Allotments 4 All

Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: muddylou on March 22, 2009, 21:50:18

Title: Unused area advice
Post by: muddylou on March 22, 2009, 21:50:18

Hello, this is my first post. I took over my first allotment in November so I've been trying to get it into shape.
I've made four raised bed areas for onion family, cabbage family, potatoes and carrot parsnip etc. I also have some smaller areas for corn and beetroot.

My question is that I have a fifth larger area left (that hasn't been dug yet).
what could I use this area for, should I leave it for winter veg, I can have a friends walk in poly tunnel which I could put on it, this would use half the space (would need to buy a new cover) but some of the old timers say small cloches are better.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.   

Title: Re: Unused area advice
Post by: valmarg on March 22, 2009, 22:44:41

You seem to have the vegetables covered, so how about a fruit garden?

Gooseberry, currant (red, white and black), blueberries. Also apple trees, and of course a victoria plum.  A self-fertile cherry such as Stella is a bonus, but you must be able to net against the blackbirds.

valmarg

Title: Re: Unused area advice
Post by: Eristic on March 22, 2009, 22:48:13

Flowers. The world needs more flowers.

Title: Re: Unused area advice
Post by: kt. on March 22, 2009, 22:49:42

What about squashes.  Some ramble so would cover it in no time if you want it covered for this year without too much effort and still get a harvest.  Butternut Squash, pumpkinsetc.  Or some wigwam canes for Alderman Peas to grow up (the plants grow to 6ft).  

What about your infastructure such as Manure pile, Compost bin, Work area, Cold frame.  They are usually best reserved for areas where the ground is too difficult for stuff to grow, so don't waste it if you don't have to ;)

Title: Re: Unused area advice
Post by: valmarg on March 22, 2009, 22:57:16

P.S. muddylou. a belated welcome to the site.  Hope you find it as useful as I do.

valmarg

Title: Re: Unused area advice
Post by: THE MASTER on March 23, 2009, 01:29:30

why not just put the fith area to relax
get a few chairs sit back and watch the world go by
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ku-ma1dVI8

listen to the words in the tune and youl see wot im saying  8)

Title: Re: Unused area advice
Post by: saddad on March 23, 2009, 07:24:12

Welcome to the site Muddylou...  :)

Title: Re: Unused area advice
Post by: flossy on March 23, 2009, 07:35:17

   Hi Muddylou,

   Plenty of suggestions coming through,  but don't forget a little pond for the

   frogs and toads that  looooove slugs - oh and to make it hedgehog safe too,

   Floss xxx

Title: Re: Unused area advice
Post by: manicscousers on March 23, 2009, 08:30:15

hiya, muddylou, welcome to a4a  ;D
second for the fruit area, check if you can have fruit trees, some don't allow it  :)

Title: Re: Unused area advice
Post by: tonybloke on March 23, 2009, 08:45:20

Quote from: THE MASTER on March 23, 2009, 01:29:30

why not just put the fith area to relax
get a few chairs sit back and watch the world go by
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ku-ma1dVI8
listen to the words in the tune and youl see wot im saying  8)

good choice from a great band! ;)

Title: Re: Unused area advice
Post by: reddyreddy on March 23, 2009, 08:54:27

If you don't want to work the 5th area put a little bench on it and use it for relaxing.  8) Or if you want to cover it with membrane you could plant pumkins and squash through it.

Title: Re: Unused area advice
Post by: muddylou on March 23, 2009, 19:45:57

Thanks for all the replies, I like the thought of relaxing and listening to the Floyd...lol.

As much as I like fruit, I hadn't thought about the squash alternative, I've never grown any before so it sounds like it would be interesting and those large pumpkins look impressive. My next door neighbour fries slices of Marrow I think she said.

Anyway, thanks to all again.