Topic: New plot: help with layout and where to start (photos)

[Robert_Brenchley]

I was always keen on my father's allotment, but my kids went off mine quite fast. Try it and see.

[chriscross1966]

How sane/paranoid are your chooks...If it's going to be a Brazilian soap opera to transport them then don't bother, but if they're fairly placid then I'd take them to the plot when I was up there adn put them in a fenced off run that was moveable.... make sure it has a kennel/shelter bit too... reason being is that a chicken is the best place to put slugs and snails... you get rid of pests and you get fertiliser in return... deffo yes to poo adn bedding.... compost it down on site (and the poo makes an excellent accelerator for normal compost too.... if I had a lifestyle that was more friendly i'd be keeping a few chickens too....

[Russell]

Re-reading the earlier replies, I notice that brambles and couch grass have been mentioned.

Brambles are a serious menace. If they get really big and their roots go down a long way or under buildings they can be almost impossible to dig out. In which case I cut them to the ground and treat the regrowth very carefully with double strength glyphosate (roundup). Most of the shoots die with one application others require two. Most never come back but some do. Repeat the prescription as often as necessary, they are tough.

With regard to couch grass I have found that it hates being cut, and if cut at all regularly it cannot compete with other grasses. Some years ago I confronted a lot of really rampant couch grass, no way could I fix it all in one season, so part of it I strimmed down every month or so, scattering a bit of old grass seed which made it look OK until I could fix it properly. When I did get round to it all the stuffing had been knocked out of the couch grass, getting the bed into production was much easier.

[handsfull]

Thanks again for all the replies. Had a bit of a pause with Easter and sickness bugs, but on a normal week will hopefully manage to get down to the allotment two or three times for an hour or so. Nothing is going to happen very fast, but I'm going to have to trust that will be enough to keep chipping away at it. Plus, my dad came with me today, and he seemed v enthusiastic about it all, so might lend a regular helping hand!

So far I've cut down lots of brambles, cleared some stuff out of the shed, got an old bench on the site, and dug out one of the contained beds. At home, I've been watching those YouTube videos, reading books from the library (to keep costs to a minimum!) and planning. I think I'm going to have the top part for fruit and permanent beds, the middle containers for herbs, and the bottom part - this year I will strim the grass, then cover it over with cardboard and the horse manure from the stables. Then next year I will start digging it over (dig or no dig?) and have my rotating beds there. Maybe! Next immediate jobs are to get something planted in the bits I'm digging out, cut the grass all round the beds and paths, and do something about that pond.

Anyway. I'm really enjoying my time on the plot, have decided to leave the kids at home (or only take one of them), and it turns into a nice time to relax and escape. Thanks again loads for all the advice and helping me to get started.

[Digeroo]

Nice to hear you are getting on well.  And most important of all you are enjoying it. 

Now the warmer weather is here the weeds have already started getting excited, so it may start to be like going up the down escalator.  I recommend trying to keep any soil you have got sorted covered.   I use a lot of straw.   I used some cardboard but something attacked it and it broke up.  Now it is rather untidy and bits of it are all over the place.

[strawberry1]

try this planner on the 30 day free trial. It is absolutely fantastic and you can even put in all your structures

http://gardenplanner.dtbrownseeds.co.uk/

the rotations bit is excellent, it warns you when the rotation is harmful

[willsy]

Hi Handsfull and welcome to the forum. In 1 of your photos there is what looks like a long corrugated piece of metal. I pray it is metal not asbestos!!!! as this would need specialist removal. Do a small piece of land at a time and get something in it.. dont over do it, it will put you off. Take your time. Enjoy.

[kippers garden]

HI and welcome to this wonderful forum.

You have been given some excellent advice so I thought i'd point you to something to read while you are waiting for your new allotment books to arrive:

http://notjustgreenfingers.wordpress.com/interesting-kitchen-garden-information/

'Crop Rotation' and 'Taming an overgrown allotment' may be of interest to you, but don't get hung up about things this year, as the first year is the time for clearing rubbish and weeds.

Good luck with your new allotment and enjoy it.

...Forgot to say, there are some of my before and after photo's on my plot here:  http://notjustgreenfingers.wordpress.com/four-allotments-with-pictures/

[Coastie]

I know its still early days handsfull but I'm interested as to how you're getting on.

Regards.

[handsfull]

Hi everyone, thanks for your continued interest! I have a very basic, small blog that I've put some photos on. The plot is coming on slowly but surely, in large part thanks to my dad who has been a great help and I think really enjoys it (he asked for a strimmer for his birthday, bless him!).

Anyway, it's at http://justcallmebarbara.blogspot.com

Unfortunately the address is not very accurate as it hasn't been a resounding success so far. Jerusalem artichokes, land cress, mustard and lettuces are doing well. But beans, pumpkins, sweetcorn, strawberries and courgettes are all so-so, if not outright eaten. Weeds are everywhere and spring up overnight!

However, I'm still really enjoying it, the exercise and being outdoors is fantastic, and I'm learning lots, so am not too discouraged.

Thanks again for all your help.

[daveylamp993]

Glad you are enjoying you re plot,you have done a great job,well done

[handsfull]

Thank you Davey :)