Allotments 4 All
Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: BoyWonder on June 15, 2009, 21:29:50
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Hi all, I'm new here and this is my first post ... so please bare with me ;D
After being on the list for an allotment for 2 years we finally got a phone on Saturday morning asking us to pop over as they have an allotment for us ... so all excited we went over and got a shock!
The allotment is in real bad shape, on a slope and needs a lot of work ...
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm261/shabbiribrahim/DSCN1128.jpg)
This is the front of the allotment and the only bit that's decent!
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm261/shabbiribrahim/DSCN1127.jpg)
This is from the side of the allotment showing the shed that we've 'inherited'.
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm261/shabbiribrahim/DSCN1125.jpg)
This shows the actual slope and the attempts by the previous owner to dig it up!
My plan is to use the communal strimmer and cut all the weeds down to the roots and then dig them up.
Use some decking timber to create boxes and arrange them in a terrace ... i realise this is going to take me a looooong time and am going to do it box by box, not even thinking about planting anything yet!
It was either get this allotment or wait for a few more years as we are still 8th in the queue (we got recommended for this as we are relatively young compared to the rest on the waiting list above us and as this plot requires a lot of work!)
Am i going on about this the right way? does anyone have any helpfull hints or suggestions? I'm all ears as at the mo I'm a bit daunted by the whole task ...
Finally the good good thing i found on this plot is this plant but no one knows what it actually is ...
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm261/shabbiribrahim/WeirdFlower.jpg)
Got any ideas? The thing is absolutely huge!
Thank you for reading ...
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hi the plant is a gunnera
congrats on getting a plot and
welcome to a4a
lbb
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Gunnera! Put a pond in lol
Congratulations on your plot, sound like you have the right idea, bit at a time so you dont lose motivation. While you are woring on it cover over next years bit with black plastic or cardboard or newspapers after you have strimmed and it will be easier to dig over-get some winter stuff in kale cabbages caulis even if these beds are not perfect you can resort next year but you will get some produce for your labours
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Have to say your plot looks in better shape than many I've seen! Doesnt look like theres much rubbish, or big weeds (except for the giant hogweed thing, that will probably need a JCB if you ever get tired of it!)
Shed looks solid and a good size, my first job would be to open out the front of the shed and put windows in, and lay down some decking around it. Then I'd sit and drink beer, take photos, light the barbie, and ponder what to do next!
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Hiya, boy wonder, welcome to a4a ;D
sounds like you have big plans, just take it a day at a time, don't pull your back out doing too much and enjoy it, it's worth it in the end :)
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Welcome to A4A. Don't worry yourself about the state of the plot. The majority of people take on plots that are not in a good way. Most of the people on here started off with a nightmare and have turned it around so it can be done ;D ;D
You have 2 main choices - spray with glyphosphate, cover up and uncover as you go and dig it bed by bed. Or, cover it and dig bit by bit. You may have couch, can't really see from the pic, but at least it isn't bindwind and brambles! :)
I would personally spray and then cover. We sprayed our plot when we first took it on. I wouldn't like to claim we are totally organic now, but we are close to it. I think it did make a difference. You will have to dig the roots out anyway.
The shed is useful. Give it a coat of paint and it will look great! Maybe redo the roof as well.
It will take time. An allotment is a long term project.
Take lots of photos as that gives motivation and inspiration as you can see the improvements.
We turned our site from this:
http://bp2.blogger.com/_SXMv2XhorB4/R91f0acefEI/AAAAAAAAADg/E9PHowFa2p8/s1600-h/IMG_1698.jpg
http://bp0.blogger.com/_SXMv2XhorB4/R91ee6cefCI/AAAAAAAAADQ/Q2sBqjILzTI/s1600-h/IMG_1703.jpg
to.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcoJhJGdVp8&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Flottieplotfour%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2Fsearch%3Fupdated%2Dmin%3D2009%2D01%2D01T00%253A00%253A00Z%26updated%2Dmax%3D2010%2D01%2D01T00%253A00%253A00Z%26max%2Dresults%3D&feature=player_embedded
Took 1 and a half years....
Lots of similar stories on this site
Having a plot is brilliant you will love it! Best of luck
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I wouldn't be too worried about the weeds etc, and the shed will be useful. Not too happy about the slope, but someone on here who is more experienced may be able to help with that, but pleased at least my allotment is flat.
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The massive thing is Gunnera maculata. Is your soil damp? It likes damp conditions. Take your time, dig what you can, and either strim or cover with black plastic what you can't. Lack of light and regular cutting are good ways of finishing off the weeds ready for digging.
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Yup, that's Gunnera! I've always wanted one of those but I just don't have the space so I grow regular rhubarb instead.
Like everyone says, do one bed at a time. Look at that bed and turn your back on the rest. Revel in what you've done, not despair at what you haven't.
Good luck with it.
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How about this?
http://lambert.to/euro2004/morocco/steep-terracing.jpg
Your site does look a real challenge but I am sure you will win. I would recommend planting some things as soon as possible. Even on a slope things will grow and you will get a great sense of success. I planted two tubs of tesco parsley on my plot. Every time I went down to the allotment I took a great deal of encouragement seeing something green growing. It did not take long for a few things to start sprouting up.
My policy has been dig a bit plant a bit. A sloped site has its advantages, the plants at the bottom cast less shadow on the ones above. I am sure peas for example will not care whether they are on a slope of not. And courgettes and pumpkins will ramble all over the place.
Only been at my allotment three months and it is bursting with things growing.
Good luck.
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Congratulations on your new plot, I've only had mine for 8 months and it was a tip when I got it. I built raised beds and dug, weeded, removed stones and glass and I'm very happy with the results.
I love your idea of terraced beds, hard work yes, but it will look fantastic when it's finished and fully planted. Can't tell from your pics but what's the view like ?
The BBQ and a beer idea sounds like a good one.
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Welcome to the forum. You'll love it here. Happy gardening.
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Hope you like it here... get a cheap trough/window box and some compost... sow some lettuce/salad leaf/radish whatever... and grow something NOW :)
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Hi folks,
Thank you all for your support and helpfull hints ... i must say that i like it here!
I think I'll keep that gunnera maculata (thanks for the name) and make a little garden around it who knows i may even build a little pond lol!
lewic i love the bbq idea ... i may just do that and invite the neighbours over too and make some new friends at the allotment.
Sparkly i love that video you put up ... specially the music lol! i must say it looks really good and you must have put a lot of effort in to that.
Digeroo ... yeah something just like that (very funny indeed!)
I'm gonna get up bright and early on Saturday and start the destruction lol ... like you guys say it's going to be bit by bit and cover the rest up. I'm going to do a bit of research on the use of blyphosphate and also need to source some black plastic sheeting. Dint like the idea of using carpets like some of the peeps have done on the allotment.
I'll make sure i keep you guys updated with the progress and i will have a million questions so you will see me on here a lot! ha ha
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Hi and welcome to A4A BoyWonder
Lots of great advice here. I'd add another possibility into the mix. After you have strimmed get some cheap weed suppressant from Poundland or wilkinsons and lay it down (weighed at the edges or dig a mini trench round the edges) and then cut holes through the fabric and plant through it. Buy a cheap bag of compost so you can fill the holes with that. You should be able to get some plug plants from garden centres - courgettes, pumpkins, beans etc. That way you get to kill off the weeds and grow something edible at the same time ;D
I'd also take a look around the site to see how everyone else deals with the slope!
Good luck and happy gardening
1066
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One thing for sure Boywonder is that gardening on a slope will keep you fit.
Our site is on a railway embankment and is fairly steep and my plot looked like yours several years ago. We "terrace" our plot using scaffold planks and poles. Most scoffolding forms are happy to get rid of old stock for a few quid..
Then all you need is a few good old Irish Boys and a 16 lb hammer!
(http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/gallery/9323_16_06_09_9_29_34.JPG)
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Welcome to A4A, BW. :) :) :) :) :)
Terracing seems the best way to go, but don't do too much at a time. Do a bit, plant something in what you've done, sit back and have a beer and relax before tackling the next bit. It may take months, but take loads of pictures and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.
:) :) :) :)
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Hi
I'm very new myself and this site is the best for good/friendly advice. Best I got was (a) bit at a time and forget the rest and (b) have a plan - mine is to get 3 small areas prepared so I'm doing more (only just) than just scratching the surface and also not relying on first successes from just one veggie. As far as the black plastic is concerned, I invested in a huge roll of damp-coursing plastic from B&Q. Its about 12m long x 3m wide and was perfect to cover about a third of my half-plot. It beats having to muck around with bits of cardboard or carpet, and is re-usable. Best of luck.
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My plots are on a slope facing south , the slope give plants plenty of sunshine . I built a shed at the top of the plot and placed 9 barrels around it - so to water I just drop a hose into the barrels and gravity does all the work for me . I also placed my compost area up the top of the plot as it is easier to barrow downhill than to push up. The slope stops the ground from getting waterlogged. By the way the top of the plot is 16ft higher than the bottom
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Hi and welcome to A4A BoyWonder
Lots of great advice here. I'd add another possibility into the mix. After you have strimmed get some cheap weed suppressant from Poundland or wilkinsons and lay it down (weighed at the edges or dig a mini trench round the edges) and then cut holes through the fabric and plant through it. Buy a cheap bag of compost so you can fill the holes with that. You should be able to get some plug plants from garden centres - courgettes, pumpkins, beans etc. That way you get to kill off the weeds and grow something edible at the same time ;D
I'd also take a look around the site to see how everyone else deals with the slope!
Good luck and happy gardening
1066
This is pretty much what I've doing on mine, dug up some of the land for my onions and beans (just had the first of the broad beans last night and they were yummy) but most of my plot is covered in weed plastic.... I've dropped builders bulk bags on it with topsoil and some manure I got from freecycle (as were the bags TBH) and I'm growing potatos, beans, sweetcorn, italian tomatos and a few squash in the bags but I've also poked holes through the mulch plastic and planted assorted outdoor cucurbits (squashes, gherkins cucumbers and a pumpkin) through them.... they should serve to block out the light and supress the weeds even more.... you never know I might get a crop off them too ..... THe pumpkin has a traditional "big pile of poo" underneath it so I'll be unhappy if it doesn't do anything.....
chrisc
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Hi Boywonder looks like you've got your work cut out, but most of us on here started with something similar so we now how you first feel. Your ideas are spot on, strim as close as you can get to ground level and dig out the roots and don't forget to get a compost bin going with all them weeds your digging up, chop up any big roots with your spade and mix with the weeds, grass cuttings, kitchen peelings and shredded paper and your compost bin will soon get going. Carpets not the prettest of things but it does help kill off the weeds while your waiting to dig the rest, just don't leave it on for too long, as all ready said look around what your neighbours are up to and don't be afraid to ask them any questions. Dig a bed at a time and get some brassica seeds in, I've just put in some swede, kale, chinese cabbage and fennel in in the last few days, when you said we, I put my Sherlock Holmes hat on and deducted that there will be two of you grafting, ;) that will help a lot if theres two of you, even invite some mates to help, anyway I've talked for long enough to best of luck and don't let the weeds win. ;D ;D ;D
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Then all you need is a few good old Irish Boys and a 16 lb hammer!
I hate using a sledgehammer. I do have one, but I've consistently found I could do more damage with the back of a four-pound axe.
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Thanks guys, theres a lot of advice there that I'm going to take on.
I've booked the strimmer in for Saturday (just have to pay for fuel which is pretty good) and the old couple from the next plot has offered me a shed that one of there builder friends has from a house they're working on, the kindness from you allotment owners is unbelievable ... never felt anything like it!
I will be sure to keep you guys updated with my progress (bore you to death ha ha)!
At the moment I'm mentally preparing myself for some real grafting on Saturday, the other half cant really help me with the hard work as she has serious back problems but i have arranged for both of my brothers to come and help, that will be a big brucy bonus!
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Get your OH a comfy chair so that she can see whats going on & she can get to know the neighbours. Enjoy, it's a wonderful experience being an allotmenteerer, (is there such a word)?
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Welcome to the site BW. Don't forget to show us some opics of how the plot is coming along.
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Then all you need is a few good old Irish Boys and a 16 lb hammer!
I hate using a sledgehammer. I do have one, but I've consistently found I could do more damage with the back of a four-pound axe.
Thats why I leave it to the lovely irish guys while I ponce about taking pictures ;)
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Before you know it your allotment will be completely different and you wont believe what you've achieved! We got our allotment at the beginning of April and it was a complete mass of weeds as well, we've now got a good portion of it dug and planted and, other than spinach and rhubarb which were there before us, we've just this week got our first reward that we planted ourselves, some absolutely delicious strawberries!
But don't forget the camera! It's the one thing we did forget which is such a pity as we've come such a long way!
And also, keep some cider or something similar in the shed as a nice refreshing reward for your hard work when you need a break!
Looking forward to seeing your updates, good luck and enjoy!
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Welcome to the site :)
If you like French beans, I suggest getting a few seeds (I can send you some if you like - just PM me) and sowing them in small pots. They'll germinate in no time and can be transplanted into your first cleared area giving you a crop later in the year.
Also a few herbs like Rosemary, Parsley, Coriander and Thyme cheer up a site that's in transition. Lots of salad can be sown now (Lettuces, cut and come again spinach, Radish, Rocket...) and Pak Choi from next month - all providing a 'return' this season.
If you like Mint remember it's very invasive so make sure you keep it contained - either container grown or planted in something like an old bottomless pail buried in the ground.
Good luck at the weekend.
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Hi, i got my lottie at the end of Feb this year, it was about 10ft high with about 20 odd years of brambles..
The day we got the keys we got stuck in, we got a brush cutter and started clearing.... had lots of tea breaks ( we found an old chimney flu, that we boiled our water on)..... we got cut to bits with brambles, but we just did.. Then when one bed was formed we then dug and then double dug, added lots of compost from the council tip, and chicken manure pellets. Then planted our seeds / plants.. Then we started forming the next bed, had lots of tea, got digging and digging, adding lots of nice things to the soil, and so on and so on.. Three months on we have a great looking allotment, and everything is just taking care of itself, as the soil is so good i think.. So you can achieve what we have, if you put into it what you expect to recieve.. Good Luck .. 8)