[Half a plot man]

Hi everyone,

After waiting over a year I have just been succesfull in getting a half plot at our local allotments. A lady owned the whole plot but has now reliquished half of it. It has been winter dug, so my question is where do I start? I have potatoes chitting at home ready for planting in march I assume? What else can i get on the go or should I concentrate on soil condition etc this year?

[Rangerkris]

Loving the name hahahaha welcome to the forums hope you enjoy the half plot you got.

[mr Isaccs]

Hi Half Plot,
     with you saying the ground has been winter dug it would suggest that the previous owner has taken care of the land, that in mind you should be able to grow anything you want this year with a little extra soil preperation for certain crops maybe, then take care of your soil prep next autumn.
     congrats to you on your new plot  

[mr Isaccs]

As for what you can get on the go now :- leeks
                                                                  onions
                                                                  broad beans
                                                                  tomatoes and chillis on the window lege
                                                                 
and many other things, I'm sure the other members will put you right.
     This is only my second year of growing so it's alot of experiments this year.

                                           good luck
                                 
                                       

[Half a plot man]

Thanks for replies everyone, I am finding this site very usefull. I am lucky to take over a cared for plot (or half of one!!!).

[Elcie]

Congratulations!  It is not many people who can say they were lucky enough to take over a cared for plot - lucky you!  Also perhaps spare a thought for the lady who decided to give half her plot up, it can't have been an easy decision but well done to her for allowing someone else to benefit.

Not sure if you are planning on growing any fruit like redcurrant or raspberries but if you are then now is a good time to plant them as they are dormant.  I picked some up from Wilkinsons last week for £2 per plant.  Have read varying reports on here about the cheap ones and it can be hit and miss but I thought I would give it a shot.

[Remy]

rhubarb? I think it is the time now to plant it

[Elcie]

rhubarb? I think it is the time now to plant it

Yes!  They had some of that at Wilkinsons too although I didn't get some as I grew some from seed last year (I know it will take ages!) They had horseradish too but that is one to think carefully about before planting in a plot as it spreads so dramatically.

[granjan]

Congratulations on getting you plot.  It's nice that it's in such a good state.

I have a quarter plot that I acquired when someone gave up part of theirs.  I think it's such a good idea as it cuts down the waiting list and also allows someone who is no longer physically able to keep going with a smaller area.

You can also sow some cabbages indoors.

Good luck

[Jonajo]

congratulations. A wealth of ideas already on here to get you thinking. Enjoy

[jimmytheshed]

Have a chat to the lady  and see what she planted and  where it was last year. Then you could pick up on the rotation you need this year. Sounds like its been care for in the past, a quick chat can lead to alot of info. about the site( what works and what doesnt ect).

[The Thin Blue Line]

Welcome !

After a day down at the lottie is nice to come on line and say hello !
id your techie minded there are also gallerys you can upload piccies of your efforts !

Have fun !

[Half a plot man]

I'm receiving the official paperwork this week, so next weekend will be the first chance to get to grips with it. I will talk to the previous owner as I'm keen to follow rotation. Havn't thought about rasberries, but it sounds a great idea. We don't eat rhubarb so won't be planting that just yet. Aim to get potatoes and onions on the go soon as possible. I think I have an established gooseberry bush on the plot as well which is a bonus.

Thanks for all advice so far  

[Half a plot man]

Congratulations on getting you plot.  It's nice that it's in such a good state.

I have a quarter plot that I acquired when someone gave up part of theirs.  I think it's such a good idea as it cuts down the waiting list and also allows someone who is no longer physically able to keep going with a smaller area.

You can also sow some cabbages indoors.

Good luck

Yes its a great thing for people to give up some of their plot, our site seems to have over half of the plots divided up. I must admit I wanted a full plot but after seeing one it would be too daunting for me as a begineer. Much better to have good quality on a smaller scale.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size]

[granjan]

I also think that having a smaller plot stops you from planting too much of the same thing too.  There are only so many cabbages and runner beans you can use even allowing for sharing them round.  Having a less space encourages me to do more successional sowing.

Having said that, I wouldn't mind a bit more room to grow fruit trees