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Allotment Stuff => Locations and Sites => Topic started by: scoobysnax on August 11, 2008, 00:01:13

Title: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 11, 2008, 00:01:13: Hiya....I'm just another newbie, but bright eyed an raring to go! I aquired an allotment for the pricely sum of a £1 about two weeks ago because it was SLIGHTLY overgrown...yeah right, it's a bramble jungle. It's based down at the Seeds Lane Allotments in Liverpool. So, am a Scouser before ya mention anythin about the typin (don't worry you'll be able to speak fluent Scouse by the time av finished coz i prefer to type like I talk, an am willin to translate if ya can't understand me ;) )

I'm in a bit of a blind panic at the minute, an I blame Jamie oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall for getting me interested. I've gone from growin a few tomatoes an courgettes at the bottom of a small garden to a 50 by 60 foot rain forrest. My initial fears of bein a newbie amongst established allotment owners have gone. I was scared of applying for a plot because I thought that there would be some snobbery or resentment towards a newbie. I couldn't have been more wrong! I've met some lovely, helpful and friendly people down at Seeds Lane. They're always willing to offer advice, invite me in for shelter during the rain and Bernie's tea and biscuits are a life saver.

Back to the blind panic....like i said, it's a bramble jungle. The plot's been empty for 16 years. I want to grow organically so I decided at the start not to use Roundup or any other weedkiller (you'll probably shout me down an tell me it's ok to use them but that's just the way I thought I'd go :-\ ), so I got myself a pair of loppers and a couple of pairs of gloves and got to work. It's funny how quickly your friends go missing when ya tell them you've got an allotment but it's full of brambles. I ve tried to add a few pics at this point ???
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 11, 2008, 00:11:00: K...that works ;D

Back to all that hard work. i was scared of finding Trevor Jordash or a Japanese sniper somewhere in the thick of all the brambles, but the biggest shock was finding a shed after a day and a half that I didn't even know was there and a huge collapsed greenhouse!

I'm 2 weeks into it now and probably cleared about 85% of the top stuff. It's hard going whilst holding down a full time job, but all i keep thinking is allotment, allotment, allotment. Then there's "to raise a bed or not raise a bed...that is the question!"
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: ceres on August 11, 2008, 00:13:58: Welcome and congratulations on your new plot! I think there are a few other scousers here so you won't be alone.

Don't panic about clearing the plot - you've got all winter and clearing is great for keeping warm. If you clear a small area really quickly, it's not too late to get sowing - some fast growing salad stuff, chinese veg, maybe some late carrots, and it'll soon be time for garlic, broad beans etc.

I didn't use weedkiller either when I cleared my plot, I just dug away with a fork and picked the roots out and I had very little re-growth. Little and often is the way to go. If you can lop the tops off everything and cover it, it will weaken the growth so that digging is easier.

Ask away if you have any questions - there's usually an expert or two around.

PS - I hope you're harvesting the blackberries before you dig them up - lovely for jam and pies.
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 11, 2008, 00:21:04: Thanks Ceres, but if I never see another blackberry again it will be too soon. My arms have been cut to shreds and av (I've for the non scousers ;) ) found thorns in places I don't care to mention!

I think my goal at the minute is just to clear the thing and plan for next year. I know if I start trying to grow anything now I'll use it as an excuse for getting out of what needs doing.

Cheers
Scoobs
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: elvis2003 on August 11, 2008, 00:40:24: blimey scooby snacks,are you a fun loving crims fan?if so we need to talk!good luck with your plot honey!we got our plot this time last year and its great time of year to get it!good luck with clearing it,if ya need some help.let me know,ill be up for lending a hand
lisses rach x
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 11, 2008, 00:51:03: Hiya Rach...well if ya can get ur hands on some napalm it would be appreciated! As for Fun Lovin criminals...nah, scoobysnax is a long story ;) Thanks for the offer of help though, I might just take ya up on the offer some day!

Cheers
Scoobs x
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: katynewbie on August 11, 2008, 01:05:11: ;D

Well done on making a great start Scoobs, as has been said, little and often really works. Once you get the tops cut off and start digging cover what you have done with cardboard, weed supresssant etc and you will have a great start for next season.

Welcome to the wonderful world of lotties!

;)
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 11, 2008, 01:17:40: OMG does that mean am a lottie!!! ha, suppose it sounds better than a plottie! I think I'm most looking forward to supplying me mum n dad all the veg for next years Christmas dinner, then I'll feel on top of the world.

Thanks Katy x
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: kt. on August 11, 2008, 06:54:51: Hi Scoobs, welcome. You could make a quick buck if you rent your plot to a TV show for bush tucker trials I reckon. ;D ;D
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: lolabelle on August 11, 2008, 08:19:25: Hi Scoobs welcome and good luck on your lottie , I know where your coming from I inherited not quite so many bramlbes, but for few weeks I arrived at work scratch to bits.
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: Rhubarb Thrasher on August 11, 2008, 08:42:42: just be careful there aren't any Japanese soldiers hiding in there that don't know the War is over
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: manicscousers on August 11, 2008, 09:11:26: hiya, katy, nice to meet you ;D
couple of scousers living in wigan here, know seeds lane well..
build a big bonfire and have a bonfire night party, at least the ash from your brambles is good for the soil ;D
anyway, have a great time growing your veggies etc, only advice I have is make a paper plan and work out where your beds are going to be, then walk on the paths so your soil doesn't get compacted after digging stuff out :)
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: Flunky on August 11, 2008, 09:42:13: Cool isnt it. Lottie / Plottie what the hey.

Got my plot in March 2008. i am also going for the christmas thing. We have now set target to provde whole dinner from lottie this year. Meat n' all.

i was very fortunate as I got a totally blank canvass. But I cant explain the feeling of eating something you have grown. Very satisfying.

So then, best of luck. Hope you enjoy. ;D

Regards

F.
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: Sparkly on August 11, 2008, 10:01:39: Congrats on the plot. Don't stress too much. The important thing is to just work at a pace that is comfortable for you. Don't try to dig too much at once and cover up (or spray and cover up) what you are not working on. Try using a mattock to get the brambles out. Physically hard work, but it works! Our plot was in a similar state to yours and, although it is not how we want it yet, it is nearly under control. You can see how we progressed in our blog.

http://lottieplotfour.blogspot.com/

Good luck!
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: Old bird on August 11, 2008, 10:20:56: Katy

Best of luck to you! I am sure that all the hard work will pay off in the end!

It is surprising how quickly a jungle like yours can be tamed! It is very rewarding going up there and clearing a patch and seeing earth!

Keep us posted with lots of piccies!

Old Bird

;D
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 11, 2008, 13:22:38: Where did the Katy come from lol...am Scoobs ;)
Thanks for all the comments and good wishes though

"Scoobs" ;D
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: Barnowl on August 11, 2008, 13:59:32: Quote from: scoobysnax on August 11, 2008, 01:17:40

Thanks Katy x

Think people thought you were signing off as Katy rather than thanking Katynewbie :)
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: gonz on August 11, 2008, 15:27:20: Hiya Scoobs, welcome to the site,

Its nice to have another Scouser on here (we live in Liverpool 17) We only got our plot in Feb this year and were very keen to get anything growing! We havent got it like we want it yet and are going to use the winter to clear everything that will be finished and re plan for next spring. If you have any questions, there are so many people on here to help (not me, I still havent a clue!!). Most of all, enjoy it!

Sam x
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 12, 2008, 07:29:08: Yeah, I thought as much Barnowl ;) Nice to meet ya Sam...is the weather any better in L17 ;D
Well I've posted a proper picture of "me Shed!", TBH I think the bramble thatched roof could catch on!

Scoobs
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: manicscousers on August 12, 2008, 08:22:33: real des res, scoobysnax, looks like one I played in when I was a kid ;D
seriously ;D
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: Old bird on August 12, 2008, 14:10:03: Sorry Scooby

Senile dementia marches on!! No you signed one of the above saying thanks Katie and I assumed you were Katie! Doh!

Silly old bag I am sometimes!

Old Bird
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 12, 2008, 17:05:26: No worries hun, the dementia can't be that bad...atleast ya remembered you'd posted on here ;) ;) ;D

Scoobs
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 12, 2008, 22:13:17: It's easy to get disheartened and think that ur not gettin anywhere when there's so much to do. I'm glad I've taken photos of the progress made coz it gives me a little boost. All I feel like I've done for 3 weeks is go to work, go to the allotment and go home to sleep. Plus the weather hasn't helped recently. Why does it always chuck it down on ur days off? >:(

I look at the first the photos and think...well the tree's gone thanks to Shaun-"Ma can ya put the kettle on" one or my plot neighbours.
Then there's the second pic with most of it now cleared.

The next three show how high and thick the brambles were an make me feel sorry for the person that takes on the plot behind. The curbs in the pics housed a greenhouse that had collapsed. So all the wood's piled up and the glass has found it's way to the skip.

The last one ya can just see where I've started to get the crowns of the brambles out.

Think I'll give meself a pat on the back ;)

Cheers
Scoobs
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: thifasmom on August 12, 2008, 22:20:58: Wow :o in three weeks you did all that and with bad weather, crikey can i keep you ;). Really you have done magnificently, but you don't need me to tell you that, can't wait to see your veges next year.

And another thing, that is a plot behind you :o god forbid I ever get anything like that. Then again like I said can I keep you. :D
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 12, 2008, 22:30:44: Awwwwwwwwwwww shuks...ur makin me blush thifasmum :-[ ;) an I bet uv never been asked wot thifasmum means! Think I need to find someone to keep me lol. That plot behind is exactly the same as mine was...it makes me cringe now!

Scoobs
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: manicscousers on August 12, 2008, 22:34:17: just can't believe the difference, it's amazing, keep up with the pictures, looking forward to the next instalment ;D
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 12, 2008, 22:40:36: Yeah I will Manics....til ya all get bored wiv me ;)
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: sheddie on August 12, 2008, 22:51:34: Scoobs,

You've made crakin progress there fella. I had a similar plight - 7 foot high weeds back in January but getting them under control now. Get as much covered as soon as you can, its simply amazing how quickly the nettles etc can grow - the sheer speed is incredible - if only the veg grew as quick!

Great how it changes your life though - I'm thinking about the lotty most of the time and can't pass a skip without having a nosey in - proper skip rat!...

Here's a before and after of mine so far..

(http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t329/Sheddie2008/291220075.jpg) (http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t329/Sheddie2008/DSC01399.jpg)

Anyhow, keep up the good work!
Sheddie
;D
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 12, 2008, 22:59:00: Wow Sheddie...OMG I saw the pic wivout readin the text first and thought it was a motorway embankment or somethin!!!! Then managed to scroll down to the second pic. I hope av done as much in the amount of time uv been at it. Thanks for the advice.

Scoobs ;)
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: sheddie on August 12, 2008, 23:19:58: heh heh! - yup, I'm just far enough away from the A69 that I don't quite get the deisel fumes!

I take it you didn't come across any jap soldiers then?! - I had the bottom half of a wellie sticking up out of the ground that I was afraid to touch for 3 months - was sure the last plotholder was on the end of it....

I inherited two rotten sheds - one had two optics in it! - sadly, no booze though...apparently the last guy used to get that drunk that he often slept in the shed - they used to call it the 'Gardener's arms'!

All good fun - I'm still realistic about the plot though - looks much better of course, but it'll probably take a few seasons to get it pulled round properly
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scotch-mist on August 13, 2008, 00:17:33: Hi scoobysnax
Love your name, I used to get laughed at in work for eating what everyone called scoobysnax ;) It was the talk of the canteen every day what would I have in my piecebox ;D ;D ;D
Anyway, welcome to A4A, you'll find that whatever question you have someone here will know the answer. (I did :))
See that wee shed of yours.....it's a fix it upper ;)
And the greenhouse base..... it's a good start. That's all I have and big plans.
I've managed to murder everything I touched this year :( but plan to get my act together next year, with the help of horse manure and black plastic ;D ;D ;D
Your doing great, keep it up. ;)
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: thifasmom on August 13, 2008, 01:24:20: Quote from: scoobysnax on August 12, 2008, 22:30:44
Awwwwwwwwwwww shuks...ur makin me blush thifasmum :-[ ;) an I bet uv never been asked wot thifasmum means! Think I need to find someone to keep me lol. That plot behind is exactly the same as mine was...it makes me cringe now!

Scoobs

thifasmom stands for my oldest kid's nickname and the fact that i'm her Mom. I told my husband that i plan to add a new man to the fold, showed him your pics he was impressed, but told me i cant bring you home :'(, ah well it was worth a try ;). happy allotmenting.
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: Deb P on August 13, 2008, 09:29:16: Great before and after pics Sheddie, at first glance I thought you had made a swimming pool as well! 8)
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: laura G on August 15, 2008, 18:35:21: So glad i wasnt the only one Deb p :-[
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: thifasmom on August 19, 2008, 10:59:28: I was just wondering how the plot was coming around, any new pics or developments.
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: scoobysnax on August 25, 2008, 23:33:26: Av been on 2 weeks of nights :( so not been able to get much done, should be able to get back more to normal now though. The old shed's been pulled down (well it didn't take much for it to collapse!) I'd bought a 2nd hand one to put in place but the floor fell away from it just as it was bein lifted into place >:( :'( Think i'll probably just buy a nice metal one and be done with it...only because me dad's offered to buy one for us...couldn't believe me luck! Hopefully depending on the weather I should be able to make some progress this week.

Scoobs
Title: Re: What have I let myself in for?
Post by: cornykev on August 27, 2008, 18:07:24: Hi Scoobs and welcome, shame about the shed it was my favourite bit, still enter it in one of the gallery competions I'm sure you'll be on to a winner. ;D ;D ;D