Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Welcome => Welcome to the Forums => Topic started by: martin509 on October 18, 2015, 20:06
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Hi, I am Martin in Doncaster. I have just taken possession of a large plot which is very overgrown and has clearly been used as a dumping ground over the years.
Looking forward to getting into it, sorting it out and with the help of my 5 year old son turning it into something special.
Advice and constructive criticism always welcome :D
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Hello and welcome. First piece of advice...take it easy. Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey......and avoids backache!
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It's a big job, already identified asbestos scattered amongst the huge rambles and no end of other junk.... my first job is to get amongst it with a brush cutter and get it down to the ground.
I know it's too late for weedkiller so I'm torn as to whether to rotivate now, clear any rubble and deal with the subsequent weeds in spring. Or just try weed killer and fire now and hope for the best
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Hi there Martin, Happy Birthday, good gift to yourself joining here 😃. I'm originally from Doncaster, whereabouts is your plot?
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My plot is in Balby, council run site off Greenfield lane... and thanks for the birthday wishes :D
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My mum lives in Edenthorpe now, I was brought up just near DRI. A
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Welcome. How exciting! As everyone says, take it slowly. A little at a time and enjoy it
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Hi Martin and welcome to the forum. Do make sure you take some photos as you go along, as pretty soon you won't recognise that derelict ole plot you are starting with.
Great to be able to look back and see your progress in years to come :D :D :D
There is lots of useful info in John's Articles & Advice at the top of the page, which you might find interesting.
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Had another good walk around the plot today, formulated my plan of action.... it's going to be hard work, but worth it... photos will follow soon.
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Welcome to the site ... I was in the same position about 2 years ago.
One thing I hadn't really banked upon was the effort needed to keep out the pigeons and rabbits. Most crops need protection if you want to keep the crop.
As a child (when Percy was on Gardeners World) I grew crops in our garden. Nothing was eaten by birds, so no protection was every required .. in face it never really crossed my mind.
Now, most plot-holders including myself have wire mesh sides around our crops (to keep rabbits out) as well as netting over the top. This makes weeding awkward.
Overall an allotment is pretty hard work. When I got my plot, I was offered a small plot, a medium plot or a large plot. Me, being me obviously went for the large one ... on hindsight, maybe the wrong choice, but I suppose I'll eventually be grateful for the bigger plot.
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I know foxes are an issue on the land where my plot is..... and thieves.
Just taken receipt of my multi purpose garden tool today and pick up a rotivator tomorrow, £60 off Gumtree... same as 2 day hire. Respirator for shifting the asbestos, all my PPE and a med pack ;-)
Met my allotment 'neighbour', made his day when he knew the plot that had been vacant for 3 years was going to get sorted.... and as he is an ex Soldier and I am still serving we had a good hours chat.
The hard work starts this weekend.... it's going to be emotional at times, but a lot of fun.
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Your plot neighbour must be over the moon that you have arrived! It is horrible having overgrown plots next door. He may well be a good source of support and spare plants too ;) ;)