[Sapphire]

Hi sorry for my first question, just spoken to somebody that knows the area I am going to be using they state that it was used for hiding bricks and other waste then only a small amount of top soil was placed on top.  This is going to be a nightmare whats the best option I have this is the only plot available.

Thank you a sad newbie

[Yorkie]

Hi Sapphire,

Welcome - sorry it's a sad first question  

Some thoughts for you to ponder; they may help you decide how to proceed, assuming you're not already beyond the point of no return ...

Have you any way of validating what this person has said - anyone else to speak to?  The owner of the site, or other tenants?  You need to make sure he's not mistaken before you make any decisions.

Can you get onto the plot to investigate?  Is the problem across the whole plot or just in bits?

Did the plot previously get given up because it wasn't cultivatable?  If so, it's a cheek to try to force you to take it now.

I note what you say that this is the only plot available, but does that mean that's the only one free now, or the only one you will ever ever ever get offered?

If you turn down this plot, will you get offered any further plots if and when they eventually come free?  Or do you just go down to the bottom of the list immediately (or are even taken off the list)?  On my site, you get three offers and then you're back to the bottom of the list.

Any idea how long the waiting list would be for a better plot?

If it truly isn't cultivatable and you would eventually get offered another plot, it might well be worth sacrificing your understandable keenness to get started now, and wait for something which will produce proper crops.

If you have to keep the plot, you could increase the growing depth by making raised beds but that can be expensive, particularly if you need to import soil.  Add lots of organic matter etc to improve the soil.

Others, I am sure, will have other ideas too.

[johnhar]

the only thing you can do really is to get on the plot & dig some trial holes about 18" square & 18" deep in several places on the plot. as i am an old cynic the person who told you it was full of bricks could be wanting it for themselves or a mate :?: if the holes are ok then take it for a couple of years an see what it realy is like. one of my present plots had a stone barn on it long ago, still fetching up biggish stones but it crops ok

[gobs]

Hi sorry for my first question, just spoken to somebody that knows the area I am going to be using they state that it was used for hiding bricks and other waste then only a small amount of top soil was placed on top.  This is going to be a nightmare whats the best option I have this is the only plot available.

Thank you a sad newbie

Just to lighten the burden, most allotment allocated land is just like that or worse...

[Sapphire]

Thank you for your quick responce.  The gentleman I spoke to is from a good source he works for my local council and knows the area very well as he has worked it for about 20 years, we have a waiting list for allotments which at present stands at 300+ I am about 270th in line.  I would possibly been about 70 I feel by the time I reach no 1 on the list very nice allotment well cared for good community.  But will have to tried the above, I like the idea of raised boxes, would I need different soil in each sorry if I sound ignorant but not good on the soil bit as yet.

Thanks again.

[woodburner]

Hi sorry for my first question, just spoken to somebody that knows the area I am going to be using they state that it was used for hiding bricks and other waste then only a small amount of top soil was placed on top.  This is going to be a nightmare whats the best option I have this is the only plot available.

Thank you a sad newbie

A friend of mine has only 2-3" of soil, thick turf really, on hardstanding, at her home, but is managing to grow tomatoes, pumpkins and beans very nicely. She has lots of compost from chickens and years of veg growing, to build up her beds, but you can get quite a bit of depth just by digging paths out and putting the soil on the beds. Keep the beds 4ft wide and you can go 'no-dig' and make better use of the area. Some of the buried rubble may even be useful to make walls for the beds.

My friend was worried about growing potatoes in shallow soil but if you use straw and later grass cuttings to 'earth' them up, you don't need much soil at all. (I would advise that you avoid the usually recommended FYM for a couple of years, on account of aminopyralid contamination as this is made more pronounced where it has not had much contact with soil bacteria.)

[Nogger]

not a good start sapphire  :o  what about that good friend of yours on the council   surely he could get some help (if when and what was needed GOOD friend on the council da ya no what i mean sapphire

[Sapphire]

I am waiting to see him, not due round here as yet but will be putting a list his way and possibly he'll will bring gifts in his council van.  i do normal make him a bacon butty when hes are way so I will be calling in a favor I think Nogger.

[Nogger]

don't forget aswell sapphire, if you need any soil "and that could be a possability" thats the type of friend you need

[Sapphire]

That's first on my list, the one thing I am pondering about is some of my resident wish to help with the veg patch but I was worried regarding thier backs etc and was swaying towards raised beds but reading around the forum i am worried about our snail and slugs we have alot around here you see.  What are your thoughts.

thanks

[Nogger]

am afraid everybody is having problems with slugs and their partner's,alot of it is caused with all this damp weather,

slug pellets or nematode but the latter is not a cheap option these are two options of eradacating them.