From Scratch

Hey,
My dad and I have decided to buy an allotment.
We were so eager to get an allotment we got the first one available and it is in kind of a state...
I was wondering if you guys could help us with a few things to get us on our way.

The reason the subject of the post is 'From Scratch' is because we honestly do have to start from scratch...
At the minute our plot is just a wilderness of weeds and hard soil.
Also, when there is heavy rain in the area the plot floods...

The plans we have in mind are:-
-Raise the plot for floodwater to pass under.
-Make a clear area for a greenhouse.
-Transporting our greenhouse from home to the plot.
-Somehow Weed the plot. (Scary thinking of it...)
-Fertilize the plot.
-Get growing

Whilst on our way with the growing we would like to build a chicken coop and get in some chickens.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have any tips on helping us make this take less time or point out if anything is just impossible please reply!
I dont want this to be a waste of time as i know it will be hard work....

Quote from: "joshwain"

when there is heavy rain in the area the plot floods...

This sounds a bit worrying. How deep does it get and for how long does the water stand on the allotment?

Only a few millimeters of surface water that stays around a week but considering it isn't solid ground it's bad as it should be able to take that.

Okay, I'd say, cut down the weeds and shred, burn or compost them, then a good deep double-dig to improve the drainage and have a think about using raised beds.

The dig would be easier than trying to raise the plot i guess...

If drainage is a real problem you could consider raised beds

u could put a grip in if there is a dyke to run it to.
a grip is a plastic pipe with holes in it which u bury to drain the water off

Good plan, Josh

You might want to edit your signature block to remove your email address, otherwise spammers may get hold of it...

Never though about that will get it taken off now

Here's a thread you should read before starting.

http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=13570&highlight=

I too have poor sub soil and I loosened what I could before building mounded, rather than boarded, raised beds. No cost involved, just a bit of effort. Roots go down deeper than you imagine so this helps.

Also, you'll want to check with your site or read your contract. I assume you're renting a plot rather than bought, so you'll need to know any restrictions. Not all sites allow fruit trees, greenhouses, sheds or chickens. And check if any water is available because if they allow chickens and there's no water ......
If no water, then you'll need to have water butts on hand with drainage from any shed roofs (again, if allowed).

And as Skiprat says, do it all in easy stages. Exhausting toil is no fun at all and takes the joy out of your efforts.