In need of guidance!

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Quants

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In need of guidance!
« on: October 27, 2014, 10:42 »
Greetings all,  I have just acquired a 1500 Sq ft allotment plot so that the kids can grow veg/flowers etc...

What I really need is some guidance on what I need to do first? 

I suspect that at this time of year I should look at getting ready to for next year,  preparing the ground etc?

Regards

Brad........

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bravemurphy

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Re: In need of guidance!
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2014, 11:22 »
Myself I would cover what I am not going to dig this year and dig (by hand) the uncovered bit getting out as much weed and roots that you can then spread with manure and leave till the spring.

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Quants

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Re: In need of guidance!
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2014, 11:26 »
Thanks,  I'll do that :-)

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Kevin67

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Re: In need of guidance!
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2014, 11:30 »
The first thing is be aware of the Plot politics that go on and don't get involved.

I'd suggest covering areas not being used with something - weed fabric, newspapers, tarps, etc. This will mean less work for you to keep the weeds under control.

A rain cover. Oftentimes it will rain enough to get you wet but not enough to leave the plot for the day. Get a cover to keep dry while you pot up or whatever and then when the rain is over you can get back out.

Consider the cost of petrol to and from your site and maybe get a bike to reduce the actual cost of growing the veg.

Use raised beds.

Grow fruiting hedges around the edge of your plot.

Do more than you need for swaps with other plotters.
« Last Edit: October 27, 2014, 14:19 by Kevin67 »
250m2 grow area + 20' x 10' pt - avid fruit grower
Cheap as chips, diy preferred
Will swap root cuttings etc

"There comes a point where Mother nature just says no, without a lot of electricity." Quote Beesrus

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sunshineband

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Re: In need of guidance!
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2014, 12:14 »
http://www.allotment-garden.org/allotment/clearing-new-allotment-plot.php

Well you have certainly come to the right place, Quants!!

If you click on the link at the top of the page "Articles and Advice" there are hours of happy reading for you, including How to Clear an Allotment, which I have added the link to above for you.

Good time in the year to start, as if you crack on, you can still plant Autumn Onions and Garlic, as well as cabbage plants for Spring  :D :D
Wisdom is knowing what to ignore - be comfortable in your own skin.
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Paul Plots

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Re: In need of guidance!
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2014, 04:41 »
Looks like you've found your way through to some good advice Quants.

Here's wishing you the best of luck preparing the plot for a new growing season in the spring.
Never keep your wish-bone where your back-bone ought to be.

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cadalot

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Re: In need of guidance!
« Reply #6 on: November 17, 2014, 09:03 »
Start a diary and take lots of photographs, winter and a new plot is a good time for thinking about what you want to grow. Take a look at my diary from the start and you will see I managed to do a lot of clearing, burning of rubbish, erecting a shed but didn't actually start digging until early the following year.

The it slow and enjoy it and it's so worth clearing the weeds from the ground by manual digging and weeding, don't even think of using a rotavator unless you want to increase your existing weed problem 10 fold.

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Goosegirl

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Re: In need of guidance!
« Reply #7 on: November 17, 2014, 11:11 »
To add to the excellent advice here, don't skimp on your initial preparation. Assess your soil type (sandy, clay etc) and add as much manure, mushroom compost or whatever you can obtain. If your soil is clay, add some grit as well to help open it up. Note what parts get the sun and when, plus if water is lying in a certain area after it rains as that means a drainage issue. Get a copy of the plot rules and, lastly, enjoy but don't overdo it.
I work very hard so don't expect me to think as well.

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Comfr3y

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Re: In need of guidance!
« Reply #8 on: November 17, 2014, 12:46 »
good luck with it = my advice is work out a structure that feels right for you and lay at least a couple of paths even if only weed suppresant.  breaks the work down into chunks and saves compacting soil.  :mellow:   

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Welsh Merf

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Re: In need of guidance!
« Reply #9 on: November 17, 2014, 18:28 »
Welcome Quants!

My advice is a bit simple really: remember it's your hobby, and not your livelihood. Enjoy muchly! :)
I may be Welsh, but I love ewe anyway!

See my diary pages here

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