Allotments 4 All

Hi All

I've been offered the chance of having a brand spanking new plot, quite small 650 x 320 cms.  It's on land which has been cultivated by a local farmer.  The ground has been turned, and all weeds dug in.  The soil is good, not too stony, and the plot is south facing, - there is water available. 

I am thinking I would divide the plot into 4, then sub divide according to  type, i.e. roots, legumes, brassicas etc.  No problem there, and I'll cover with black membrane those plots I can't cultivate this year.

The one thing that puts me off is those buried weeds.  There is some bramble, stroyle (couch grass) and a few perennial weeds, which I have seen on the surface - but God knows what is buried!  If I take this on, am I going to have to dig out every d**n root, or will much of it rot down.  I fear I almost know the answer to this!!  I KNOW there is someone out there who can give me good advice, so thanks in advance.  Caro

One way of clearing which might work for you is to lay fabric over nearly all of it (there are some thing siot doesn't work with and you'll have to proiperly dig and clear for those) and plant through the fabric. Potatos, sweetcorn, squashes, tomatos, most brassicas and leeks can be done this way and probably some others.... Lay out the fabric and pin down, cut a small hole in it, dig around with a trowel through the hole and get rid of any weed roots you find, add some nutriernts/compost/manue to the hole and plant into it....   you could do three-sisters planting with it as well (full-height corn supporting climbing beans underplanted with squash) and it would be about as productive as you can get. I'm doing it with my potatos and corn this year to avoid quite as much digging in my first year...., but remember you're growing the beans and corn for dried lporduct so chose a popcorn variety not a sweetcorn one unless you're willing to go with a late-0season maincrop variety.

THing thing that doesn't work with this is smmall closely grown salad crops and things like onions.....

chrisc

Are those measurements correct? If so your plot is approx 6.5 metres long by 3.2 metres wide.

Quote from: SPUDLY on April 13, 2009, 15:49:12
Are those measurements correct? If so your plot is approx 6.5 metres long by 3.2 metres wide.

I hope we're not going to see an bout of oneupplotmanship here...... BTW is noone going to make a smutty "spanking virgin" remark cos I'm struggling........

If you use black plastic, dig it in about six inches at the edges, otherwise the roots just run underneath. Your plot does sound a little mini (just as mine is a bit maxi) but so what? That's just the site you're on.

You will always get weeds where ever you are. Since it is a small plot, you should be able to keep on top of it fairly well. Perennials like docks nettles dandelions and buttercups, need to be lifted as soon as you notice them.

Grow quick things like lettuce and radish. For this year. Leave out planting long term stuff until next year when you have managed to get rid of the worst of the weeds.

Maybe leave one bed fallow for a couple of months and clear the perennial weeds as soon as they show, you can then put in the winter fodder like leeks, and savoy/spring cabbage in  July and August.

To all those with such good advice, specially the 3 sisters idea, thanks a bunch.  Got my measurements wrong, the plot is about 6.5 metres by aabout  metres - argh, maths never my best subject.  Am going to accept it, and out today to buy lots of black membrane. Aleady went last night to measure out plots and paths, on the strength of your answers.  Thanks a lot, and also for the smut free content...well so far at least its been 'virgin' on the clean side!!!! Lol

Pace it out and tell us in yards, it's much easier.

I starred out 3 years ago with 2 mini plots each measuring 1.5 metres x 6metre grew loads of fresh produce its a great way to start, I found I caught the bug  and now have a full 10 rod plot.  ;D ;D

Quote from: chriscross1966 on April 13, 2009, 16:01:33

Quote from: SPUDLY on April 13, 2009, 15:49:12
Are those measurements correct? If so your plot is approx 6.5 metres long by 3.2 metres wide.

I hope we're not going to see an bout of oneupplotmanship here...... BTW is noone going to make a smutty "spanking virgin" remark cos I'm struggling........

Think in this case it's not the size, it's what you do with it that counts. ;D ;D ;D