Topic: Regeneration of a derelict plot

[Squash64]

In December 2004 one of our plots, just near the entrance gate, was badly overgrown and nobody wanted it.
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A group of plotholders got together and cleared all the rubbish off it.
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In those days, we didn't have a waiting-list and the plot remained vacant. 

As usual, I had gone overboard with my pumpkin and squash sowing and suddenly realised that this plot would be perfect for them.  I didn't have the energy to dig the plot so I mulched it as thickly as I could with grass cuttings and planted pumpkins all over it.
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We put a notice up at the front of it so people would know what was going on.

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The pumpkins quickly covered the whole plot and it looked lovely.
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This photo was taken in July 05.

This is what I picked in October
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[Unwashed]

Your site's a real Eden Squash, I love the way people join in together.

[lewic]

Amazing that nobody wanted that plot, doenst look too bad to me. Nowt that a spot of Roundup wouldnt sort out. On our site there is a 5 year+ waiting list, and some people have taken plots in the middle of woodland, or on 45* slopes of virgin clay. Well done for getting it back into production anyhow!

[Digeroo]

Do you still use it as a pumpkin grove?  Is it still productive?

[Squash64]

Unwashed - that's a really nice description, not sure if we deserve it  but it's lovely that we give that impression. :)

lewic - Back in 2004 we didn't have a waiting-list so when people came for a plot they could usually take their choice from quite a few.  Nobody ever chose this plot!

Digeroo - We only used it for pumpkins for one year, 2005. In the autumn someone came for a plot,  saw how nice it looked and took it on once the pumpkins had been picked.  I've since divided it into a half plot and two quarters and it's looking good again.

[cjb02]

thats a great story. Excellent. You made it sounds so easy and I am sure it wasnt. Look very nice indeed.

[Digeroo]

It is great that you managed to get the plot back into action.  I grew courgettes and squashes on part of mine which was really set solid and covered in deep tractor ruts.   Like you I more or less put manure on top.   I was very impressed with the effect on the soil.  The roots seem to do a great job of breaking things up amd it was easy to dig over in the autumn.

Now there is an upsurge in interested in allotments it great you have managed to provide space for not just one but three people. 

[Robert_Brenchley]

That looks like a good way of getting a plot sorted out.

[1066]

simply wonderful!
a plot is cleared, you grow great veggies, the plot is re-used. An all round winner :D

[Squash64]

It is great that you managed to get the plot back into action.  I grew courgettes and squashes on part of mine which was really set solid and covered in deep tractor ruts.   Like you I more or less put manure on top.   I was very impressed with the effect on the soil.  The roots seem to do a great job of breaking things up amd it was easy to dig over in the autumn.

I keep a part of my plot just for pumpkins and squash and I never dig the whole area, just the part where the plant will go.  I put loads of compost/manure/grass cuttings/leaves on the surface in the autumn and then scoop it away from where the plants will go.