Hi All,
I have planned out roughly what i will do with the allotment and wondered if anything should be changed. First year so it will pretty much trial and error for now whilst i learn.
It is only small so i wondered if it would be better to change things around. Currently i have it so that space is divided equally. The raised beds are already there so will not be moved but the rest can be redone.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2074/2245649085_8a95c8fcc0_o.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32212274@N00/2245649085/sizes/o/)
If thats not too clear you should be able to click the picture for bigger version but the plan is -
4 raised beds for herbs and kids 1m square
potatoes carrots/parsnips
onions etc cabbage etc
experiments rhubarb/strawberries
Width 45cm
length from bottom of raised bed 800cm
Any advice?
Thanks
Liam
Hi Shaolin101,
So you have gone for a basic crop rotation plan ;)
Potatoes, brasicas, legumes, aliums
and included your perminant crops fruits, herbs and asparagus as well as umbrels (crops that go anywhere).
Year one: legumes, onions, potato family, umbellifers, brassicas
Year two: onions, potato family, umbellifers, brassicas, legumes
Year three: potato family, umbellifers, brassicas, legumes, onions
Year four: umbellifers, brassicas, legumes, onions, potato family
Seams like a good and sensible way to move forward. You need to look at intercroping with companion plants for example in your carrot bed you might want to consider adding leeks, spring onions or other alliums to help ward off carrot fly. Here you might want to think about catch crops which are quick growing so you get more regular crops that still offer you some crop protection.
Dont see where your going to put pumpkins can I recomend that you either use one of the kids beds as bed of sweetcorn with a pumpkin planted in the middle & Or turn your pea bed into a 3 sisters bed which will support each other.
This might help
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles1200/crop_rotation.asp
http://www.letsgogardening.co.uk/Information/CropRotation.htm
http://www.theorganicreport.com/pages/519_the_three_sisters_corn_beans_and_squash_activities_for_the_classroom.cfm
Cambourne7
Hi Shaolin
Very well planned and the rotation should not be a problem.
I do miss a space for growing beans and peas. Maybe you can set up some wigwams in the carrot and parsnip bed. One wigwam gave me enough beans for eating fresh in summer and then some to dry.
Also, like Cambourne, I would opt for a three sister bed. Fresh corn just cannot be resisted. A harmless addiction that I cherish.
Last question: don't you want some more fruit, like currants, raspberries and others that don't take up much room?
There is a thread in one of the other forums about how to grow fruits on a small plot using cordons and espaliers.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Garjan
Thanks,
As i am new to all this i was looking for something fairly simple and easy to follow. The main issue i had was 'would there be enough space for everything?' So whilst there is loads i want to grow I assumed i wouldn't have enough room!
I suppose if i juggle a few things such as spring onions and leeks in the carrots that will free up some space for more things to try - and i always have the 'experiments' area...
i would also like more fruit but not sure what yet - I have ordered a tayberry (GYO mag offer!) but thats going in the garden where i can space it out better.
Hi Shaolin
You don't need an awful lot of space to grow enough to feed a family for a large part of the year.
In the Grow Your Own-series that was on last year, they used a plot of 4 square metres just to see if that was enough to grow enough veg for a family. And it was, provided you intercrop different plants, take notice of the time it takes for a variety to mature and space accurately (to allow more plants without overcrowding).
A lot of information was in the program. I don't know if it is still available on the bbc website.
Also Kitchen Garden Magazine did a similar trial in monthly articles called: the KG plot.
Good luck,
Garjan
Looks like a good starting point. It will be changed beyond all recognition in a few years no matter where you start from though as you find out what grows best on your soil. I think you're being ambitious planting three kids in your first year. They take an awful lot of looking after and they do grow quite quickly. ;D
Geoff.
Quote from: euronerd on February 06, 2008, 14:02:44
I think you're being ambitious planting three kids in your first year. They take an awful lot of looking after and they do grow quite quickly. ;D
Dont i know it - and she already wants another. Soon enough there will be no herb box - just another for the kid.
I forget what they want to plant now though - one want to do carrots, one tomatoes - forgot the last one. Still - will be fun for them to try as they are loving it all already.
Don't forget to rotate the kids as well!
Just a thought - space for a compost heap/ bin?
Quote from: Amazin on February 06, 2008, 22:03:16
Just a thought - space for a compost heap/ bin?
There is a fairly wide walkway behind the raised beds - I am hoping to get away with putting one there - will of course check first. dont want to be the new boy that comes and does whatever he wants!
I am sure i will find somewhere for one though.