[shay]

Got quite a large plot which when we got it was rather overgrown. Got spuds, onions, leeks, carrots, courgettes and a few brassica's down and it probably only covers a third. Greenhouse is pretty full with toms, aubergine, sweetcorn, pumpkins, lettuce, cucumber etc however I have made a few novice mistakes coupled with the fact 24hours in the day what with kids and study is not long enough.

Already have plans on what I want to do....
Poly tunnel
gravelling the paths
carpet on the overgrown stuff to make digging easier
fruit cage
remove the huge mound of earth at the front so I can park my car on my plot
literally have the ground dug over in the winter complete with compost/manure so I am not chasing my tail during sowing season
Stagger my greenhouse sowing
Make the compost bin (Pallets)
Fence the sides off
Fence the kids play area
Build an area for shade during summer
Erect a shed

Is this mad to be planning so far ahead for next year when this year is still in its early stages? of course some of this work will be ongoing between now and then.

As a side question, the polytunnel may have to wait due to cost but is it possible to grow the likes of toms/cucumbers/peppers out in the open without a polytunnel?

[Mike.white]

Mad? Not at al - al gardening is "work in progress" - what's the old maxim? Fail to plan means you plan to fail! 

[out4nowt]

Is this mad to be planning so far ahead for next year when this year is still in its early stages? of course some of this work will be ongoing between now and then.

As a side question, the polytunnel may have to wait due to cost but is it possible to grow the likes of toms/cucumbers/peppers out in the open without a polytunnel?

Yes, you must plan ahead and I am growing Toms and Cucs outdoors.

[aelf]

I am 6 years into a 15 year plan for my plot, so I'm madder than you! 

[Lee G]

As a side question, the polytunnel may have to wait due to cost but is it possible to grow the likes of toms/cucumbers/peppers out in the open without a polytunnel?

Toms and cucumber can definitely be grown outside but it does depend on the variety, some will do better than others.

[shay]

I am 6 years into a 15 year plan for my plot, so I'm madder than you! 

15 years?? Yep you win, off to the priory you go.lol

As for you other guys, any particular need to somehow protect the toms/cucumbers such as netting or the daily visits to the plot mean you pick when ready so they dont look too attractive elsewhere? Cane as normal or something a bit stronger?

[Lee G]

I am 6 years into a 15 year plan for my plot, so I'm madder than you! 

15 years?? Yep you win, off to the priory you go.lol

As for you other guys, any particular need to somehow protect the toms/cucumbers such as netting or the daily visits to the plot mean you pick when ready so they dont look too attractive elsewhere? Cane as normal or something a bit stronger?

I'm just using canes for my toms, seems to be what most others recommend, but I may go for something a little more substantial for my cucumbers, some 2 x 1 and some bean netting, last year I was caught off guard by how wild and fast they grew.

[Yabba]

I'm with you, I'm already planning next year, mostly to avoid the mistakes I'm currently making, but also to use the knowledge of my growing space that I'm currently obtaining  ... the hard way

I've just found out that the space I'm growing in is a tad more permanent than I originally thought, so I'm going to throw asparagus into it ... after I widen the beds after the peas come out ... and the winter cabbage ... ohhh and I need to sterilise them in the meantime ... april is good ........ need to get it right as it's a twenty year crop .... damn ... that's ages .... does this mean I'm the current winner?

¥

[lisa80]

Your not mad !im already looking for seeds etc for things i want to grow next year,we have a very large plot and have not utilised it as well as we could this year.Have got a green house now so were making plans on what to sow and in what order so we can get the most out of it all.Must admit am loving it all and dreading winter months what will i do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[richyrich7]

No I'm already looking at the plots and planning, wondering to be honest whether or not to cut down to just 1 plot rather than 2, since I've took on the 2nd both look rather bedraggled, plus I seem to have less time these days, Which means I could be moving the fruit trees and getting the bottom of one plot  really clear of weeds so my 180 odd strawberry seedlings can have a permanent home, etc etc.