Allotments 4 All

Can anyone reccomend a guide which shows an easy to follow instructions for Newbies that shows what crops and when to do what with them ?

Probably one of the best is written by Dr Hessayon - He does a range of "Expert" gardening books and you would probably get the vegetable expert. I am not sure that is the way to spell his name though!

They give practical advice on when to plant how to space etc etc pests diseases.  A brilliant book for newbies!  They don't cost much either! 

Good luck

Old Bird ;D

dont know if this will be any help ::)
http://www.gardeningdata.co.uk/vegetables/vegetables_sowing.php
companion planting
http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/companion.htm
hope these help
Debs :)

You could try looking at the Planners I produced over the last couple of weeks as shown in these forums last week.

They are here; http://tinyurl.com/yn57zu

I think it is Dobies or Suttons who put one at the front of the catalogue.

XX Jeannine

Thanks for that will have good read through.

I am going to grow :

Salad patch - Lettuce spring onions etc. possibly some rhubarb

Veg - Potatoes, onions, peas and beans carrots etc.

Just wondering where to start - Have seen the gardeners almanac previosuly and it does help.  Thanks. But even the basics like how the hell does my neighbour (age 74) manage to get perfectly straight rows. He seems to brandish his hoe like a martial arts supremo. How do you get that little mound ?

hiya, flunky..don't worry, you'll soon get the hang of it..and work out your own schedule  ;D

AH hah.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/index.asp

Post this here and i will always have a reference.

Nows that a handy url.

Quote from: Flunky on March 03, 2008, 18:06:36
But even the basics like how the hell does my neighbour (age 74) manage to get perfectly straight rows. He seems to brandish his hoe like a martial arts supremo. How do you get that little mound ?

.. one of them there Zen gardeners, I expect he knows Kung Hoe


I'll get me coat

 ;D ;D ;D

Nice - Good place for tumble weed though. Just need a random church bell. :)

Quote from: Flunky on March 03, 2008, 18:06:36
Thanks for that will have good read through.

I am going to grow :

Salad patch - Lettuce spring onions etc. possibly some rhubarb

Veg - Potatoes, onions, peas and beans carrots etc.

Just wondering where to start - Have seen the gardeners almanac previosuly and it does help.  Thanks. But even the basics like how the hell does my neighbour (age 74) manage to get perfectly straight rows. He seems to brandish his hoe like a martial arts supremo. How do you get that little mound ?

Hi Flunky

To get straight rows you use two posts (one at either end) and a piece of string!

Old Bird ;D

Ok, starting to get the hang of this.

Thanks to everyone who has helped I do appreciate it.

Is it always essential to get things going before you put them in the ground ?

I have been sent a planner (thank you Mr Lawson) but I dont have the facilities (yet) to grow things in pots and then put them out side. What do you guys think ?

HI Flunky

No - of course you don't need to plant stuff indoors before taking them outside.

Depending on where you live - you can now plant outside:  onions, shallots, beetroot, new potatoes (make sure they don't get frosted though!) loads of stuff!  can't think of it all now as have my work hat on!

Good luck with it I am sure other peeps will fill you in on what you can plant out now!

Old Bird

;D

Hi Flunkey,
You probably have light soil where you are which is a bonus for early planting.
However, I bet you have biting easterlies well into the growing season.
Starting off in a greenhouse may help with 'hardening off' after etc..
Onions/early pots./as Old bird stated should be O.K.
Honest though, it's still very early - plenty of time yet!!

I think it sounds worth your while to create a raised seedbed at the allotment with a polytunnel or cloche(s) over it. 

Lots of variations discussed in other threads but mine is plastic pipes for the hoops "reinforced" with bamboo and covered with enviromesh, which is a bit pricey but seems to last and allows rain and air to get through - so not ideal for very tender plants but fine for lettuce leeks etc.