Topic: Can't wait to get going again.

[JohnnyLarge]

I am dying to get going again in the allotment. Unfortunately the plots are really wet at the moment. I went to plant some raspberry canes yesterday and dug 3/4 of a spit deep. The water filled the hole immediately!
I have planted the canes in the greenhouse for now.
I'll have to console myself with a photo of it in bloom for now.
John :(

(Taken last year, My first ever attempt)


(Taken 3.7.05, My second year. Note green house has been moved!)

[tim]

You've set yourself a pretty high standard?

[AlanP]

Just short of a few chickens on there JL

[JohnnyLarge]

Sure did, Tim.
My Dad was a keen gardener. I could never understand him coming in from a hard day at the pit, hanging his bag and donkey jacket on the back of the door and getting straight in the garden.
Now I do.
I wish he was here to give me advice and help. I am sure he would be as proud of my allotment as I am.
I am still learning though, and am trying different varieties of seeds this year to suppliment my usual Wilko varieties.
I have plenty of room in my 2 plots so have no need to cram stuff together.
John :)

[blight]

that looks fantastic. how big are the plots?

[JohnnyLarge]

I don't know exactly but I think both plots together are about 25x14 yards.
Good question, I'll measure them to satisfy my curiosity now!
John ;D

[colleenemp]

Oh dear....my weedy mud muddle looks a little poor now....still, hope my new composting bins will help with that general yes I'm interested and keen look.....I'm still battling twitch/couch grass.... :'(

[busy_lizzie]

Fantastic plots Johnny. I am very impressed at how organised and neat everything looks.  Your Dad would have been very proud of you and you obviously carry the same gardening gene.  Well done for a great allotment.  busy_lizzie

[Paulines7]

Wow!! Not a weed to be seen and so neat and tidy.  How long have you had your plots Johnny?  They are an inspiration to try and get mine under control. 

[vee]

Well done Johnny! You have done well and obviously worked really hard to get the plots looking so wonderful. I wish mine looked like that!

[the_snail]

Nice plots you have got there. You must have put allot of time and effort into them. Looks as though you have had a good crop also. I understand about the waterlogged allotments as the site I am on allways gets either partually flooded or water logged during winter and it is rather sticky under foot to do much work on site. Luckly though one on the plots is on a very slight gradiant so it all drains down to the bottom plots. Hopefully with a few days of dry weather and a good drying wing it should be a little easier to work down there. At the moment I am stuck reading the seed catalogues.

The_Snail

[Bagpuss74]

Wow JL - plots look amazing!  I only started up in July but what an inspiration!  Plots look kind of familiar though, where are you based?

[undercarriage plan]

Johnny, what amazing plots! Makes me want to run in and pick!! Won't though cos that would be rude....Well done, and cos your Dad would be proud. They're amazing!! As for straight lines, my dad got so fed up with seeing zig-zag rows of veg, he made me a line out of 2 bits of stake and bale twine, still use it even though given lovely shiney one..... ::) Rows now straight...ish  ;D
Lottie

[allotmanye]

Well done Johnny made me green with envy. My only gripe PLEASE no Tesco ( or any one else for that matter ) carrier bags tied to canes. Our site at times looks like an explosion in a supermarket, if I had my way anything plastic would be banned from lotties. ;)

[allotmanye]

Well done Boardywardy

we have had our plot for nearly two years and we are STILL digging up bits of plastic, half our plot is all plum trees and I spend a lot of time unwrapping plastic bags from the branches. What did our forfathers use before the days of plastic bottles and carrier bags? Plastic Plant Markers Grrrrrrrrrrrr   Plastic String Grrrrrrrrrrrr
There are better ways.

[JohnnyLarge]

To answer a few questions:
I took over the first top plot at the end of April 2004. The lower adjoining plot  I took over about 6 weeks later.
It had a huge old 'greenhouse' (I never saw) which I was informed by a few of the old guys, was more string, plastic and rubbish than it was glass. After the previous tenant passed away, the committee removed this and a lot of rubbish. I had to clear the remainder myself.
I bought a rotovator for £40 from another plot-holder, so I can run over the plots when needed. The greenhouse cost me £40 and I bought another for £20 which hasn't been erected yet.
My allotment is on Ashfield Road, Hasland, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
The plots slope slightly across the width so the top plot drains ok. One of the previous tenants put in some land-drains.
I share a shed with another friend at the moment, but my nephew has a big shed he is letting me have for free when he has built his new block one.
I'm just comparing prices and varieties of seed to suppliment my normal 'Wilko' seeds with some varieties more suited to what my garden has to offer soil wise.
John :)

[redimp]

Ashfield Road, Hasland, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Not far from wardy then?  (she being in Bolsover - the home of the main man Skinner)

[lorna]

Wardy Hope Russ behaves himself. Then again if you leave the wallpaper on the floor nobody will notice if Russ has done a "tiddly winks old man" Enjoy your visit even if you are working. That's what Mum's are for or is it your niece you are helping??   Lorna

[KevB]

Hi Johny

Take a look at this site for “some” of your seeds, I’ve bought from them and they’re as good as anyone else but you don’t get a fancy packet, and all at 50p a pack!! it was from someone on here that i heard of them!!

 

http://www.alanromans.com

 

Cheers Kev

[KevB]

Ashfield Road, Hasland, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Not far from wardy then?  (she being in Bolsover - the home of the main man Skinner)

Would that be Frank Skinner??? LOL ;)
KevB