Paul and Matt saying hello

[Paul_and_Matt]

Hi all,

This is Paul of Paul and Matt.  We have just acquired our allotment.  I used to help my Dad with his twenty years ago (I presume things haven't changed radically since then?) but Matt is a complete novice to all this.  I'm not even sure he's held a spade before.  We have a fair sized plot, which I saw for the first time yesterday.  There's a lot of work to be done, but with any luck we should be planting next year.  At the moment we're trying to borrow a strimmer and a rotivator so we can get stuck in.  We're both on benefits, due to long-term depression and we're hoping this will give us some kind of focus.  The good news is: the soil is good (quite loamy if a little stony) and the plot is sheltered but gets plenty of sun.  Anyway, that's us.  We'll probably be asking lots of simple questions as the seasons progress and if any of you have any tips for us, they will be gratefully received.

Paul  :)

[Paul_and_Matt]

[tim]

Nothing like a plot of weeds to concentrate the mind.

Never despair!!

[supersprout]

hello paul and matt
Since you're sharing the plot, you could start by buying each other Xmas pressies - Andy Cleveley's The Allotment Book and Joy Larkcomb's Grow Your Own Vegetables - and spend the dark months of Jan and Feb discussing common goals and plans for the plot - what do you want to grow? how much? dig or no dig? organic or nearly organic? modules or direct sown? permanent structures? where will the compost heaps, shed, greenhouse, polytunnel, cold frame go? before you know it Spring will arrive and you'll be gloriously busy
if you look at the wiki on this site (middle button above) there are loads of tips about getting started.
the 'search' here has loads of tips on specific veg and growing methods, more info than you can shake a spade at 8)
Good luck to you both, take it slowly, have fun ;D

[Hyacinth]

Hi Paul, Hello Matt :)

Well, mates, your luck's just turned... you gotta lottie (peeps here are on waiting lists that go on forever.....where's yours, btw?)...and you found this Site 8)

Further down the list here, Trixie started a thread about depression and the benefits of having a lottie.....general concensus is that digging big holes is good for yer....cancel the rotavator ;D

SS has suggested books, and they're good ones, but books are xpensive when you're on benefits...charity shops have great ones but browsing here's gonna be just as good as...peeps post links to all-sorts of knowledge if they get stumped for answers. Have you joined your local freecycle group? You may pick up all sorts of garden tools there for nothing. Wahaj buys stuff from his local tip really cheap, so check them out too. Veggie seeds will probably cost you v. little your first year.....have a look in SwapShop; you don't need to have anything to swap to get seeds given you by the fabbo lot here,  then bet you'll be able to return the favour next with all your saved seeds yourself....

Have fun looking round the site & joining in.....a few peeps have posted pix of their new lotties......yours look anything like theirs?

Cheers! Lishka

[manicscousers]

hiya, matt and paul, lots of lovely people on here, brimming over with advice, if you're short of seeds, just put your wish list on swap shop, we'll see what we can do, loads of tools at car boots( oh says probably nicked from someone's allotment)..have fun, enjoy yourselves, it's amazing the buzz you can get  :)

[lorna]

Welcome to A4A. You will get loads of advice from many members. Hope you enjoy the site and your allotment. Pictures please!!
Lorna

[cornykev]

;D  Hi chaps and welcome like Alishka said cancel the rotavater your weeds will multiply ten fold. Good luck and happy digging. ;D ;D ;D

[shirlton]

Welcome lads. we appreciate seeing the state of plots before you start tidying up. We have just had our new plot sprayed and rotovated for us by the council. In Birmingham all new plot owners get this done for free but those who are already plot holders have to pay £20. I do like to grow things without using pest control and stuff but a liitle help at the start is appreciated specially when yer getting on a bit. Good digging

[kitten]

Hi Paul and Matt! I'm a total newbie too, there are a few of us about on the forum! Don't forget to keep us all updated with what you're up to etc and hopefully we'll be seeing some lovely photos of your produce in the summer! Good luck x

[busy_lizzie]

Hi Paul and Matt, Welcome!  Good luck with your allotment,  and I am sure  before too long you will think it is the best thing you have ever done. There is nothing like being out in the fresh air communing with nature to fill you full of well being, even though it is hard manual work.

Good time to get a lottie too, as you will be able to get stuck in before the weeds start growing again, also you will have lots of planning time and seed ordering time before the mad planting and sowing season starts again. As other a4aers have suggested get some "before" pics taken now so you can mark your progress, and let us know how you get on.  Start dropping  some gardening Christmas present ideas now to your nearest and dearest, as it opens up a whole new gift opportunity for your relatives and friends.  You will know you have really caught the bug when a ton of manure seems like heaven to you!  ;D  All the best,  :D busy_lizzie

[TULIP-23]

Hi Paul and Matt :D
Warm welcome to A4A....Enjoy it... Wishing you both lots of Pleasure and Fun at the Lottie 8)

[timelady]

Hi guys! And welcome! I'm just digging and chopping by hand which will take me all winter, but I'm enjoying the hard work. If you have bramble or such to chop it's a good winter activity.

I second the freecycle recommendation, I found my shed from a very kind person who needed hers taken away. And I'm a big fan of libraries for the books... though you'll just find sooo much info online now too. :)

Don't forget to take a photo of the plot for us!

Tina.

[Robert_Brenchley]

My plot kept me going back when I had depression; I'm sure yours will do the same for you.

[Heldi]

Hi Paul and Matt!

If you want to see a seriously bad plot take a look at mine...it's in "Locations" on page 4  entitled "Heldi's allotment" Original eh! (Can't remember how to do a link..sorry guys) The first couple of pictures might give you the ooomph to get going. I've just had a read through it. The encouragement is fantastic...even when you can see/read I was struggling and losing heart.  Now what I need to do is add some pictures of it this year. I've still got loads to do,it's no where near perfect but I got some veg out of it this year and now I know not to get my knickers in a twist and just take it bit by bit. It's a long term thing init!

[cookie]

Hello and welcome!!!  our lottie helped my husband and I through a bad patch ,due to illness. Now its one of our greatest pleasures :) :)

[manicscousers]

really think it should be put on prescription, much les illness etc if they did  :D

[mc55]

welcome - with two of you on the job you'll get through your jobs in double time.  Love to see some before / after pix.

[Trixiebelle]

Hi Paul & Matt  ;D

[Mrs Ava]

Hello!  ;D