Here is a photo of the plot on the day I went to choose one. Not much weeding to do then 
My main concern is the paths and how to keep them weed free. I suppose bark chips are the answer but then you need to retain them somehow. I want to keep the costs down as much as possible as I have the shed and water butt to buy and compost bins to make (or rather my OH does)
How do you all maintain your paths?
The plot looks good. Nice open plot without shade. I would see if you can get a shed on freecycle too.
Paths - Look on the thread relating to pallets in the construction section. Many people get hold of cheap scaffold boards and use these - no cheap ones in Hastings, so I ended up paying £2.49 from a DIY shed for pressure treated decking boards - each bed was made up of three boards in total. We buy these when we can afford them (wait for the offers on decking usually spring bank hol) - we still haven't finished all the beds. Some people on here are more handy than my hubby and I and use scrap wood, but we found it easier using the boards.
As Hamani says, it is worth trying to find a friendly tree surgeon who can help with bark chips.
When I got my plot I spent £30 buying the biggest roll of weed suppressant fabric I could get my hands on and three years later, I have just finished it! We used it to cover areas waiting cultivation, as well as laying it on paths and topping with bark chips, planting strawberries and fruit trees through it, etc. It isn't essential - a lot of people use layers of cardboard instead but I have been happy with it.
Ref runner beans and growing sweet peas - I know you like the idea of wigwams, but it might be worth finding the thread relating to the Munty frame - it is a method of growing runner beans where you can grow sweet peas up either end.
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May 05, 2010, 12:10