Ok, so we got the allotment...what next?

[KateG]

We've got a very overgrown plot of 10 poles, right next to a hedge (which is great for us as that area can be set aside as an area for my 2 young children to play in while I tinker in the mud :D)

We've bribed someone to come in with a tractor to clear it for us, they can also rotavate it for us if we want (hmm, I know it is a no no, but it is oooh so tempting..)

I've put a plea out on freecycle for a small shed etc and now we need to decide how to lay it all out.

Has anyone got any suggestions of best methods to do this? Would a simple path from top to bottom, running through the middle of the plot be sufficient?

[KateG]

[saddad]

Enjoy...
Design is your own personal choice. You will need at least one service path, wide enough for a wheel barrow! After that your choice, 4' wide beds are best to avoid standing on and compacting the soil.. access paths between can go as small as 18"...
;D

[kt.]

Veg growing so close to trees does not do as well due having to fight with tree roots for water and nutrients from the same ground.

I would plan for the shed to go up against the treeline.  You could also put your waterbutts at the side of the shed, compost bin, manure pile all down the treeline. Then put a path in front of these to widen the gap between treeroots and your crop further. These are all things that you will need anyway so they may as well go on the least agricultural ground. (Without giving up too much distance obviously.)

[silverbirch]

Hear hear to the 4' beds with 18" paths between.  Apart from anything it's a good bit of psychology to face a small bed rather than a whole plot, and it makes rotations easier as well.  I've covered my paths with a weed mat, as it means there is a bit that doesn't need weeding.  This year for my birthday, I'm getting some black plastic sheeting as well, so I can cover bits of ground I'm not using (again keeps the weeds down).

Try to get something in this autumn as well, even if it's only a few broad beans.  Having something growing is a great boost to getting the rest ready for next year.


Most important of all, ENJOY IT.  Take the time to sniff the breeze and have a chat with your neighbours.

[RosieMcPosie]

hi, im in the same position as you, i've had my allotment of 20 poles for about a week and a half now. fortunately the land is reasonably flat. i borrowed my neighbour's petrol strimmer and pulled up most of the big weeds! i've decided to go for raised beds made with scaffolding boards, beds are 8ft x 4ft. there's room for three across the front with a path of 4ft in between each one. i have two beds in now, the rest is covered up with tarpaulin and weighed down with junk ive found in various places!(including my allotment after strimming) we got a free compst bin as well.
only prob with my alottment is the soil is heavy, so after all the digging, we have to mix it with good quailty compost! however my allotment is lovely, it's my pride and joy! all i need now is a shed....any tips? x

[pigeonseed]

I'm always really impressed by people's plots with raised beds or nice neat paths and boards round each bed.

I've never managed to get so on top of the basics that I get round to 'hard landscaping' like that. But I think it will help with weed control in the long run.

And the paths - don't dump stones and pebbles on the grass paths, because then it blunts your shears when you cut the grass/breaks the strimmer cord. I know that now... ::)

[Susiebelle]

I am a fan of the raised bed system it works well for me, I agree with Silverbirch theres a great sense of achievement when you have worked a complete bed, if you are target driven its great it works really well . Lot of hard work getting the infra structure in (I'm still working on it) and I think 18" is a good width to lay aside for paths. A little and often is the order of the day if it becomes a chore leave it for another day. Happy days ahead  ;) ;)

[saddad]

If you have had that rain Rosie your heavy soil should be easier to work at the moment...
:)