Topic: New Allotment, novice gardener

[abdehor]

Hi everyone, just taken on a new allotment, what a nightmare, dont think it has been used for planting just keeping birds, dogs, rabbits ect.
Cleared the pens burnt them down, lots and lots of weeds and roots which I need to dig out.
I got this allotment a couple of weeks ago, would potatoes be the best thing to plant this spring to clean up the soil ?
Thanks to everyone for you tips on here, excellent site for someone like me,

[spacehopper]

Hello there, sounds like you are going great guns with the allotment already!
Yes I think tatties would be a good choice of crop to clear the ground. We are intending to put a large proportion of the vegetable plot into tatties this year for that very reason. Don't forget to grow other stuff too though!

[Curryandchips]

I think squashes are effective too as the large leaf cover does tend to reduce the weeds, and they don't need much maintenance. I agree with the potatoes.

A new allotment is always exciting, I wish you very good luck.

[Jitterbug]

Hello there you lucky devil

I picked up the following site from this forum and it might well prove helpful - there are some great tips on it together with a planting calendar and everything - good for novices like us.

The address is www.keirg.freeserve.co.uk.  Good luck and happy surfing and planting.

[cleo]

Welcome and good luck as you embark on this most satisfying and at times most annoying  ;)way of spending your time.

Spuds are a good choice but remember that they do not`clean up` the soil-the foliage does supress some weeds but it`s mostly the earthing up that you do that gives you the chance to keep weeding.