Allotments 4 All

Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Spency on July 28, 2009, 18:15:34

Title: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: Spency on July 28, 2009, 18:15:34
Hi All,

New to the forums and indeed allotments, I am 27 so I guess on the younger side of this amazing world.

Anyway, I have had an allotment now for about 2 months and everything is growing really well.

I have :

Runner Beans
Potatoes
Celery
Corn On The Cob
Tomatoes
Beetroot
Brocolli
Two types of Letteuce
Peas
Carrots

And I have some rhubarb in and a few blackberry and tasberry bushes.

My question is, is there anything else I should be growing. My plot is mostly full now, but with some of the crops due to be harvested over the next few months , can I grow anything over the winter period, or is there anything I can squeeze in now.

I am probably growing too much, but just wanted to have a go at things, so I guess its worth a shot.

Also, am I allowed to post some photos of the allotment, as it would be great to get feedback from more experienced and professionals I can see post here.

Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: manicscousers on July 28, 2009, 18:23:53
Hiya, Spency, welcome to a4a  ;D
we're starting off chinese leaves of all descriptions, we'll start some more off next month and september to overwinter in our polytunnel..we used to grow them in the greenhouse..just sowed beetroot, kohl rabi, turnips as well as carrying on with the lettuce, etc..couple of months it'll be broad beans and overwintering onions..happy growing  ;D
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: shirlton on July 28, 2009, 18:33:10
Welcome Spency, There are lots of things you can put in to overwinter. Purple Sprouted Brocolli, Jap onions. Broad beans. Some cauli's over winter
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: Digeroo on July 28, 2009, 18:42:25
I am a little older than you (x2) but only had my allotment for 4 months.  Used to grow a few things in the garden but enjoying having space to grow some things new to me.  

Also light and soil conditions are different.  Sowed beetroot in both, same packet. On allotment did fine but total failure in the garden.

Sounds as if you are doing really well.  I also like to experient with different varieties and different methods.   What?  No courgettes. ;D ;D

I love seeing photos of people's plots.  
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: saddad on July 28, 2009, 18:57:38
Welcome to A4A Spency..
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: GRACELAND on July 28, 2009, 19:08:34
What about Onions or Shallots ???

Bit late This year but Next year

Unless you try Jap Onions  :)
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: lushy86 on July 28, 2009, 19:41:48
Welcome Spency, you will get lots of good advice here from everyone  :)

We would love to see pictures

Lushy x
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: Rhubarb Thrasher on July 28, 2009, 19:43:25
has nobody mentioned the Humble Radish?
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: saddad on July 28, 2009, 21:30:46
Or it's big brother the Winter Radish...  :-\
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: pigeonseed on July 28, 2009, 21:35:44
yes radish, for a crop in 2 weeks. Plus mooli (is that the winter radish you meant, Saddad?) Mooli also produce tons of leaf and that's good for a recipe which is a favourite of mine.

and kale - I'm still hoping to sow some.

you could get a crop of dwarf french beans as well - I did that on the advice of my next-door-plot-neighbour a couple of years ago. Mind you most of mine were all eaten by slugs so it wasn't 100 successful!

And come winter/late autumn you could be putting in fruit bushes or trees. And garlic of course.
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: saddad on July 28, 2009, 21:38:37
Mooli is a "Winter Radish"... but Black Spanish round and China Rose are better for me...  :)
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: tonybloke on July 28, 2009, 22:25:50
welcome to the mad world of a4a !!
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: Tee Gee on July 28, 2009, 22:47:56
Various Brassicas e.g. I sowed two varieties of Spring Cabbage and some late Calabrese last Monday

The calabrese will depend upon how early winter comes. I have managed three late crops out of the last four years (one year taken out by early frost).....well worth the gamble if it comes off!

You could also get some sprouting broccoli in, its slightly late for this but if the winter is late and relatively mild it will catch up!

I sowed some more peas last week.

Will sow a few more Lettuce, Radish & mooli this incoming week.

I hope that gives you a few ideas.

BTW welcome to A4A

Then there are the Xmas potatoes...........best in buckets in case the weather turns foul before they mature, i.e. you can move them under cover!

Then in Sept/Oct you can plant out Garlic & Jap Onions.

Then you could sow some broad beans for next year, I never do but their are many people who do!
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: 1066 on July 29, 2009, 08:07:08
welcome to A4A Spency, and well done on your progress so far!

And a big yes to pictures  ;D - we're a nosey lot on 'ere  ;)
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: Julie Bean on July 29, 2009, 08:38:09
Welcome,
Have a break over the winter and chill
Julia
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: saddad on July 29, 2009, 08:43:17
Welcome to A4A Julia, look at lots of seed catalogues...  :-X
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: shirlton on July 29, 2009, 09:03:54
NOOOO. Dont do that or you will become like the rest of us
Title: Re: A Few Questions From A Newbie!
Post by: grannyjanny on July 29, 2009, 09:11:00
I second that Shirl. I keep saying, it's OK i won't need any next year ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D. We'll see. I don't need seed catalogues, just someone on here to talk about some & I'm off. Good job OH has lots of deliveries from Amazon ;) ;) ;). Thanks Saddad, I'm looking at winter radish now.