[savbo]

It's worth thinking about groups of plants even if you don't go for a bed system... for example, for your brassicas you're going to need some butterfly protection, and for the tall winter brassicas (kale & sprouts) it'll have to be about 3-4' high, so those 2 may as well go together...

[plum crumble]

I love those piccies

[totalnovice]

It's worth thinking about groups of plants even if you don't go for a bed system... for example, for your brassicas you're going to need some butterfly protection, and for the tall winter brassicas (kale & sprouts) it'll have to be about 3-4' high, so those 2 may as well go together...

I agree, I don't do rows generally, i do blocks of things as it is easier to look after me. However saying that I am going to try and make a small part of my allotment look like those lovely picutres earlier in the thread so will have to do rows!

And half a plot is more than enough to start with. I think if mine had bene any bigger i wouldn't have known where to start or been able to keep on top of it to start with.

[savbo]

we started with half a plot 2 years ago and it was plenty for all those annual crops you list. It was only when we wanted to have lots of fruit and other permanent crops we upgraded to a full plot...

[DD.]

Peas are difficult in blocks!

[plum crumble]

  there's more to life than peas you know DD

    tries to run quickly away, but realises elevated post-op foot is quite an encumberance.....

[Nicki85]

Thanks everyone  

I do like the idea of rows but I am a bit OCD when it comes to keeping everything tidy and neat.  I can imagine measuring out everything exactly and making it all uniform- lots of fun!  Probably won't be as good as DDs peas though  

I will have to think about some blocks for the plants mentioned and I guess pumpkins are not going to abide by my rules.  I will get a plan drawn up tonight and post it up for you all to critique  

[Kristen]

I have 4' wide beds, so I do "blocks" too.  For example, Cauliflowers. They only last 2 weeks from first-ready to must-harvest, so I only grow 4 at-a-time, rather than a whole row! The next 4, a couple of weeks later, go in the next available space in the Brassica bed - often next to the previous batch

I plant my broad beans, Brussels, Parsnips in a triple row, and onions and leeks 5 or 6 across.

I start planting my beds from both ends.  The long-season crops from one end, and the short season from the other. So Sprouts / Spring PSB, Leeks, Celeriac etc. are all the "long season" end of the beds. That way when I come to plant Garlic and Onions in the Spring they go where the short season roots were (Spuds and Carrots) and the rest of the bed still has last year's Parsnips in it.  When they are cleared that will make room for the Leeks to be planted out in June.

I've probably made that sound incredible complicated!

[compostqueen]

I do a mixture of raised beds, blocks and rows. I add lots of flowers too so it looks pretty as well as being productive 

[VirginVegGrower]

I can only say what works for me. "Off the shelf" wise, I've always had great sucess with Kelvedon Wonder. I've been itching to re-post my piccies:








If you do get stuck for space, try something like "Alderman" that grow up to 6'. Be warned they'll need netting or something to climb up, they won't grow like runner beans.

I'm hoping to be self-sufficient in heritage varieties from now.

Truly beautiful. As a woman I am very impressed

[Henerz]

 :blink: :blink:That is ambitious,but i wish all the best with it whatever you do enjoy it once your bitten by the bug you will be looking for more land!! Oh were are you putting the spuds :ohmy:All the best to you mate. Henerz

[DD.]

"Mate" is a bit of a familiar way to address a lady!

[Henerz]

Whoops!! I'm terribly sorry old chap, do forgive me tut tut, must watch my Ps@Qs. The common chap!!!

[lucywil]

"Mate" is a bit of a familiar way to address a lady!
[/quote

'Mate' is the  way everyone gets addressed in east anglia!