[wbmkk]

Hi

I have just been to see my new allotment, almost 4 1/2 years since I applied for one.

It's obviously too late to do much now, except for digging etc, trying to get things ready for a good start next year. I didn't bring my camera, but will do tomorrow, so I can upload some pictures.

I wouldn't mind getting some fruit bushes and maybe some rhubarb. Could these go in now ?

I say now, but I really mean in the next few weeks, after I've done a bit of planning. May as well try and come up with a decent sort of layout before planting anything.

If I did want some fruit (black currants, blackberries and raspberries) would I be able to perhaps take cuttings, assuming I find a friendly neighbour, or would it be better just to but plants in pots.

Is it worth digging over the plot and trying to pass the soil through a garden sieve, to get rid of any roots.

The plot is not really overgrown, but there are some crops there, which have been there since the previous holdedr left a few months ago.

thanks for any advice

[easyonthebrain]

Congrats on you allotment hope you have fun!!

[Rampant_Weasel]

congratulations, i can feel the excitement emanating throught my monitor!
you have got it exactly at the right time.
rough dig it and remove as many weed roots as you can and incorperate as much well rotted manure as you can get hold of into your potato part.
wait until next month and you will be able to buy bareroot fruit which is cheaper and gets away better i always find.buy from a good garden center or online (keepers,blackmoor, buckingham nurserys,ashridge have good reputations).thats my 2penneth im sure there will be more to come....

[Baldy]

Rhubarb can go in now - its pretty hardy - just avoid putting it in over-wet soil. Most plotholders on my allotment tend to put the plants on the edge or in a corner of their plot - which might mean for you that its a defined space that's easy to weed and clear on your new plot. Good luck with it and enjoy! 

Cheers,
Balders

[devonbarmygardener]

Congrats!
It's a great feeling isn't it

Clear any weeds/stuff you don't want.
Dig it over - think about beds/sizes etc.
Manure well - you may be in time to grow some green manures if wanted.
Cover with weed suppressant fabric to reduce/prevent weed re-growth.
Build raised beds if you want them.
Get a water butt or 2 installed to collect winter rainwater.
Get some fruit as you're keen.
Get planning for next year - it's a great way to spend a cold winter afternoon, browsing online seed suppliers, perusing the seed catalogues, working out whats going where...

...and in Spring - get going and enjoy yourself!  

[diospyros]

Still time to put in broad beans and garlic, and green manures as already mentioned so as to get the soil covered and not leaching nutrients all winter.

[cadalot]

Go to the Garden Centre and pick up the seeds for next year at 50p a pack whilst they still have them on sale

Grow what you eat and like....

[Fairy Plotmother]

Welcome....keep that enthusiasm hot for next season. 

[Plot_29@_Lady_Mary]

As diospyros said, broadbeans and garlic sets can go in around end October. Don't forget Japanese onion set as well can go in about the same time. Yes, its exciting. I know the feeling as when I got my plot I was over the moon especially having waited two and half years!

Btw, if you can, dig up as much weeds out as you can as they are a devil to deal with as your onions and garlic start sprouting! If you are lazy like me...use landscape fabric.    Nice to see green stuff growing through winter!

[Sparkyrog]

Returning to your original question YES you could put those in now !

[wbmkk]

Been there today ... starting to dig.

Here are a few photographs, as long as the upload works ..

[Sparkyrog]

That looks good seen far worse 

[devonbarmygardener]

Looks good

Quite like the 'wee shed' - it can have a good use.
Get weeding and digging and next year you'll have a lovely blank canvas to play with

[sunshineband]

That doesn't look too bad at all 

Re your question about fruit bushes: If you wait a few weeks you will be able to buy bare rooted bushes much more cheaply than potted plants. These will have no leaves and transplants very successfully indeed. You can buy these on line quite economically as they don't weigh all that much.

I find Autumn Fruiting raspberries much easier to manage, as they do not need as much staking as Summer fruiting varieties, and are cut right down each year after they have finished, to grow new canes for the following year. Also they are not so likely to be affected with raspberry maggots    There are some excellent ones that start fruiting around mid July, and go on through to the end of September.

[snowdrops]

Love the shed,not sure you'll be able to hang up tall tools unless you are very 'wee' too, then you can shorten them