update! We got the keys last week and we have spent most of the weekend there. Its a great plot, potentially, once we clear out the carpets, broken glass, etc! Its south facing and the soil is beautiful. I know its a huge job but I'm up for it. I noted all your advice and have made a bed where I have planted a few onions, beetroot, artichokes and perp spinach. Sat in the warm sunshine today with a fresh brew and watched the birds on the feeders I have put up in the old apple tree. Spring is here. This is what life is about!!!!

[Christine]

Ah so you have the rubbish problem that seems to come with all plots robinahood - not to worry. You did the right thing to plant something as well as considering the rubbish.

Good luck.