My first plot!

[istanley24]

Hi All,

I have had such a good weekend, loved watching the rugby, but best bit was going to our local allotment site and coming away as the new tennet of plot number 3 at West End Allotment in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. 

The plot is full of grass and weeds, but the kind tenant of the next plot has been strimming it and keeping it nice and tidy, so looking forward to meeting them and thanking them.

This is our first allotment plot, so will be a steep learning curve from growing things in pots in my garden.  I will get some pictures of it as it stands now, and also be taking some during the coming months, and I'll post them on the site.

Feel free to contact me on my email address:  istanley24@hotmail.com.

As I am a new gardener, any advice would be very appreciated.  Expecially in how to go about clearing the site and start planting.  I have been told potatoes would be good to plant in our first year?

I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of you on the forum.  I just can't wait to start digging!

Cheers,

Ian.

[istanley24]

[Tee Gee]

Wellcome to A4A Ian

I just can't wait to start digging!

Well you have got the first bit right :)

There are quite a few here in the same position as you and have just started allotmenteering and a lot of discussion has been going on with them recently.

So may I suggest you look back on recent posts in the edible & basic section and I am sure you will manage to answer a lot of questions I am sure you want to ask.

However if you can't find what you are after then just ask and most likely someone will come along and help! 

[ACE]

If you want it dug over, phone crime stoppers anonymously, tell them somebody was hiding drugs by burying them on that plot. They will soon have it done for you ;D

Seriously, little and often is the way to start, don't try and knacker yourself by getting it all done yesterday.

Most of the lazy so-and-sos will advise you to cover the ground in plastic or worse still, old carpet. Both of which must contain nasty chemicals and is a pain in the proverbial if it starts deteriating. Digging, planting and hoeing might sound like a lot of effort but it is cheaper than the gymn for keeping fit.

[bumble-dee]

hi istanly24, im new to the allotment scale of things too (been practicing for the last year in our backgarden), so it does feel quite daunting at first, but all the folks on my plot are friendly and if they don't give you tonnes of advice, then you can get tonnes more on this forum.
good luck and keep us all up to date with your progress.
Dee

[Trevor_D]

Welcome from another recent newcomer to the site (but not to the hard work of digging allotments!). Enjoy the digging. We've all been there (and still doing it). It beats staying indoors any day. But set yourself realistic goals.

Trevor

[kitten]

Hi ian & welcome!  I'm a newbie gardener too, took on lottie 1st Jan this year, so we haven't done much yet either, but our plot was ploughed for us by the council before we took it on which has helped.  To date we've marked out four rotation beds, laid four paths, and planted onions & garlic in the onion bed.

My advice would be to take it easy & do it little by little, don't go knackering yourself out straight away, it's meant to be fun!  And, do take plenty of photos to share with us as you go along!  Good luck & have fun x

[istanley24]

Thanks for all the great welcome's.  The trend I think is to take it on gradually, which is what I intend to do.  I think a little time planning the plot would help too.

Ian.

[isbister]

Congratulations on getting your plot. I agree with all the above - don't knacker yourself and plant as you go, little by little etc. A lt of people swear by the azada for clearing land - I only found out about it after I'd done my clearing...you can get them here

http://www.get-digging.co.uk/

[cornykev]

Hi istanley and welcome, can't say I enjoyed the rugby but a great weekend for football, what say you Rosebud.   ;D ;D ;D

[manicscousers]

hi, istanley, welcome aboard, same as everyone else, little and often, make a plan and try to work to it ;D

[Blue Bird]

Hi and welcome like you only just got my plot in Dec 2006  you will find alsorts of helpful advise from others with problems and those who have the know how ;D

BB

[vee]

Welcome Stanley :)
You'll soon be living and breathing allotments- it can be addictive!

[istanley24]

I can see that happening!  Taking a half day on friday to get shopping out the way (and to pick up a nice pair of wellies) then it's work work work all weekend.  I'm going to set my self little rewards for doing bits throughout the weekend.  Any idea's on what they could be?  I'm sure a beer or two will be in there!

[norfolklass]

congrats on your plot from me, too!
I took mine on last Oct/Nov but spent most of last year chopping down nettles ::) only really started marking out and digging beds this year.

you've already made a great start by joining this forum â€" everyone is really helpful and patient, esp. with us newbies and our endless questions about the basics ;D

a little time invested in planning is definitely a good thing, plus you get to dream in your head how fab it's all going to look one day... ;)

and yes, don't forget to take photos of before and after. when I start to get a bit disheartened about all the things I've got to do, I look back at the first photos I took and remember how much hard work I've actually done already!

most importantly, enjoy it!!!

[Kea]

I've just bought an azada and it's great but I still find I change to the mattock for any heavy work e.g. digging up blackberries, new ground.

[KevTetley]

Ian

I too have just started, got the plot three weeks ago and am a complete novice - although very enthusiastic!

I spent ages asking loads of questions and getting my head around what grows with what (groups), when to plant and what varieties etc.  I have made a planner with lots of useful information.  You are welcome to a copy  - send me your email address and I will forward to you.

I have now been able to plan my beds etc. 

My plot was completely grassed over because it hadnt been cultivated for 2 years!  Having asked many questions in the forum I now have dug my first three beds (12ft x 6ft) edged with used wood from pallets.

Where abouts is your plot?  Im in Bristol.

Kev

[istanley24]

Hi Kev,

I'm in Abingdon, near Oxford.  I am also a complete novice, but will tap my dad for info as he is a keen Veggie grower.

The planner sounds great.  My email address is istanley24@hotmail.com

Have you got any phot's of your plot?  I would love to see them.  I'll send you some of mine (going to take them tomorrow before work commences!)

I've got to fence it off first and then clear some beds.  I'll have to see how much I can get done this weekend, weather permitting.  I want to get something planted, just so I know something other than weeds is growing!

Cheers,

Ian.