New Allotment (Advice needed please)

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dingram

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New Allotment (Advice needed please)
« on: April 21, 2012, 17:31 »
I have just got a new allotment plot and I'm really excited about growing vegetables on it! However I know I have got a lot of work to do first in terms of getting the soil right. The soil is thick clay with lots of twigs and stones and bits in which I need to get rid of.

My question is what do I need to do to improve the soil. I haven't done a thing on it yet as I'm an absolute newbie and would like to get some advice before I start.

Any advice would be very gratefully appreciated!

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Yorkie

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Re: New Allotment (Advice needed please)
« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2012, 18:34 »
Welcome to the site  :D

You don't say whether the plot is also weedy - if it is, have a look at the allotment articles on clearing / planning the plot on the main website.

The best way to improve soil over time is to add organic matter - compost, manure, soil conditioner.

In the short term, remove the bigger stones and twigs.
I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days all attack me at once...

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dingram

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Re: New Allotment (Advice needed please)
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2012, 18:43 »
There's no weeds at all.

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lucywil

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Re: New Allotment (Advice needed please)
« Reply #3 on: April 21, 2012, 18:47 »
There's no weeds at all.

Really? I'd be a little worried by that, if the weeds wont grow nothing will!

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Yorkie

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Re: New Allotment (Advice needed please)
« Reply #4 on: April 21, 2012, 18:55 »
It might just mean that the plot has been cleared, rather than anything sinister!

If the soil sticks to your boots, keep off.

Otherwise, as I said, remove the worst bits in the soil and get planning  :D

Spuds and onions should be in asap.  Other stuff can take a bit longer.

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lucywil

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Re: New Allotment (Advice needed please)
« Reply #5 on: April 21, 2012, 19:14 »
It might just mean that the plot has been cleared, rather than anything sinister!


Yeah, just jealous!

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azubah

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Re: New Allotment (Advice needed please)
« Reply #6 on: April 21, 2012, 20:49 »
Have a think what veg you like to eat. Potatoes are good at supressing weeds, so you don't have to keep weeding that area and have more time to work on the other crops. I would not worry too much about improving the soil until you know what will grow...but if you find a good source of manure don't say no to it.


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