Went to my plot today to plant my new Gooseberry bush the soil was pretty wet after the last rain but after digging a hole the bush was surrounded by farm manure, so hopefully it will be ok. ;D
Also today I intended planting a few Shallots but with the soil being so wet and sticky and still lots of weeds in there, decided to do an hour or so of back breaking digging and weeding instead, but I think the weeds won. :-\
Hurrah!
First growing thing on your allotment is a big thing, and it's a great feeling isn't it? ;D ;D
Eventually you will win with the weeds :)
Roy have you got yourself a dutch hoe? Every time I visit the allotment I take mine with me and hoe briefly over the surface of all the beds. It only takes about 15 mins to do my whole plot. Although each time I go (about once a week) there are lots of new little weed seedlings sprouted it feels like I'm keeping on top of the weeding because they are so small and easy to remove with the hoe. The couch patch is a different story though, nothing is sprouting above surface yet but when I dig it over there are still a fair amount of rhizomes that I missed the previous time. Well done on your first plant, I'm really tempted to get a couple of gooseberries but I know there's no room for them, perhaps I can squeese some in the garden at home.
Well done Roy, I got my garlic in a few weeks ago along with a few shallots! It feels great doesn't it? I have just ordered some gooseberry bushes, raspberry canes and a blackcurrant bush to create a fruit area.
Keep going with the weeding, I will be down at my plot digging my way throught the couch etc at the weekend.
A bit at a time seems the best way by far!!
TimJ