Just got an allotment (Merged)

charlies_mum

Well, this site has really changed the way I think about money, and especially what I spend on food. I have started to shop at Aldi (and very good it is too), I have been to Lidl and bought loads of veg and frozen them.

I have just taken the next scary step, and taken an allotment - I have no idea what I am doing. Can anyone recommend some good web sites - I know we are having a gardening board, but I can start now and wonder whether there is anything I can do.

The allotment has not been used for 2 years, so there will be some clearing up to be done.

newbiemum05

www.selfsufficientish.com a good one for articles and a good forum too

julbags

Also

https://www.downsizer.net

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk (Grow Your Own Magazine Website)

https://www.kitchegarden.co.uk (kitchen garden magazine website).

They all have very helpful forums and articles about what to do when on an allotment.

Good luck with it - I'd love an allotment but I know I realistically don't have enough time to do one justice. I'll be growing quite a bit in my garden this year though, that'll keep me busy.

tootles_2

allotments4u

Put in allotments on your browser see what comes up. We took over an allotment in Oct 2005, we spent most of last summer digging out twitch, the allotment had not been used for 8 years, so it was in a mess. We paid to have it ploughed and rotovated.............

We had a good grwoing year last year and have just got some spuds for this year.

Shortie

I'd be biased on the GYO Forum https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk as I'm a Mod on there. It's a really friendly place where no question is too daft etc. Boy have I come out with some clangers of a question before

..... like the time I found a plant growing in my garden shortly after having Chickens... and asked if anyone knew what it was. I'd origionally thought it was a tomato until the leaves changed shape, hence it grew a good few inches tall.

Anyway, needless to say, it wasn't a legal plant. I did feel like a twit.

Ironically, if I'd just asked my OH who'd been through Police training, I'd have known in seconds :rotfl:

I too have a lottie. My frst year, but can heartily recommend them as they're really good communities

Maybe see you there!

Pandora123_2

Lots of info here:

allotment.org.uk

Including what to do when you first take over an allotment.

:A

Gingham_Ribbon

I think there have been a few threads on allotments on the green board, so I've moved it there for you where hopefully someone will point you in the direction of them.

I'm on a waiting list for one. Good luck with yours. I can't wait for mine!

Strepsy

Congratulations charlies_mum.

I've been on the waiting list for ages Wouldn't mind so much if I didn't know there's a whole section of about 4/5 that they seem to have just written off and left completely derelict...

conradmum

Another good site (and magazine!) is https://www.kitchengarden.co.uk

albacore1854

Just don't do raised beds.

katskorner

One thing I will recommend as a fellow allotment holder - do not tyr to go organic until you have the weeds well and truly under control. Get hold of some RoundUp and get clearing. Pull weeds out whenever you see them and they will weaken.

Also you need to FEED FEED and FEED the soil unless growing carrots and parsnips which do not like nutrient rich soil. Manure is best - local farms will let you take it away free as a rule.

Also consider using the bed system - get wood from old fence posts and offcuts but don't buy it if you can avoid it - keep your eyes open and it is amazing what you can find. The bed system basically means loads less digging and makes rotation easier too.

I have only had my plot two years and we have had excellent yields so far. When we had it it was like a tip. My Dad has had his plot 60 years as it was grandads initially.

Gosh I could go on typing about this stuff all day! Best to ask if you want to know anything!!!