Topic: new allotments

[matgill]

hello there everyone. i have just started some projects to get the community involved with growing food on an allotment. i am new to this field but am researching about allotments so i can pass on what i have learnt to other people. i have already established four growing areas with four 2.4 by 1.2m raised beds and they are ready to grow, but doing my research everything that is growing gets harvested this month and the soil prepared for next year. i have new soil and nothing to harvest. the only thing i have read to plant and sow are onions/spring lettuce/winter tares/ spring cabbage and green manure in the areas that are not being used. i would like to teach something to the families involved this month and only so far put the soil test at the start of my lesson plan, can anybody help me with what i can do with the allotments this month while they are so new it would be much appreciated thanks all ::)

[asbean]

Welcome to A4A, matgill, and well done for getting it up and ready.

There's not a lot going in at the moment, just the stuff you already know about, but there is plenty of planning to do over the next few months.  What are you going to grow in each bed, spacing, sowing times, sow direct or in containers, harvest times, what varieties, what will follow on when each crop is finished, soil conditions needed for each crop, I could go on for ever but will leave that to other posters  :) :) :)

Good luck and put up some pictures so we can see the progress  :) :) :)

[kt.]

Welcome Matgill.  First thing for you to teach is to tell them all about this site and the collective fountain of allotment and gardening knowledge everybody has to offer.   :) :)

Things to teach:
Allotments are an enjoyment and hobby, not a chore
Keep you fit and healthy
Fun and enjoyable
Educational for kids and adults alike
Excellent learning experience
Kids can get dirty without getting into trouble
Great for socialising
Good for the environment
Attract local wildlife

Getting started on allotments:
Equipment needed;
Tools and what they are for
Water butts
Compost bins & their benefits
What and how to compost
Manure
Benefits of paths, greenhouse and shed
Importance of crop rotation

The lists are endless and I could go on and on and on and on and on and on........

[ceres]

You can do Japanese onions and autumn planting garlic and broad beans next month.

[matgill]

thankyou all for your help some of the things you have wrote i could research more and use.
i am sure i have a lot more things to ask / learn so will be paying more visits to A4A for the most appreciated help