[NO GREEN FINGERS]

can anyone put some light on how to design an allotment plan?

my allotment is 13 mtr by 7 mtrs and in one corner i have a 3 mtr x 3 mtr shed base with a 8 ft x 6 ft  shed on it not sure on how to lay out the rest of the plot. also planning to build a greenhouse as well.
iam planning on having beds of approx  1.5 mtr x 3mtr on one side and beds of 2.8 mtr x 1 .5 mtr

i have no idea on when to start seeds of in green house etc or when to sow direct in to the ground

if any body coud help or offer advice i would be greatfull.



thanks

[orfy]

I use microsoft exel so I can alter it at whim.

I think a good starting point is to list the main things you want to grow and any rotation you plan on.

[Aunt Sally]

Wow that's wonderful Orfy

Must learn how to do that myself - Excel you say !

[orfy]

yes.

I can upload it.

Give me a minute.

Does this work?

http://wikisend.com/download/515258/

[Aunt Sally]

That works - Thanks Orfy

Just got to play with it and see how it works.  Thanks again me dear

[Yorkie]

As orfy says, you need to decide what you like to grow and then assess rotation issues.  

Also initially look at your plot - where the shade is, are some areas much wetter than others, any big pH differences (mind you, I never bothered factoring these into my planning!).

If you want any permanent planting e.g. asparagus, fruit bushes, rhubarb, decide where you want them first.

Then decide where the rest of your beds are going to go.  

Ideally you will want to have 3 or more areas for the different types of crops (pea/bean family, onion/leek family, brassicas - cabbage, broccoli etc, root veg etc.)  The aim is not to grow the same family in the same place year after year, to avoid build-up of pests and diseases.

If you're on good terms with your plot neighbours, check with them whether there's any persistent diseases such as onion white rot or brassica club root - these will affect whether you can grow these plants at all or with extra precautions.

Finally, have a look at John's book Vegetable Growing Month by Month (one way you can get it is on this website) as it does contain info on plot planning, crop rotation, and what to grow when.

[SnooziSuzi]

Why not have a look at www.growveg.com - it's a great utility that allows you to plan your beds and even shows you where you shouldn't plant next year, ie if you planned to plant cabbages, it highlights where they were last year, so it can help with crop rotation.

[Yorkie]

Ah, that's it Suzi!

I originally posted the link on the forums back in the spring, then deleted it and couldn't remember its name when posting on this thread (so didn't mention it, doh!)