It's my first year, and I have worked really hard but I'm beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed with planting, digging, weeding, watering, tidying up. However much I do it all seems to be so much more dandelion filled the next time I'm there (at least the ground is fertile ;D)
Does anyone have any tips or words of wisdom? Is it just the hardest time of year?
I do love it though, the wildlife is amazing, I often have birds and butterflies within arm's reach
It is such a busy time. but it really does get better. Just do what you can don't think it is a race to keep up with everyone else because a lot of people are retired etc and don't go to work, so they will have time. I am working towards putting fruit on half of my plot which will mean it is not anually sowing stuff. Asparagus is a nother permanent bed so is rhubarb. Good luck and remember enjoy.
the only thing i can say is that my plot is exactly the same and i think you will find that for the first year or three it will be that way. remember to enjoy the plot and slowly slowly catchy monkey. the weeds on my undug patch are nearly knee high, but the bits i have cultivated are looking ok now, so just look at the nice bits and tackle the scarey bits when youhave the time.
little but often is my motto - I try to get out in the garden every day as soon as I get home from work for about 20-30 minutes.
you could try making a long list of things that need doing now or you want to do in the future (everything - right from fixing a wobbly gate to refencing the whole plot to planting more runner beans) - then break down each task into smaller ones and then again, eg.
weed plot
- weed potato bed
- hoe potato bed
- dig up perennial weeds
etc.
then the big tasks suddenly seem much more manageable.
Oh, and don't bother weeding the bits of your plot that you aren't going to grow on this year - that will send you mad! just slash them down before they set seed or fling black plastic over them, and deal with them next year. After all, a few weeds never did anyone any harm (and actually do nature a lot of good)
sl
Emma, If you are not growing anything in it, cover it. This has two benefits. Firstly it helps kill the weeds and secondly, you don't have to look at it and feel like you are losing the battle! The hardest time of year I have found is that first trip back to the plot after you have been on holiday. Everything has either bolted, been eaten or has diappeared under the weeds. Lance
It will get better, I agree the first year (or few) is the worst, and it is the busiest time of the year, it will get easier, just keep remembering to enjoy what you're doing and don't beat yourself up if your plot isn't as neat as the next one, everyone has varying amounts of time they can spend at their plot. And remember that even if the weeds run away on your plot, you will still get a harvest, it might just mean having to search it out amongst the weeds. That's how it was for me last year and I got lots of veg off my plot. Do try to keep the seeds from forming on the weeds though, even if it means strimming them down to ground level or picking off the flowers as you see them. :)
May is usually a busy month on the plot. But all that hard work you've already done will have got the soil into condition and you will be able to take things easier in June, honest :) It's your first year - most of the old lads here say it takes three years to 'turn a plot around', so you can justify two thirds of your plot making hay ;D
Have just come across a RHS book 'the half hour allotment' - and for a book with a sprinkler on its cover >:( it's good, full of tips on breaking down the tasks and doing what's manageable like sally says, and how to ignore non-essential jobs and focus on what matters if you only plan to spend a half hour on the plot every day. Worth a look?
I had a brief when-did-this-stop-being-fun moment this morning too, and figured that the lateness of the warm season plus the early summer weather has sort of crammed two months' worth of activity into May. Felt better after that, planted out 30 tommies, bagged a cauli from my neighbour with the immaculate allotment, and went home for a kip 8)
i always thought my plot was scruffy and nearly killed myself trying to keep up with the immaculately kept plots...til i realised that
a)its not a competition
b)the smartest plots are usually kept by none wage earners
c)whatever you do it must NOT turn into a chore-the world will not stop turning because you harvested oneminute cauli and the King Of Allotmenteers has three rows of immaculate award winners...
its meant to be fun :D-and being small wage earners we rely a lot on cheap but good organic grown food-but i am not going to kill myself providing it
and finally
d)may is always an all hell and no noton month...it really does get easier...... ;D
kitty
i agree!
may is super busy on the plot, june allows you to fill gaps and do the weeding, and in july you will start harvesting :D
cover the empty part of your plot so you dont have to look at the weeds growing, or strim it down a few times and make it into a lawn area to relax - then, as you need more beds, you can encroach your lawn.
anything to not make you depressed :)
You have already described your joys, so enjoy them. At the same time, remove what weeds you can, without fretting over those you can't. You can deal with those on another visit. Remember that your garden is about enjoyment, not about being a manicured exhibition showpiece. You will achieve more and better crops by feeling happy with your gardening, rather than feeling stressed.
:)
Emma, you are certainly not alone, there are lots of us in our first year facing the daunting task of converting fields to productive beds ! My OH helpfully went round the plot tonight picking off all the dandelion clocks ... bet there are more tomorrow tho'
I'm concentrating on small bite size pieces and taking pleasure from small achievements.
Good luck
mc
The first year can be difficult but take your time you Will get there. Remember allotments are a hobby not a business so take your time enjoy the fresh air and good company
i was beginning to feel the same too but from experience i know that a little extra push now will mean that i will pretty much have my feet up until october!