Author Topic: All going to plan....?! (Read 4908 times)

allotment_chick · « **on:** August 29, 2003, 14:15:11 »

I'm pleased to report that is still raining so no digging today! I'm sitting here musing over what I do next.

Now, I don't grow 'greens' 'cos nobody here eats them, so apart from the alpine strawberries I've just sown, buckwheat in as green manure (not strong enough to dig in the grazing rye!) and planning to get some broadies and garlic in during October - is that it on the sowing front? What are you guys growing?

I've got swede, celeriac and leeks in to boost me up a bit over the winter and Sweet William to brighten my house (and my soul) in late spring (providing the sluggies leave them alone!)

Planning to dig the strawberry patch and prepare the beds for overwintering, now. The toms are nearly all gathered in (bumper crop thanks to the recent heat), the runners have had it (also thanks to the heat).

I'll be trying to figure out my crop rotation and that is a bit of a job because we don't (apart from swede) like brassicas. I have a plan of my lottie on Excel so at least I can fiddle about 'til I'm happy.

So once the beds are sorted and the manuring is done, do I move into my dreaming phase - you know, will I get that second plot, have I got the stamina to do battle with the marestail on it, where could I move the shed to, is there room for a sixth compost bin (even if it is only a small one?).

I won't be ordering too many seeds for next year as I got most of what I need in the local garden centres when they had their summer sales - upto 50% off (which I declare to be a bit of a result!).

Be interested to know what you all have plans for!
AC ;)

legless · « **Reply #1 on:** August 29, 2003, 17:10:11 »

ah planning, i'm really enjoying that bit. how are you doing yours on excel?

i have planned my rotations around the remnants of crops i can see at the moment and divided into 4 lots. we aren't going to grow cabbages because we don't eat them but we will grow a bit of sprouting brocolli and one or 2 sprout plants. will fill the rest of that section with the stuff that doesn't go in rotations...

we are putting in some autumn sown onions and garlic soon and then some broad beans in october. we're busy clearing the plot of weeds at the mo and then we'll sow some green manure. we won't plant anything else until spring and concentrate on getting the soil right and the greenhouse stable and sorting out the fruit cage and its contents that are trying to take over the world as we speak!

i am also planning a permanent bed for asparagus in a fifth section. and we need to sort out the paths

we're taking our time and doing the digging ourselves and hand weeding so its a big job but i'm sure it'll be worth it.... ;D

Jo

Ceri · « **Reply #2 on:** August 29, 2003, 19:33:05 »

I've bribed my husband to make me a series of small raised beds to have a try with next year, so am planning all sorts of bits and bobs as until I get my lottie my space is pretty restricted. I can't plan for the pots and swedes I used to grow when I had big space years ago, so am going to go for catch crops, and things that are disgracefully expensive to buy - mange tout etc. At the mo I've got herbs, garlic and the last the of the summer salads in - beans and peas are done and I'm busy planning as well, and playing with compost!!

allotment_chick · « **Reply #3 on:** August 29, 2003, 20:47:52 »

Hi Legless - I've asked Admin to send a copy of my spreadsheet on to you - its easier to see than explain! I use strip beds, but you should be able to do pretty much to same for any layout. Hope its of interest! AC

allotment_chick · « **Reply #4 on:** August 29, 2003, 20:51:07 »

Hi Cerig - My philospohy exactly! And to paraphrase the exalted Bob Flowerdew 'Why grow radishes when you could grow strawberries?' (unless, of course, you are extremely fond of radishes).

The swedes are an experiment, as are the celeriac - you have to give it a go, don't you! I'm trying fennel too, but it looks like it may bolt any minute 'cos of the hot weather, I guess - just couldn't get enough water to them...all part of the fun!

Ceri · « **Reply #5 on:** August 29, 2003, 21:23:36 »

Dan Dan the Admin man and Allotment Chick - can I have a copy too please?? Thanks

legless · « **Reply #6 on:** August 29, 2003, 21:55:28 »

thanks allotment chick and Dan, thats fantastic! ;D

allotment_chick · « **Reply #7 on:** August 30, 2003, 12:47:27 »

Hi Dan - could you provide the necessary to legless too? Thank you.

Admin aka Dan · « **Reply #8 on:** August 30, 2003, 12:59:12 »

I've sent it on to Cerig.

Cheers

allotment_chick · « **Reply #9 on:** August 30, 2003, 18:36:45 »

Thanks Dan - just as well one of us is alert and fully compos mentis today! ;)

Ceri · « **Reply #10 on:** August 30, 2003, 22:53:08 »

thanks Dan, gratefully received. Ceri

cdchater · « **Reply #11 on:** September 01, 2003, 13:21:46 »

Hiya Dan the admin man and Legless - Could I also have a copy of the excel spreadshead? I got my lottie yesterday (sunday) and it's been left for 4 years, so it's covered in weeds (as I expected!). I want to draw up a plan but don't know where to start, so your spreadsheet would be a BIG help! The local farmer is going to plough the lottie for me at the end of sept, and then I'm going to get the ground ready for next spring. But is it too late to plant any veg now? I read somewhere that you can plant hardy dwarf peas in October? Does anyone know of anything else I can plant in Oct? Many thanks, Claire

legless · « **Reply #12 on:** September 01, 2003, 13:30:58 »

broad beans can go in in october and autumn onion sets i think are still ok then. is it a big plot?

cdchater · « **Reply #13 on:** September 01, 2003, 14:12:36 »

Hello legless - thanks for replying so quickly, and for the advise! I think I shall plant some broad beans in october and autumn onion sets - might as well give them a try!

The plot is massive (well, I think so!), roughly 25 metres by 10 metres...and I could have had twice that size if I wanted! And my plot only costs £4.50 a year - I couldn't believe it! There's a lot of hard work to do though - it's all really overgrown but I have inherited a massive rhubarb! There's a smaller plot nextdoor (£2.25 a year) but the man has neglected it, so they've kicked him off. He's planted loads of apple and pear trees and so I'm thinking of taking over that plot too - for £2.25 it's worth all the apples and pears - which look lovely!

I've been boring everyone to death about my lottie - especially my poor husband! But I'm just too excited about getting started! At the moment I'm busy reading loads of info about what to plant where, what makes good green manure etc... Have you only just started your plot? How's it all going?

Regards,
Claire

legless · « **Reply #14 on:** September 01, 2003, 14:47:41 »

my husband is actually just coming round to the idea! or becoming more tolerant of veg talk!

i got mine 3 weeks ago, its not in as bad a state as yours sounds luckily. i'd take the plot next door too if i were you, sounds like a bargain.

i've cleared nearly 1/2 of it in total so far so its getting there, mines about the same size as yours, its all a bit daunting isn't it?

cdchater · « **Reply #15 on:** September 01, 2003, 15:30:06 »

yeah, very daunting but very exciting too! I didn't realise there was so much hard work...especially getting the soil right. There's so many things to take into account but still, I can learn from my mistakes (and others people's!). I'd be really grateful to have a look at your plan in excel - might give me a few hints/tips. I don't even know how big to make my beds!

It's nice to know there's people out there doing similar things! If I learn any tips from my lottie neighbours, I'll be sure to pass them on!

Regards,
Claire

legless · « **Reply #16 on:** September 01, 2003, 16:00:38 »

the excel thing is allotment_chick's and its very good indeed, if you ask nicely Dan the admin man might forward it to you!

cdchater · « **Reply #17 on:** September 01, 2003, 17:19:19 »

Pretty please Dan the admin man - can you send me a copy of AC excel spreadsheet, hope that's ok with you AC? I need as much help as possible with my lottie!

Sorry to get you confused legless...it is a Monday!

Regards,
Claire

allotment_chick · « **Reply #18 on:** September 01, 2003, 19:25:33 »

Hi Claire
Your plot sounds like amazing value - how could afford NOT to have it!?

If you can find a patch of soil that is friable and well drained in a sunny spot (and providing you like it!) you could try planting some garlic. Garlic needs at least a month of cold temperatures for the bulbs to reach a good size. Mine'll be going in whenever the weather is reasonable during October.

cdchater · « **Reply #19 on:** September 02, 2003, 13:15:33 »

I know - what a complete bargain! I nearly bought a fruit and veg book yesterday, but it was £3.99 - which is nearly the same price as the lottie! Think a trip to the library is in order!

Thanks for the garlic advise, I'll try this in October to lift my spirits after all the digging! I think I've got quite sandy soil so hopefully conditions sound good for garlic.

News:

Author Topic: All going to plan....?! (Read 4908 times)