We have an Allotment!

BOTB

Now what? 

Literally now idea the best way to begin? We have a greenhouse on the plot (well will have when hubby has put it there). It’s in a sunny spot. 

So where would you begin? 😁 

ColinA

I have taken over an allotment at this time of year previously, and would suggest taking time to clear the site of any weeds and debris and digging it over so that next spring it is all ready to go.

BOTB

ColinA said:

I have taken over an allotment at this time of year previously, and would suggest taking time to clear the site of any weeds and debris and digging it over so that next spring it is all ready to go.

Thank you, so no planting now, just clear and prep? 

Allotment Boy

If you want to grow fruit then  you could plant that now, if you have clear space but otherwise I agree clear, and plan now. Cover any areas you clear, so weeds don't regrow.  Take it easy though,  over many years I have seen too many prospective plotholders,  come all guns ablaze,  then get put off and give up again.  Do a bit at a time slow and steady wins the race. 

BOTB

Allotment Boy said:

If you want to grow fruit then  you could plant that now, if you have clear space but otherwise I agree clear, and plan now. Cover any areas you clear, so weeds don't regrow.  Take it easy though,  over many years I have seen too many prospective plotholders,  come all guns ablaze,  then get put off and give up again.  Do a bit at a time slow and steady wins the race. 

Thank you for this advice, we will take this on board. It’s a small plot  but is very big for us beginners. 

barry island

The way that I would do it is first have a search around to see if you have any plants hidden in the weeds that you may want to keep there may be some saveable fruit bushes in there, then cut the weeds down as low as you can maybe with a strimmer if you have access to one (I used weed killer on my plot but I'm not sure that I would do that again now), then I would start digging and removing the weed roots it's not easy but its what I would do, of course if you have some hard wearing ground cover sheets cover the weeds stopping all of the light and in twelve months to two years time the weeds will be gone, you will still have to fork it over then unless you use the no dig method that is but that has its own drawbacks I would say.

BOTB

this is the plot. 

JennyJ

I think I see some rhubarb, near the back, towards the right in the picture. That might be worth keeping if you like it.

BOTB

JennyJ said:

I think I see some rhubarb, near the back, towards the right in the picture. That might be worth keeping if you like it.

Ah yes hubby went down there today and spotted it too. He’s keeping it 😊 I hate the stuff 😂

MikeOxgreen

I'd begin by doing some research. Books are a very good place to start.

barry island

Rhubarb makes good wine.