I have a PLOT.... I don't believe my luck..

I'm so happy ... 

Yes....  I have been allocated a lottie PLOT.... I really don't believe my luck.. I only put my name down a few weeks ago with the council and the 2 local association run Allotment sites..  I have been allocated one on my third preference which is still great and only 2 miles away.. (My first pref is only 400 yards from my house and is an old council site that has been closed for a while and re-vamped and not re-allocated as yet - but alas I was not succesful with it. I'll still leave my name on the list for it for future allocation - hopefully).

My new plot is only about 90 sq yards so not a great size but still adequate for me. I will also still use my rooftop garden and greenhouse for onions and a few strawbs to use as fresh pickings when required.. Normally halfway through preparing the meals I remember I need some onions and some strawbs to have for pud..

The plot is a bit run down so need some advice.. I'm going to clear it of a bit of grass and weeds and then I was going to spread horse manure (fresh) and either dig in to decompose or leave on top to be sorted by the winter.. What would be the recommendations of the forum?

Hi Christine - thanks for the heads up on checking my manure..  I have used the same manure now for 3 years on all my veg and garden and none of my plants have been hit so I assume it is ok... It comes from my Son's GF horse so is a constant supply.

I cant wait to get stuck in....    I have to wait till the ex tennent has cleared his stuff out... hopefully the shed will stay.

Congrats on getting a plot...its a great feeling to have your own little bit of land to do what you like with 

My tuppence worth....Tackle a bit at a time, don't try and get it all done too quickly. There's no rush now, you've got all winter (unless we have another "big freeze"!)  Plan what you want to grow and where, and the normal advice is not to manure where the carrots / parsnips are going, if you are intending to have those.

I wouldn't bother growing things that are cheap to buy from the greengrocer / supermarket which take up lots of space on a small plot, eg some brassicas, maincrop potatoes.

Have fun...and I didn't find digging to be too much of a problem.

I agree with the little and often philosophy too. It'll still be there tomorrow    I don't dig at all and my plot is hugely productive so don't feel you have to dig    You'll be surprised at just how much your small plot will produce.  Good luck with it all

There should be plenty of opportunities before the really bad weather sets in, to get some clearing done.  You can put heavy duty black sheet mulch down over the weedy bits so they're not getting worse while you go about tackling the plot bit by bit.  It's pricey but good stuff and should last forever 

You'll find that come spring the manure you've laid over the soil will have kept the soil underneath in really good condition. The worms will take a lot of down but if you have too much you can just scrape it to one side for planting purposes and then either use it on an adjacent bed or just pull it back over, especially if you're planting spuds. Now is the time to think about buying overwintering onions, garlic and shallots. These should be available via your lotty association so if you've not done so already, I'd recommend you make yourself a member as you'll be able to buy at reduced prices.  We're ordering seed potatoes for next year at the moment