[ches]

So...as you know I'm new to the scene. Today I received an email to say that I should expect a phone call soon to view a potential plot. There are two of us on the list and a few vacant plots!!

I am so excited. I popped up to site today for a walk and there are a few plots that look abandoned. They are a fair size and most seem to have a shed on them. I have no tools, no equipment, no nothing...

My grandad has a spare spade and shovel that he's going to give me. So my question is....what are essential tools I'll need.

The plots don't seem to be in too much a state and could probably be cleaned up in a weekend.

Any advice welcome.

Thank you.

Ches

[Plot 1 Problems]

To start with a fork and a spade to dig over the plot and dig out the perennial weeds.
After that you'll want a hoe, though the type you choose is whatever you feel comfortable with, worth seeing if a plot neighbour or two will let you try theirs!
Beyond that a decent trowel and a rake and you're pretty much done.

[Pescador]

Agree with Plot1. I'd add a bucket and a gardener's line.
Tesco have got a range of low cost tools that are not bad quality.

[Kleftiwallah]

It's best to grab a plot near the cente of the allotments, less chance of sticky fingers removing your hard work as is the case at the edges of the allotments.   Cheers,  Tony.

[mumofstig]

Try not to choose a plot at the bottom of a slope as it will be very wet in Winter, or at the top of the slope as that could be very dry in Summer. Near a tap, if there is one is a good idea.
Tools- as well as the spade, you'll need a fork plus a rake to clear and level the soil.
Then a trowel for planting plus a cheap and cheerful bucket and a watering can.
Once the weeds start to grow, you'll need a hoe to keep the beds clear of them.

Good luck, but don't try to clear it all at once, you'll only make yourself sore. (Been there - done that!) 

[ches]

Thanks everyone for the advice and tips.

Just awaiting the phone call now to go and view them.

[Aunt Sally]

I would recommend a wheel barrow. Put it on your Birthday or Christmas list.

[mrs bouquet]

buy tools etc from car boots, local garden club shows, free ad papers, etc., and look in any skips,  lots of goodies to be found in those       Good luck,  Mrs Bouquet

[snowdrops]

I find my swoe as opposed to a hoe invaluable,has 3 cutting edges & cuts on the push & pull stroke, needs practice though particularly near plants you want to keep. 2nd the wheelbarrow,train yourself to use it,saves a lot of leg work. I also keep my hand tools & kneeling mat in a basket, (mines my old cookery basket 😂 from school days, they last well 😉) tub trug or bucket would do. Train yourself to return the tools into it when you need to put them down, saves hours looking for them😉. Couple of watering cans, Wilco’s had some reduced @ £3 last week.

[ches]

I would recommend a wheel barrow. Put it on your Birthday or Christmas list.

My birthday is at the end of this month....that’s a good shout

[ches]

I find my swoe as opposed to a hoe invaluable,has 3 cutting edges & cuts on the push & pull stroke, needs practice though particularly near plants you want to keep. 2nd the wheelbarrow,train yourself to use it,saves a lot of leg work. I also keep my hand tools & kneeling mat in a basket, (mines my old cookery basket 😂 from school days, they last well 😉) tub trug or bucket would do. Train yourself to return the tools into it when you need to put them down, saves hours looking for them😉. Couple of watering cans, Wilco’s had some reduced @ £3 last week.

Thank you. I’ve started to make a list and will look in every skip I can find.

[Pescador]

Ideally the wheelbarrow should have pneumatic tyre.

[ches]

Ideally the wheelbarrow should have pneumatic tyre.

I have a wheel barrow from my dad, not sure what Tyre it has...

[ches]

Thank you for all the advice and tips. I’m viewing a plot on Monday at one site and then waiting for a call about a second site.

[sospan]

I would put an advert on Freecycle, Freegle, Gumtree etc. for anybody that has unwanted tools.   It is surprising how many people have things that they are very keen to give away.

You need to develop the skills of a forager - if it is going you will probably find a use for it - cardboard, pallets, bits of timber, sticks all sorts of containers

As well as the traditional garden tools you are going to need something to sit on, a flask or camping stove, stout boots, a tool kit - hammer, pliers etc.

Best wishes as it is a lot of fun and hard work