Topic: A Few Questions From A Newbie!

[Spency]

Hi All,

New to the forums and indeed allotments, I am 27 so I guess on the younger side of this amazing world.

Anyway, I have had an allotment now for about 2 months and everything is growing really well.

I have :

Runner Beans
Potatoes
Celery
Corn On The Cob
Tomatoes
Beetroot
Brocolli
Two types of Letteuce
Peas
Carrots

And I have some rhubarb in and a few blackberry and tasberry bushes.

My question is, is there anything else I should be growing. My plot is mostly full now, but with some of the crops due to be harvested over the next few months , can I grow anything over the winter period, or is there anything I can squeeze in now.

I am probably growing too much, but just wanted to have a go at things, so I guess its worth a shot.

Also, am I allowed to post some photos of the allotment, as it would be great to get feedback from more experienced and professionals I can see post here.

[manicscousers]

Hiya, Spency, welcome to a4a  ;D
we're starting off chinese leaves of all descriptions, we'll start some more off next month and september to overwinter in our polytunnel..we used to grow them in the greenhouse..just sowed beetroot, kohl rabi, turnips as well as carrying on with the lettuce, etc..couple of months it'll be broad beans and overwintering onions..happy growing  ;D

[shirlton]

Welcome Spency, There are lots of things you can put in to overwinter. Purple Sprouted Brocolli, Jap onions. Broad beans. Some cauli's over winter

[Digeroo]

I am a little older than you (x2) but only had my allotment for 4 months.  Used to grow a few things in the garden but enjoying having space to grow some things new to me.  

Also light and soil conditions are different.  Sowed beetroot in both, same packet. On allotment did fine but total failure in the garden.

Sounds as if you are doing really well.  I also like to experient with different varieties and different methods.   What?  No courgettes. ;D ;D

I love seeing photos of people's plots.  

[saddad]

Welcome to A4A Spency..

[GRACELAND]

What about Onions or Shallots ???

Bit late This year but Next year

Unless you try Jap Onions  :)

[lushy86]

Welcome Spency, you will get lots of good advice here from everyone  :)

We would love to see pictures

Lushy x

[Rhubarb Thrasher]

has nobody mentioned the Humble Radish?

[saddad]

Or it's big brother the Winter Radish...  :-\

[pigeonseed]

yes radish, for a crop in 2 weeks. Plus mooli (is that the winter radish you meant, Saddad?) Mooli also produce tons of leaf and that's good for a recipe which is a favourite of mine.

and kale - I'm still hoping to sow some.

you could get a crop of dwarf french beans as well - I did that on the advice of my next-door-plot-neighbour a couple of years ago. Mind you most of mine were all eaten by slugs so it wasn't 100 successful!

And come winter/late autumn you could be putting in fruit bushes or trees. And garlic of course.

[saddad]

Mooli is a "Winter Radish"... but Black Spanish round and China Rose are better for me...  :)

[tonybloke]

welcome to the mad world of a4a !!

[Tee Gee]

Various Brassicas e.g. I sowed two varieties of Spring Cabbage and some late Calabrese last Monday

The calabrese will depend upon how early winter comes. I have managed three late crops out of the last four years (one year taken out by early frost).....well worth the gamble if it comes off!

You could also get some sprouting broccoli in, its slightly late for this but if the winter is late and relatively mild it will catch up!

I sowed some more peas last week.

Will sow a few more Lettuce, Radish & mooli this incoming week.

I hope that gives you a few ideas.

BTW welcome to A4A

Then there are the Xmas potatoes...........best in buckets in case the weather turns foul before they mature, i.e. you can move them under cover!

Then in Sept/Oct you can plant out Garlic & Jap Onions.

Then you could sow some broad beans for next year, I never do but their are many people who do!

[1066]

welcome to A4A Spency, and well done on your progress so far!

And a big yes to pictures  ;D - we're a nosey lot on 'ere  ;)

[Julie Bean]

Welcome,
Have a break over the winter and chill
Julia

[saddad]

Welcome to A4A Julia, look at lots of seed catalogues...  :-X

[shirlton]

NOOOO. Dont do that or you will become like the rest of us

[grannyjanny]

I second that Shirl. I keep saying, it's OK i won't need any next year ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D. We'll see. I don't need seed catalogues, just someone on here to talk about some & I'm off. Good job OH has lots of deliveries from Amazon ;) ;) ;). Thanks Saddad, I'm looking at winter radish now.