Allotments 4 All

Hi everyone,

This may seem like a really silly question :-[ but thought I would ask anyhow  ;)

Myself, my hubby and friend have just acquired our first allotment and are loving it already.

We have basic tools etc but am in need of some guidance as to what I should be doing at this time of the year, preparing to plant etc.

Could someone please point me in the right direction or give me some advice as to what I need to be doing on the patch this time of year.

As for the tools... is there anything that is going to make life a lot easier than the usual, fork, spade, hoe, rake, water butt etc...

Thanks in advance.

Hi Deb,hubby & friend invest in a good book, I have Allotment Gardening by Susan Berger £9.95. Advise on tools: trowel, hand fork,  bucket, watering cans,  twine& skewers, labels, sharp knife, scissors,wheelbarrow etc  carboots are always the best place to look. This time of year November: sow peas and broad beans in reasonable weather, plant new fruit bushes in workable ground, winter onions and garlic if you haven't already. Digging is best done this month before it gets too cold or wet. Dig in well rotted manure or compost, leave the area where your roots go ( carrots, parsnips etc ) as they do not like this type of soil because it is too rich. I also have The Allotment Book by Andy Clevely £17.99   I never paid that though, its well worth the investment Debs, Check out Amazon on web site.   Happy digging.  ;D ;D ;D

Hi Deb

Depends how organised you are and the state of the plot.  In my first year (last year), I dug out 10 8x4 beds and planted one with strawberries that were already on the plot and another beds with rescued raspberry canes.  Two blackcurrant bushes from the poundshop went into a third bed.

It all went well but I had no idea what Horsetail was until the Spring :'( and it overwhelmed everything.  So at the beginning of this year, I changed everything.........

Yes to everything Kev has said but as it is your first year, you may not have time to get the peas and beans in and whilst you may have to wait a few more weeks, they will do will if they go in Feb/March time.

Deffo yes to Susan Berger.  I have had a look at the Clevely book but everything you need has been covered in the Berger book, in more detail and at half the price!

Most of all have fun and take photos so you can see your progress.

Thanks for the advice  :)

If you have loads of weeds - dig as much out as you can and then mulch with cardboard and as much muck or compost as you can get hold off.  This will keep clear the weeded areas and stop them growing in spring.  Plant through this cardboard things like beans, courgettes etc and you will be well on the way to a lovely clear plot by the end of next summer.  You will also have good soil into the bargain!  Spuds help to clear and break new ground - so go for them next year - but choose varieties that can withstand most of the pests and diseases out there!

Happy digging!

Louise

Rotovators are useful once you've got your plot in shape, however with a new plot they can cause more trouble than they can save. At this time of year you may be unaware of the weed problems and might be chpping marestail roots into thousands of pieces. It may be harder work clearing the ground properly now, but it will save you massive repeat work year on year.

hi i went to wh smiths and bought the allotment book which was on offer at £7.99 instead of £17.99 its worth the money it explains every thing you need to know  :) Ive spent all day reading it because i couldn't go to the allotment due to the rain :( :( happy reading/digging oh and welcome they are great on here ;)

A great bargain Tohell happy reading.  ;D ;D ;D