Few questions from a newbe

I don't have an allotment so can't really advise you at all
For seeds I really like Dobies.

Hi- a couple more answers.

I just use ordinary netting on my brassicas.  Some brassicas like purple sprouting get quite tall so you have to allow for this when putting canes or posts in.  It keeps the pigeons away and they are the worst problem.  The odd cabbage white sometimes find a way in but there is not too much damage.  Weeding is a hassle as I have to get on my hands and knees and crawl around to do a proper job. 

Club root - I cut 3 or 4 inch squares of carpet underlay, cut into one side and cut a small hole in the middle and pop it round the stem of the plant when it goes in.  The growing plant does push it off eventually but I've never had a problem with club root so I think it works.

I did have carrot fly damage with my first crop so I draped some fleece over the next crop and it seemed to work.  Also, seeds sown a bit later, in July, seem less prone to attack.  Growing in a raised bed also helps as the flies reputedly only fly just above the ground - not sure about this one though.

Watering - It depends how much organic matter you dig into your soil.  The chap on the plot next to me says he never waters except when sowing seed, but he mulches a lot and I think that is the secret.  I've only had my plot three years and I don't think I have got it in the state where it can cope without watering.  Luckily I have a tap right on my plot!  I have watered most stuff in the dry weather earlier this summer, but especially the beans and the squash.  With the squash I cut the tops of water bottles and sink them in the soil, then water into the bottles.  When the plants get enormous, it can be difficult to find a space to water near the roots, so having the bottle there is a great help.

Fruit - I don't have room to grow fruit on my tiny plot but people around me certainly net theirs.  The pigeons are a real menace on our site. 

Seed suppliers - I like Seeds of Distinction and also D T Brown - the latter don't charge for postage which is great if you just want the odd packet.  Also, have you thought about joining your local horticultural society?  Membership of ours means you get into the Flower Shows free and you also get huge discounts on seeds (up to 40%)and sundries from Suttons and Mr Fothergill if you order through the club secretary.  It more than covers the cost of membership.

Thanks for all the info so far everyone!  Looks like I'm going to be doing some construction work once I get my plot!

Cage for fruit, mesh for brassicas and enviro mesh for carrots

I'm still a bit scared of club root though... ekkk will def. be getting some carpet underlay off-cuts!

I guess like anything it's just seeing what will do best

For most fruit you only need to cover when the fruit is close to ripe until you harvest. It is much easier to put netting over just for the month or so that it is needed. Also, I think that smaller birds then get in and eat the insects hiding in there so you get less pest problems (this might just be wishfull thinking rather than scientific fact!).