[Brummie]

Hi all!

I've just aquired an allotment from the council after only 6 months  ! I was expecting longer so I am a bit short on research, is there anything I should be looking out for when I see the plot? Also, is there anything I can be doing now that will help me when I come to start?

Thanks in advance

... btw I am a complete novice when it comes to gardening.

[dexyblue]

Hiya Brummie, suggest you have a good mooch around this website, thats what I did when I started last year.
Good Luck

[DD.]

Welcome to the forums:

Have a look at these articles of the website first:

http://www.allotment-garden.org/articles/Clearing_a_New_Allotment.php

http://www.allotment-garden.org/articles/Planning_the_Plot.php

[fatbelly]

Get yourself a spade and Fork and prepare to dig for victory.
Digging is the very best way to get you plot in order, its also the hardest 

[Brummie]

Thanks for all the help! I can't wait to get the keys now.

[Sweet Pea 2]

Where abouts in Birmingham is your plot Brummie?  I come from Brum orginally.   

Try to plan where you want your beds and paths to be.

Work out what you want to grow based on what you like to eat.

[DD.]

There is nothing that says you have to have beds.

I admit to having two beds though, both about 30m x 10m! 

[Brummie]

Where abouts in Birmingham is your plot Brummie?  I come from Brum orginally.   

Try to plan where you want your beds and paths to be.

Work out what you want to grow based on what you like to eat.

Solihull technically but i'm right on the border. What are the benifits of using raised beds?

[Stevens706]

When you get a chance go down and talk to the old boys, you don't have to take their advice but you will probably find it's usefull, such as where can you get manure from.

[Sweet Pea 2]

I didn't mean raised beds.  Really I mean work out where you path are going to go as oppose to where you are growing veg. 
There are advantages of raised beds, mainly you can grow more in a smaller space as far as I can tell, but with an allotment you probably won't need them.  If you do do raised beds, have a plan for keeping weeds down on the paths between them.  My allotment neighbours didn't, and they have given up their allotment.  I have bought a cordless strimmer for this purpose, so that I can have grass paths. 
Also work out where may be best for a manure heap and compost bin.  Planning these things before you start is well worth it. 
I am from near Barnt Green, Worcestershire/West Midlands border.

[Allotment Jon]

Welcome to the forum Brummie, I,m a Solihull lottie myself.

I learnt a lot from walking around looking at other peoples plots for ideas and then planning it all out.

Chating to other plot holders is rewarding however you may get different advice from different people so take note from them all and take your time. You will get it right in the end.

Also get a shed to sit in for a well earned rest.

[Brummie]

Sorry Sweet Pea 2, I get confused easily  

Allotment Jon, which site are you at?

[fatbelly]

When you get a chance go down and talk to the old boys, you don't have to take their advice but you will probably find it's usefull, such as where can you get manure from.

This is a good idea.

When  I first started I did this all the time and I now have 2 or 3 old timers who I go to and I know I can rely on their advice.

I also cherry pick the person I ask according to the cultivation I want to know more about. For instance there is a guy called Ken who is the Pea and Brassica guru, but I can grow far better Carrots than he can.

[Allotment Jon]

Allotment Jon, which site are you ate?

Brummie,

I,m tucked in the corner at Coppice Road Allotment.

[Brummie]

Ah! Just around the corner then (... I'm at Lyndon Road)

Thanks for all the great advice and general friendlyness from all!