The noob allotment adventures..

Despite pulling a muscle at the top of my back, we managed to have an hour up the allotment today with the kids helping. We got some tarpaulin, an old trampoline and thick plastic to cover and hopefully kill off grass/weeds, and retrofitted some decking slabs, bin bags and bamboo canes to cover another bit.
Have also decided where our beans will go and put up some canes to mark the area once I've dug over the soil properly

 

Exciting times. I have just been offered my first plot (well, of my own) and there are 4 available so I get to choose, or at least state first and second choice. Its a newly created plot so a lot of work will be needed, but at least its already dug over to its going to be making beds, etc. Going down first thing tomorrow to choose a plot :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

Looking through the rules, I'm surprised by one rule. Im not allowed to bring compost in or materials to compost such as household peelings, grass cuttings etc. Presumably this to prevent the spread of diseases and invasive species.

 

Exciting! :D good luck with the deciding. Share a pic when you've chosen

That does seem an odd rule but makes sense if it's about diseases etc.

We're not allowed to put up any structures like sheds. Gutted :(

 

Just finished from a 12 hour observation shift so no time for gardening today. However I came home to growyourown magazine which had come through and there's free seeds. Hurrah!

With the exception of the carrots there are all ready to be sown indoors this month woop! Need to sort out what's in the propagators.

 

Took a look at the plots today and chose one closest to the access path. Soil looks brilliant, bordering on being peat, very high on organic matter. Lots to do though so need to get down and measure so I can put a plan together.

 

That looks really good. Lots of potential but limited clearing needing doing!

 

Annoyed with my greenhouse, we've had strong winds this weekend and it's basically kept shaking itself apart and loads of seedlings/pots fell off the shelves. Tried to repot them as best as I could but won't be surprised if they die now. My greenhouse last year was smaller but withstood much more than that so I must have it in a bad position. It's too big to move it so my next job is to duct tape all the joins together and hope it survives. Can't afford a glass greenhouse and it'd only get smashed by the kids!

Looking forward to getting up the allotment tomorrow. Haven't been this weekend because of us getting our exbatts!

Bought kitchen garden magazine today which came with loads of free seeds so have plenty to be keeping me busy with!

 

I've been thinking about what I was to grow so I can start planning what and where to put things. Looks like I need a soil tester to find out how acid or alkaline the soil is, as well as figuring out what kind of soil I have to work with.
In the meantime, I've got the stuff ready to make a small raised bed, and have ordered more vegetable seeds online of varieties I haven't yet got. Only others that I want now are some seed potatoes and garlic. I have saved a bucket of sprouting potatoes leftover from my kitchen. They're currently in a wooden bucket in my store room which is cool and dark. Not sure how good they are but figured I'd give it a go rather than chuck them in the compost bin.

Too soggy to go to the allotment today, so I've been relaxing and playing xbox instead.

 

I did the same last year with some potatoes that I had left over in a bag of eater's,they where about the size of a duck egg and had one of the best crops ever.I was taking 45 to 50 spuds per plant,didn't think they would be much good so did not bother with them for a while them one night had a look and was hoping for a boiling of small new potatoes,when I dug into them they where the size of baking potatoes so we enjoyed them as bakers.so give them a go.

 

Oh cool, will give them a go then should I just chuck them in the allotment? Will have to do some research..

These are them..

 

Here's today's progress on the plot. Have made a bed for the broad beans. It was actually really nice soil. A few rocks in it but easy enough to clear. Popped in some compost and strung up some canes. Pretty pleased with the hours work!

Managed to grab some total bargains from aldi as well. 3 gala Apple trees for £1.50 each, seed potatoes for 99p, plus raspberry and blackcurrant shrubs for £2 each. Also picked up some garlic bulbs from a local garden centre.

I've managed to ph test the soil, which came up about 7.5. Now need to work out what that number means and if it's bad or good. Lol!

Still trying to work out what type the soil is. It's not totally clay but does seem to compact easily. Going to have to do more research I think!

 

Haven't managed to get out the allotment today, it took all morning to arrange a flat bed tow truck to get me and landie to the garage (4x4's have to go on a flat bed) so did some retail therapy on the way home...

Brought myself a nice large electric thermostat propagator, some leeks, cucumber (Divia), and got some lobelia (trailing mix) begonia's, and Malva seeds free and a greenhouse thermometer.... Now I need to nip up to B&Q to get some seed compost...

But I shall hit the allotment this weekend, 4 rota days in a row, so hopefully I will be catching up with your efforts soon

 

I am now officially an allotment holder, just need to find some time to get started now

 

Yay! Well done, hope you enjoy x

 

That's great news! Don't forget to show us some pics!