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  5. what to look for in a plot....

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what to look for in a plot....

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pumpy88

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what to look for in a plot....
« on: December 15, 2011, 14:41 »
Hello!

I’m really green to this for want of a better phrase, never had a garden or an allotment and I’m based in London…however the council have found me 3 plots to look at for my first allotment – as there anything I should be looking out for when ‘viewing’ them?

Thanks in advance
Joe
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JayG

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Re: what to look for in a plot....
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2011, 18:24 »
Hi pumpy88 - welcome to the forums!

Those that aren't sick with jealousy at your having a choice of 3 will no doubt be happy to advise but are more likely to read your question in the "Grow Your Own" section of the forum, so I'll move your thread there.  :)
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sunshineband

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Re: what to look for in a plot....
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2011, 18:52 »
A few things to check out, in order of importance

1. Aspect (ie which way does the sun shine/travel. Is it shaded for part of the day? Is it sheltered or very exposed)

2. Is there water available and how far away is it from the plot

3. Are there weeds there that are difficult to eradicate, like marestail, or giant bindweed

and then....

...... what state is it in? ie very overgrown and not been worked for ages, or in 'good heart'

....... what are adjoining plots like? Are the full of weeds that will spread to your plot?

....... is there a shed?

Lucky you, having such a choice  :D
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Yorkie

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Re: what to look for in a plot....
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2011, 19:57 »
Also security and parking
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Plottered

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Re: what to look for in a plot....
« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2011, 20:15 »
Are the 3 plots on one site or different sites. If they're on different sites then what facilities does the site offer in terms of toilets, community facilities, site shop etc.
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catweazle

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Re: what to look for in a plot....
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2011, 21:26 »
on site water

try to avoid masses of horse tail and bindweed

security

the soil, weve got one on our site thats almost a peat bog!

ask can you grow fruit trees or keep hens (if thats what you want)
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TerryB

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Re: what to look for in a plot....
« Reply #6 on: December 16, 2011, 09:51 »
Hi pompy88
Also check out how well drained the plot is.
It can be a lot of work digging drainage ditches if you have a lot of surface water or are at the bottom of the site.
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BabbyAnn

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Re: what to look for in a plot....
« Reply #7 on: December 16, 2011, 11:21 »
Don't be put off by a weedy plot - most likely the previous tenant was unable (for whatever reason) to keep on top of it and took another year to decide to give up.  At this time of year it might be difficult to see the weed types as most will have gone dormant so bindweed and marestail (if you knew what they looked like) may not be that obvious and may already have died back.  You might see stinging nettle around - a good sign of soil fertility.

Trees - especially non-fruit ... how many are there, will they shade the plot and what about how much water might they extract from the soil in summer

Soil - clay soil is not a problem, sometimes a lot of hard work digging but you can make it better

Access to water - would be my number one
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Swing Swang

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Re: what to look for in a plot....
« Reply #8 on: December 19, 2011, 10:43 »
Talk to the neighbours too - if you want a sense of community then make sure that you actually like them!
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« Zebra chip disease, I think my potatoes had it this year | Dig in manure or not »

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