Newbie ("Hi") - just got an allotment

[MPH]

Hi all,

I have been reading this site tonight after "picking" my first allotment today.  The reason I have choosen an allotment is because I would like to grow my own vege's, herbs and fruits.  I love cooking and buy all of my food from local farm shops etc.  But I love the idea of growing my own and maybe even having enough to be able to "deal" with the local shop (a box of lettuce for a box of eggs!)

It is a nice plot (I think) with good quality loose soil and no weeds (recently cleared - lucky me!).  It has not been used for 10 years and has had no chemicals etc used on it.  The owner of the plot next to mine says that the soil is very good, requiring little/no manure etc.

No doubt I will have many questions as my "life with an allotment" ages, but for now I would appreciate some advice on the below...

I have a "planting map/layout" for this year (going to get stuck in at the weekend).  It is as follows:

Cover half to prevent weed growth and allow me to concentrate on half a plot for this year.

Divide the second half into four areas, with the following to be grown (I'll also grow some herbs to fill-in some gaps):

AREA 1 - Cucumber, Sweetcorn and Lettuce
AREA 2 - Parsnips and Radish
AREA 3 - Beetroot and Onions
AREA 4 - Sweeded and Rocket

Oh, and some Sunflowers!

Am I taking on too much?  Does the above sound reasonable?  Should I be doing anything with the covered half ready for next years planting?

I'll eventually get chatting to other allotment owners and understand that local advice is priceless but I would appreciate your thoughts on the above.

Oh, and what is a Cloche  ???


Many thanks in advance.

[MPH]

[gavin]

Good on you, MPH - congratulations!

A plot - all cleared!  Wowee!!!!!!  Green with envy! :)  Your plannng sounds good - so all very best with it.

I'd be tempted to put the unused half under a green manure - alfalfa or fenugreek would be my choices.  Rather than cover it - seems a bit of a waste if it's already weed free?

And you've plenty time to get in some peas and french beans?  But we'll all have ideas for favourites we'd have done - so I'd better shut up!  :)

Good luck - Gavin

[budgiebreeder]

Hi! and welcome to A4a MPH arent you the lucky one weed free allotment wait till one or two on here hear that they'll all be moving in on you.Have fun and enjoy it thats what its all about as well as delicious home grown food with no chemicals sprayed about.

[legless]

welcome and congratulations!

i don't think you're being too ambitious at all - very sensible. i second what gavin says about the green manure though if you can do it.

a cloche can take many forms but it is basically a cover for plants to grow under to protect them from the cold, could be made from glass, polythene, plastic or even on a smaller scale 1/2 a pop bottle.

probably someone else can come up with a better definition but hopefully you get the idea!

[Gardengirl]

Hi MPH - welcome to A4A :D  I haven't got a lottie but from reading all about other plots I can say you have come to the right place for advice.  They seem a very knowledgeable lot here - very friendly - oh and occasionally a bit zany ;D  Good luck with your allotment - look forward to hearing all about it :)

[ina]

Welcome MPH, you have now joined the ranks of allotmenteers (many practising, some at heart).

It sounds like you are making a great start. Like Gavin mentioned, it's not too late to start some french beans and maybe runner beans. You may like to sow some swiss chard, a very easy and gratifying crop.

All the best to you and have a great and fruitful season. Hope to see you back here often.

Ina

[campanula]

hello MPH, have fun on your weed free (but not for long, they get everywhere, all the time - best friend - a sharp hoe) plot. Hey, grow some squash - they look so gorgeous, lush, fertile and delish! Maybe a few flowers! whatever, it is good for the body and soul!
cheers, suzy

[Wicker]

Hi MPH, think you'l enjoy visiting this site and will soon become addicted to your lottie.  You say you like cooking, well nothing beats the sense of achievement when you realise you can sit down to a meal made from things you have grown yourself, the flavours ....

[MPH]

Thanks everyone for a very warm welcome.

I will certainly take on-boad all of the suggestions.

After a long, busy weeks work away I'm looking forward to getting stuck in on Saturday (probably clearing new weeds!) and getting some planting done.

All the best,
Martin