Topic: planning

[staris]

i've recently got an allotment plot ( approx 90 feet by 40 feet) which i'm clearing ,it's all been cut down to ground level and i'm digging the whole plot over by hand removing as many of the roots and weeds as i can, i'm looking for some ideas as to the layout such as paths and were to put them, were to plant fruit bushes ,vegetables,  position of polytunnel ect.
are there any good books that will help me plan what goes were or any kind of software that anyone can recommend  ;D

[Chris Graham]

I have a few books that are good.

Dr Hesseon's ones seem the best.

;)

[kt.]

I have both these books.  I prefer the first one, but either will do:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Allotment-Handbook-Caroline-Foley/dp/1843305836/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216900314&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Allotment-Gardening-Organic-Guide-Beginners/dp/1903998549/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b?ie=UTF8&qid=1216900314&sr=1-1

[tim]

Plan - what's that??

I just fill in when something else comes out!!

[Maidenheadtaff]

I did have a plan with a spreadsheet in colour but then i planted broccoli and melon and they take up loads of space so my plan is going out of the window.
As Tim says plant away and just leave space as these things get big

[Barnowl]

If you are going for crop rotation it's worth ending up with 3-5 beds (usually 4) beds of the same size marked out.

Until you're clear, plant as you go  :), you'll have a better idea of what you want after even only one season. If you planning a tall structure, for instance a permanent runner bean bed, work out where it will cast its shadow.  Also don't forget to include a place where you can sit and admire your handiwork!

I planned mine on a spreadsheet and put the beds in straight away but gave myself such generous paths I now have potato bags on most of them spoiling the nice tidy lines that I planned ::).

[staris]

i've ordered on of the books from amazon and will have a look at that, thanks everyone  :)