[Glen]

Fingers crossed we shall be allocated our plot soon which leads me to ask what should i expect?

Hopefully our plot will have been well maintained but my moneys on it being neglected, so what are my first jobs?

[Ice]

1.  evict the tramp.
2.  Flamethrower the weeds.
3.  Pick up all the rubbish thrown on it by other plotholders.
4.  Try to dig, give up in favour of dynamite.

Try the search facility, there is a lot of info on this kind of thing.

[gobs]

    True.

But not everywhere, so cheer up, once you see it , we all here to help, well, most of us.  

[babe]

    True.

But not everywhere, so cheer up, once you see it , we all here to help, well, most of us.  

have to agree with that....im nooo help what so ever  :roll:

[richyrich7]

Don't panic, take pic's and post em on here so us nosey lot can see it    and give you loads of conflicting but good advice.

[gobs]

    True.

But not everywhere, so cheer up, once you see it , we all here to help, well, most of us.  

have to agree with that....im nooo help what so ever  :roll:

You are brilliant help Babe in cheering people up and that's more important than any blooky else.

[sweet nasturtium]

1.  evict the tramp.
2.  Flamethrower the weeds.
3.  Pick up all the rubbish thrown on it by other plotholders.
4.  Try to dig, give up in favour of dynamite.

Try the search facility, there is a lot of info on this kind of thing.

Glen, take this advice with a pinch of salt, Ice went to the Schwarzenegger School of Gardening.

[Scribbler]

You'll also need to do something about the Japanese soldiers you will find who don't know that the war's finished......

[paintedlady]

The one bit of advice you rarely hear is:

When you get it, stand back and have a long look at the plot first.  I just know you want to get in there, but sometimes a bit of forethought goes a long way.  See which way the plot runs (north to south or east to west so you can eventually plan where to put structures such as bean poles and sheds, or is it on a hill and does it slope off to one side?), where the sheltered part of the plot is and during this horrible wet weather, its perfect for checking out boggy bits - not so good for winter crops which might have to sit in it.  I hate to say this, but it has most likely not been cultivated for at least 12 months so there'll be a crop of perenial weeds (apart from those that die back in winter such as bindweed) to inspect which is also a rough indication of soil type eg pH, and whether it is sandy, stony or clay soil, and how much (if any) rubbish needs to be cleared.

After depressing yourself immensely at this point, that's the hardest part over and done with.   It can only improve because you now have an idea of how to go about things (as mentioned in earlier posts) and even start to plan.  I'd also suggest:

1. Wear suitable clothes (for both weather and the muck!) and most important, proper boots or wellies!  Perhaps gardening gloves (with leather bits on the palm & fingers to protect against thorns if you have bramble on the plot to dig up)
2. Invest in some decent tools if you don't have any - cheap ones don't last (handles break off, spade bit or fork prongs bend or fall off etc)  A spade and fork are a must, but you'll soon be dazzled by all the other ones which seem a good idea at the time.  Eventually you may end up with a hoe, rake, hand trowel, dibber, twine and some sort of gardener's knife (or a sharp penknife or nick one of the kitchen knives -  :shock: did I say that?) as you go along.   Before you know it you'll have built up a decent toolbox suitable for YOUR plot!
3. And finally I like something to sit on - handy when you need a break, to just sit and ponder on the next task or a place to relax

Sorry, just realised how much I've typed :roll:

[noshed]

I couldn't sleep for excitement when I got mine

[GrannieAnnie]

That was a lovely piece of advice paintedlady!!!!!

[gobs]

Yes, missed to touch on the hand cream, too. :roll:  

[paintedlady]

Yes, missed to touch on the hand cream, too. :roll:  

Actually, I could have gone on and on and on

a) first aid kit - bottle clean water (for washing dirt out), disinfectant & plasters for minor cuts(be an idea to get the tetanus jab up to date )
b) something to drink (cold drink, hot drink) or snack (but mind the dirty fingers.....especially after moving the manure )
c) think about a possible loo situation if there are no facilities, no convenient bushes or a shed - seems to happen when stepping out into the cold :oops:
d) mobile phone - to let the OH know you are on the way back and to put the kettle on, or you are now on the way to the chippy...
e) radox bath salts - for a hot relaxing bath afterwards

The list doesn't seem to end :shock:

[Glen]

thanks for the great advise painted lady!

Well i guess the waiting game begins until the kind lady at the Council decides to issue the plot, then i will take your advise and set about some plans to work to. look out for future posts!

I just hope the plot we inherit has been well maintained, dont want the fright of jap soldiers jumping out on me!