hi, i was brought up going to the allotment with me dad every weekend for years. since having kids we have decided that an allotment will be brilliant for our kids.
we put our name down to have a plot that was meant to be built for houses but the council have decided to allow more allotments. but being impatient have just taken on an overgrown plot at this same site as we don't want to wait around for the council forever. we do realise the hard work involved but are prepared for it.
first thing we are gonna do is build a compost bin, strim all the weeds, place black plastic on it, , then a raised bed for herbs and another for strawberries. also get a shed. do these sound unrealistic targets?? also would like to grow garlic autumn time.
is there anyone that can give us some advice ect? thanks
hiya, Gina, welcome to the site ;D
I agree about councils, you could be waiting years..
when we took ours over, it was a nightmare, sounds like you've got a good plan, we made a paper plan and marked everywhere out, paths we covered with thick cardboard, weed control (well, compost bags opened out, we were skint). then wood chips we got free, this meant we could cover the bed areas, after getting rid of as much weed as we could, no walking on the bed area meant the soil didn't get stood on,
we could then work on one bed at a time, plant up and move on..
garlic can be planted out in autumn if you wish, along with overwintering onions so, that gives you time to get a bed ready for it, happy digging, take lots of photos ;D
by the way, the experts will be along soon :)
HI Gina and welcome to the site... strim and cover is the best move when it is this hot and digging can be impossible if the ground is heavy (clay) which can bake hard in the summer months.. :-X
Hi Gina, Cannot say more than Manic. One bed at a time, then you won't get discouraged. Watching things grow is a great feeling and will spur you on
thanks. i'm so glad i've joined this site. getting keys on sunday and hopefully before then an architect will be measuring it.
Welcome to the site, Gina, and good luck with your allotment. I certainly wouldn't try to get too much done in this heat- you might get disheartened!
Quote from: gina on July 28, 2008, 09:40:23
hopefully before then an architect will be measuring it.
Can I ask why?
You could try what I did many years ago when I was on a waiting list and it was this;
I heard of an elderly lady who had just lost her husband and his large garden was his pride and joy and she wanted to keep it this way in his memory.
Sadly she wasn't able enough to maintain it and didn't have the money to pay to keep it in trim and she happened to mention it to friend who she and I had in common.
This friend was aware of my problem and saw that a meeting could be beneficial to both of her friends predicaments so she introduced us.
I loved what I saw; A thirty foot long greenhouse with a double rod grape vine, a 20 foot wide bed that run the length of the greenhouse. There was an orchard at the top of the garden with Apples,Pears & plums plus Raspberiies and various currant bushes.
When it came to negotiating a fee she said I could have it for free providing I kept it tidy and full of vegetables as her husband had done.
I said at the very least that she should allow me to provide her with fresh seasonal veg in payment to which she agreed.
It turned out what she had wouldn't even fatten a fly. e.g. a lettuce leaf, a tomato and a bit of cucumber was basically all she would have at any one time.
So I grew some cut & come again lettuce, cherry tomatoes (her favourite) and some short cucumbers.
It worked a treat until she died some five or six years later.
When she did die and the son was selling up the house and its affects he gave me all his fathers tools, many of which are museum pieces made during the 'Dig for Victory' campaign during WW2.
There!! there is an idea for you.
If you are lucky you might find an elderly couple with a garden that is now too much for them, and possibly you could come to a similar arrangement as I did.
Quote from: caroline7758 on July 28, 2008, 16:33:40
Welcome to the site, Gina, and good luck with your allotment. I certainly wouldn't try to get too much done in this heat- you might get disheartened!
Quote from: gina on July 28, 2008, 09:40:23
hopefully before then an architect will be measuring it.
because its overgrown and he will measure our exact allotment plot next to our new neighbours
Can I ask why?
:-[ :-[ Egg on my face!! :-[ :-[
I thought I read you DIDN'T have an allotment and were on a waiting list and my suggestion was a possible way to overcome the long wait.
Ah well!! I suppose the idea might be useful to someone who IS on a waiting list.
??? ??? Must remember to read peoples requests more closely!
Sorry for the confusion!! ::)
Welcome Gina. Dig in ;D ;D ;D
Welcome to the mad house Gina ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D @Tee Gee..........Im so glad I'm not the only one ;)........bless :-*