We have lift off

[SMP1704]

Hi Everyone

This is my first post, I have lurked around for a few weeks and have found everything really informative and very addictive - I absolutely have to check the list at least once a day.

I have a plot in Isleworth.  Just started last month.  Since I am a management trainer, I thought I would practice what I preach and set myself SMART objectives - remembering your advice of little and often.  So I marked out my 8x4 beds with pink string (is there any other colour ;D)  and then got on with digging them over - a rough dig first, then going back over to refine the soil and adding compost and manure.  This way, everytime I am at the plot, I can see what I have achieved.

This weekend, I put in two blackcurrant bushes £1 each at Poundland and found a clump of Rhubarb, so moved it - I don't know if it will like that but fingers crossed.  I have also found some Raspberries, which my neighbours tell me are autumn fruiting, so I moved 22 of those into another bed - again fingers crossed.  If anyone is local and would like some Raspberries, you are welcome to what is left.

I've been busy sowing seeds and this is what I am most excited about........they are all sprouting - yippee ;D ;D - so far Feltham First peas, spinach, beetroot, brussels but no sign of the broad beans  :-[

I'd better go and do some work.  This is a great list and I look forward to getting to you know you all better.

Sharon

[SMP1704]

[Jimmy]

Welcome Sharon from another newbie who lurked and learnt a bit before getting more involved.

Think the biggest benefit of your approach is you see tangible results when turning your beds etc - massively daunting task when you look at your ground initially but broken down into beds, you achieve realistic targets.

Agree with you that this forum really is informative and no question is too daft to ask.

[MikeB]

Hi Sharon & Jimmy,

Welcome

[busy_lizzie]

Good to have you on the board Sharon and Jimmy.  Looking forward to hearing more about both of your plots as the season rolls on.  :D busy_lizzie

[Robert_Brenchley]

Your rhubarb will be OK, but sonce you're moving it a bit late in the year you may not get much off it this year. I moved mine last February and let it rest for a reason, without cropping anything.

[SMP1704]

Thanks for the advice Robert

Not too fussed about the rhubarb, its only himself that likes it :D

Do you think the raspberries will be OK?  I have great plans for them - jams, coulis, ice cream and just eating straight off the bush ;D ;D

Thanks

Sharon

[gunnerbee]

Welcome onboard and good luck for the growing season ahead.

[windygale]

Hi Sharon, nice to see you on the site and to hear that you have started on your plots, having a background in management myself, when i worked for Safeways, i know what SMART means,
S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Achievable
R: Realistic
T: Timely

>:( so with that in mind, i would like to see your overheads allocations, all progress reports, flow charts, work schedule, time sheets, for each of your bed with pictures to back up your finding, AND any other infomation, The why's, what, where, and when's, allowing this to go forward for your apprisal, & assessment, lol  ;D ;D
funny i could never work out why, when i asked my staff for all this stuff , they pulled faces at me, lol, sacked the lot of them, lol
all i can say is have fun AND watch your back,
all the best,
windy

[MrsKP]

welcome to you both.  although i'm only just through the gate, i've already picked up loads of useful tips from the lovely people on here, don't know why i haven't actually got it marked as my home page as it's always the place i run to with my first cuppa of the day.

i've got a blackcurrant and redcurrant bush sitting in the cold room (spare room with the heating off) atm.  i haven't decided where they're going yet so hope they're ok sitting there chilling  ;D

not as chilled as i'm going to be in a moment when i go to work.  we've had snow overnight.  can't wait for dawn to break a bit harder so i can get a pic.

:)

[supersprout]

Welcome sharon, windygale forgot to mention the obligatory spreadsheet combining crop rotations (tall and short), planting and harvesting times, and phases of the moon for root, leaf, flower and fruit lol  ;D ;D ;D Sounds like your plot will give you loads of comfort and joy, hope you enjoy the wit and wisdom here on A4a as you go ....  ;)

[Heldi]

Hello Sharon and Jimmy!

[plot51A]

Hi both and welcome!
To answer your question re: raspberries Sharon, they should be fine and fruit this year if they are Autumn rasps - have you cut them back? If not, do, as autumn raspberries fruit on this years growth so you don't want them wasting energy on last years wood.
Hope this helps!

[ellkebe]

Welcome both  :)
First and last target Sharon - have fun  ;D ;D ;