Topic: Hello

[Normylass]

 ;D
Just registered on this great forum.
Wanted to say hello and introduce myself.
My DH and I were lucky enough to be allocated an allotment in the middle of August with no wait. We were given the choice of two, a double plot which floods badly, or a 10 rod plot which although over grown and hadn't been touched for at least 10 years had a standpipe at the gate and helpful plot neighbours.
We chose the 10 rod plot. We both work full time and go there (10 minute walk away) as often as we can. DH is mainly doing the fence repairs, erecting  a shed, and making compost heaps/greenhouse. I've undertaken the digging and planting. The clearing of the plot has been difficult as there was all manor of rubbish, old mattresses, wheelbarrow (beyond repair), rotting wood, old holey tarpaulins bags of 'gone off ' concrete.
Using my trusty spade and folk have manged to clear around half of the plot so far and have some plants growing :)

So far have planted..... white, green and purple sprouting broccoli.
                                      winter endives and chicory
                                       spring cabbage
                                      over wintering onions,shallots and garlic.
                                      raspberries, gooseberries, and strawberries
                                      oh and potted up some broad beans for overwintering they are in my back garden at home.
                                       Also have made some cordons with some apple and pear trees bought at lidl.

Can't wait till the spring as have bought so many seeds to plant.

One of my fellow plot holders thinks I'm mad as intend to make a frog pond  ;D


Jue

[manicscousers]

Hi, Normylass, welcome to the forum  ;D
sounds like you've made brilliant progress, we have a pond for frogs so we're also mad  ;D

[posie]

Hello, welcome to the A4A madhouse!  ;D  Sounds like you've been a busy bee.  Hope you're enjoying yourselves!

[thifasmom]

hi and welcome from a back yard allotmenteer ;). well done on what you have done so far, send us pictures if you have some.

i think a frog pond is a good idea, why not also create an insect tower/ hotel to encourage more beneficial beasties on to your plot.

PS join a swap there are few on going and being started soon that you could get your teeth into, it will let you off load surplus seed stock and give access to new varieties to try.

happy growing vibes,
thifasmom.

[Lauren S]

Hi Normylass and welcome from me too. Wow you have been bitten by the *Lottie Bug*  ;D

Congrats on what you have achieved so far.

Please, please post some pics, we love, before during and after pictures.  :D

Lauren  :)

[Emagggie]

Welcome, Normylass. Sounds like youv'e made a terrific start and youv'e got the best bit to come. Spring is my favourite time with all the seed sowing and planting. Enjoy. ;D

[star]

Hi and welcome from me too Normylass ;D


Frog pond??? .......................................Yes, yes and yes!! You'll be glad you did, you'll also be glad you are.................................................mad ;D ;D ;D

[Amazin]

Yippee - another seedaholic!

- ahem! - unlike me of course...


 ;D

[trinity]

I wanna frog pond I wanna frog pond I wanna........but the kids a to small they might fall in
 oh and hello I think that's what I came on hear for ??? ::) sorry will slink off and go do some more seed sorting ;D I did not buy any more honest ..... well i think i need to post on the SAA thread

WELCOME from trinity ;D

[Normylass]

 :D

WOW Thank you for all the welcomes.
Me a seedaholic..  ahem.....  ;)
Just got back from a popular diy shop with two more packets  ;D
Will try and load some pictures when I work out how to.

Just got to work out how to dig in the rain now ;)

Jue

[lolabelle]

Hi Normylass welcome to the best alotment advice site , enjoy your allotment LB :) :)

[lottie lou]

Welcome.   I must warn you - becoming a seedaholic is dangerous.  Your non lottie friends and acquantances will reckon you are the most boring person on earth.

[Flighty]

Hello, I think that they're a great crowd here!
A frog pond is a good idea. Mine is just an old washing up bowl and the frogs seem quite at home.

http://flightplot.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/dscn0378.jpg

Happy allotmenteering!

[Normylass]

 :)Love the photo Flighty :)

Have uploaded some before/during pictures.

http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=318;u=8466

Hope the link works  :D

Jue

[Froglegs]

:D

Just got to work out how to dig in the rain now ;)

Jue

Hope this helps,one of me taken down the allotment this morning. ;)
PS. normally i would wear a string vest but its in the wash. ::)

[Flighty]

Thanks! The links work fine. You're doing great by the look of it! Just wait until next summer and you'll have a big smile on your face.

[caroline7758]

Welcome from me, Normylass. looks as if you've done a lot of hard work there! And nice to see someone (like me) NOT using raised beds!
Let us know whereabouts you are, as this can make a difference to the advice you get (and we're all nosey!)

Flighty, is your washing-up bowl sunk into the ground? Might try that myself.

[Flighty]

Caroline it's sunk in the ground to the rim at a slight angle, and partly filled with stones so anything can get in or out of it.
Another alternative is to use an upturned plastic dustbin lid if you want something a bit bigger.

[kt.]

And nice to see someone (like me) NOT using raised beds!

That made me chuckle Caroline.  I am fortunate enough to have good soil which drains well.  I only use 2 beds for my strawberries and that is only to stop the runners taking over.  So can I be in your gang ;D

Welcome to the site Normylass.  You will love it.

[caroline7758]

Another alternative is to use an upturned plastic dustbin lid if you want something a bit bigger.

Great idea- I bought a plastic dustbin to use as a water butt so I've got a spare lid!

KT, welcome to my gang. I'm sure some newbies think raised beds are the only way to grow veg, and I know some people need them, but I manage fine without!