[liz from the fizz]

Saw what will be my allotment today and as it was sky high in brambles and  rubbish decided to take only half the allotment. As i am a first timer, 250feet seemed like 'ohmygod', where as 125ft seems 'phew' .what i need to know is what goes with what and when. But please keep it simple.

[GrannieAnnie]

Hi Liz, welcome to the forum.  You will get loads of advice from the peeps on here, so don't let anything worry youy.  There is an answer to every question!  I'll let someone like Muntjac explain the basics to you as I'm a bit tired tonight, but just wanted to say hi!!!!

[muntjac]

ok first things first . start to cut down all the bramble weds etc and digit slowy over clearing and digging a couple yards at a time .. forget the rest for now  aim to have 1/3 rd done by end feb and we can sort out getting some plants and seeds sown for then liz. fear not we all have been there  

[GrannieAnnie]

Told ya!!!!! lol

[liz from the fizz]

Wow you guys thats real cool of you to reply so fast. Its like a group hug moment.

[John]

Very sensible to take half a plot , Liz. Better to enjoy it than be overwhelmed and feel you're fighting a losing battle.

[Sadgit]

or get the council to clear it, like they are with mine
*sits back and reads the papers*

[supersprout]

Hi Liz, yep, we've all been there too :shock: can't help feeling a wee bit envious, you have so much fun ahead!
Just tackle it slow and steady.
The 'Favourite Veg Growing Books' thread points the way to some good books - and you've already found this forum!
This little guide might be helpful too:
http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/schools_organic_network/leaflets/NoDigGardening.pdf

Happy growing!

[mercury]

As muntjac says liz, don't overdoe it, take a small section at a time, mark out a n area, and tell yourself, right, thats what i'm going to do today, then, same again tomorrow, that way you wont sicken yourself  

[mum of 3]

hi Liz i could have written that exact post last April,we too took on half a plot and although its hard to beleive you do get there eventually,like the others have said do a little at a time then plant something .there are some on our plot who've decided to dig over the entire plot before planting and needless to say its now their second year and still nothing planted

[beansticks]

HI LIZ ,the secret as stated is to take your time,it took me 3 years to get mine as i wanted,i used to think i would never reach the boundary fence,but i got there last spring,do as munty said ,cut everything to ground level in the areas you want to use first,anything else that is cut down but not used can be covered and nature will give you a helping hand

[cornykev]

As said above Liz little at a time and you will soon get there, happy digging        

[muntjac]

i will say im the type as gets into it clears the lot n plants ina month or so llo

[legendaryone]

I am one of those who cleared and dug the whole lot    
I can't see the point of getting the allotment and not doing all of it  
It took a month to do but was well worth it
I've garlic, onions and strawberries in mine and have just collected 12 kg of seed potatoes from the allotment shop today which i was very excited about

[milkman]

My plots are divided into fixed beds 4ft wide by 5 to 6 metres long with paths 2ft wide in between.  To get started I drew up a plan and dug it bed by bed - it focussed my attention and helped me to see that steady progress was being made.  And once a bed is dug it is ready for when you want to plant, and its also easier to keep the annual weeds at bay.  If I was starting out again, I'd use the same method.