[KarenP]

I have had my allotment since late May and have removed turf and grown veggies on about half.  I would like to get the whole allotment up and running  ready for next year.

I have three terraced areas covered in weeds and grass.  Would it be beneficial to turn it all, rake and plant a green mature?

Thanks
Karen

[noshed]

It sounds like a good idea but they can be a right whatsit to dig in. I would sow some broad beans instead - you will be able to eat some. Sling some manure/compost over the rest and it will be marvellous by the spring...

[shaun]

thats what ive decided to do noshed,i was thinking about an over winter green manure but after careful thought i'm going to get hafl a dozen packs of broad beans and sow them next month,

[KarenP]

What would I need to do to prepare the ground for the broad beans?  At the moment its thick with weeds and grass and hasn't been grown on for several years.

Thanks
karen

[shaun]

karen you will need a well dug weed free soil with a good amount of well rotted manure or compost.

[KarenP]

Is there any getting round removing the turf?  

Can green manure be used if I dig in the areas and sow on top?

[noshed]

I suppose you could try putting cardboard/thick newspaper down and then plant some stuff through, in pockets of compost. Or just let the cardboard rot down over the winter.
Or get a mattock and give it a good belting and sow broad beans. I did that last year with a weedy bed and sowed field beans. They were good at keeping the weeds down and I only mattocked it roughly. But then I thought I might as well have edible beans instead.
Divide the ground inrto 4' wide strips - it makes it easier to deal with than a huge plot.

[yummy]

I have just scattered fenugreek on 3 of my beds. I chose it because it said ready to dig in 8 weeks. I've got clay soil and I read that was best dug in Autumn so thought a fast growing one was best. I've got some grow organic too and the lady on the plot next door told me to put some of that on.

I'm glad I read this thread because it has reminded me that I was going to over winter some broad beans this year - thanks.