First Timer

[jonno]

Just retired and got my first allotment which at the moment is a complete wilderness. Any advice would be helpfull as  I have never grown any vegetables

Cheers

Jonno

[tim]

Join the club!! I'm not the ace here - did ours 45 years ago! Still full of weeds!

But look back, while you're waiting, at the many bits of advice given about clearing & planting. = Tim

[windygale]

Hi jonno, nice to see you on board, there's loads of advice on this website and people who can help,
happy gardening
windy

[Pixie]

Hello  

[budgiebreeder]

Welcome Jonno .Will this be of any help.

[Mimi]

Hey Budgie, dont you laugh.  That is what I had to get on my allotment.  After breaking my bestest stainless steel spade on the compacted 'marl' (almost concrete like low on soil high on gravel and stone).  Best money Ive spent in ages.  Mind you even the digger had trouble with some places.

[micsmum]

  Welcome Jonno!

[derbex]

Hi Jonno,

small steps are best, dig a bit at a time and cover the rest, or mow it if it looks like it'll be a couple of years. There have been plenty of threads lately about this.

If you have any specific questions, we'd be glad to help out.

Just remember, they're not weeds -just compost-in-waiting

Jeremy

[Moggle]

Welcome Jonno, black plastic is your friend   Makes the wilderness look so much better. You need to strim/mow first of course.

I like your comment Derbex - 'compost in waiting'  

Have you been able to clear any and find out what the soil is like?

[newchangeling]

Hi Jonno!

Facing the 'wilderness' is pretty daunting, but you will definitely get loads of support and encouragement here.

The best advice I was given was not to try to do too much at once or you'll just get fed up with it all.  Do some digging, then take it easy, enjoy the weather (or not!), the view, the chat, the planning, then do some more digging.  I find that I get more done when I daydream about all the lovely, delicious, succulent fresh veggies I'll be able to tuck into.

Of course, I also end up getting very hungry and have to go home to eat so I never get quite as much done as I'd hoped!!

[Andy H]

enjoy it,sinch by the inch or do the whole lot and get knackered! your retired so whatever pace you enjoy.
Good luck,it WILL be worth it