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Post by celiasgarden on Feb 4, 2016 13:33:44 GMT
what can people recommend to an allotment beginner?
i love my gardening and have only ever dealt with flowers,
but im looking to grow my own veg now, i dont want to dive straight in at the deep end so can anyone recommend something for beginners?
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Post by Lou78W on Feb 4, 2016 17:10:06 GMT
Do you actually have your allotment yet?. If you do, chat to your fellow allotmenteers....I'm sure they would be delighted to help. Potatoes are a good start, and if the land is heavy, they will help break it up. Don't try to grow everything....pick out a few of your favourite veg. and start there. Don't grow too much. Has the land been left in good heart i.e. weeded and manured regularly. If there's a lot of land to clear......just do a bit at a time....don't sicken yourself. I'm sure the other allotmenteers on the forum will give you more tips...... Good luck and enjoy!!..  |
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Post by daitheplant on Feb 4, 2016 20:04:52 GMT
Celia, all you need do is grow what you, and the family, like to eat. As for preparing the ground, when digging, only do as much as you are happy with at each visit. The main reason people give up their allotment in the first season is because they try to get it all done in one day, then get fed up. Take your time and enjoy yourself. Take a snack and a flask with you. Talk to your fellow allotmenteers. Most importantly, do NOT be aloof. Show willing to help on the site in general.  You will love it. |
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Post by roofgardener on Feb 4, 2016 21:00:55 GMT
Hmm... how about potatos and Onions ?
I mean... the options are endless.. but... spudlinks seem simple ? And likewise onions ? (perhaps from sets, initially ? ).
Even I can grow potatoes... in pots.. and .. I've only killed SOME onions.. the rest made it to the cooking pot ?
Do you have a potting shed on the allotment ?
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Post by daitheplant on Feb 5, 2016 19:45:36 GMT
Hmm... how about potatos and Onions ? I mean... the options are endless.. but... spudlinks seem simple ? And likewise onions ? (perhaps from sets, initially ? ). Even I can grow potatoes... in pots.. and .. I've only killed SOME onions.. the rest made it to the cooking pot ? Do you have a potting shed on the allotment ? Spudlinks and onions simple Roofus? You ever heard of potato blight and onion white root rot?    |
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gemma
New Member
Posts: 7
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Post by gemma on Oct 17, 2021 13:23:22 GMT
Hello, I would like some advice. I have a new allotment plot (that hasn’t been worked in some time)that I have cleared of weeds and brambles and dug out half the plot of wooden roots. I keep it covered with black plastic to stop the weeds from taking over again. The allotment took delivery of very fresh manure which I’ve stared to cover the top of the soil, as it will break down and really help in the spring.
So to my question, I have garlic to plant bulb and wild, strawberry’s, fruit tress/bushes and tulips but I’m worried the manure will burn the roots. is it ok to keep the manure maybe a few inches away from each item planted? Will the manure have any effect on the roots/plants. Or should I hold off planting now and give the soil and manure time to really get working in harmony.
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Post by steve on Oct 17, 2021 14:11:41 GMT
Hi Gemma, it’s the ideal time now to spread manure over a garden, you should leave about 4 months before using it and gathering crops so it will be ok by next year and with our weather most of the nitrogen and ammonia will be washed out anyway, but just for improving the soil it will be worth it
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gemma
New Member
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Post by gemma on Oct 17, 2021 16:08:55 GMT
Thanks for the reply Steve, I will plant my garlic at home and the rest can be overwintered and planted in spring.
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Post by daitheplant on Oct 17, 2021 16:56:51 GMT
Gemma, I would suggest you stack the manure in a corner out of the way and leave it until this time next year, turning the pile from time to time. If you use really fresh manure on the plot you are asking for trouble. As it ages it generates quite a bit of heat which is not good for the plants OR the beneficial insects in the soil.
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Post by sweetpea on Oct 24, 2021 21:36:50 GMT
Sort an area for that most essential item.......a compost bin which will come into its own once you get the plot under way.
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gemma
New Member
Posts: 7
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Post by gemma on Oct 28, 2021 8:19:42 GMT
Thank you for the advice all, I spread some on the plot and the rest I’ve stored in an unused compost bin.
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