Allotment SOS

I am so new to this, it's embarrassing haha - and I need some help, I don't even know where to start. I now have the allotment space and I'm hoping it will help me clear my mind and find some peace in my day.

I've been looking on here and doing my own research but I don't know which advice is best for starting from basically nothing without much experience. Is the advice in these any good, or should I look somewhere else? I just need a guide because I don't mind the challenge.

Starting a nature-friendly allotment | Soil Association
How to plan your allotment space
https://www.wmjames.co.uk/blog/allotment-design.html

 

Welcome,
Firstly, the three sites you reference:
while giving sound outline advice, 2) &3) are commercial and intend to sell you something, the first is perhaps at the 'zealot' end of the hoticultural spectrum and should be seen as such.
My advice would be to
a)decide what you wish to grow
b)research each crop and endeavour to provide its requirements
c)only invest as needs arise, much can be done for very little £ !
Perhaps you might care to post photos of the plot as is, and your approximate location.

 

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Ah, yeah, that makes sense - I'm on a limited budget so that is a good reminder! Thank you so much for this advice, its really helpful. I'm in Norfolk, near the coast. When I'm next at the allotment, I shall take some pictures!

 

@ClaudiaMM , my advice would be to speak to other allotment holders to see what they grow and what grows well (keep notes!).
They will know the soil conditions, how to rectify any soil problems (well, hopefully!) and sources of seeds, compost etc. There may be an allotment scheme for bulk buying.
I wish you well and keep us posted.

 

Thank you so much, i really appreciate this fab advice - I will look into this!

 

Yes indeed !
I well recall my first year on an allotment (1980)
Newly married, new to the area, all the gear-no idea !
Youngest there- by about 40 years.
Inundated with 'good' advice, mainly contradictory but valued at least at the price it cost.
Was able to return home in only weeks with armfuls of produce, none of which i'd grown. Never did my spouse suspect anything......

 

The same year my parents got married!

Hahaha i am sure you have come on leaps and bounds since then!

 

Fabulous, thank you so much!!

 

It is definitely worth chatting to your allotment neighbours. We have given and received, enough plants to fill several allotments over the years. Strawberries and raspberries are normally freely given to thin them them out, other fruit bushes sucker or layer themselves and are easily passed on and many crops, like tomatoes are over sown so spares a plenty.
We have a little association where you can buy compost, fertiliser etc for reduced prices but there is also a couple of fundraisers for the site each year. I see if the site you are on is similar because it's a good place to pick up plants. Our site even sells used gear like water butts if they have been donated or someone has moved on.

The advice I'd give would be to tame a small area big enough to grow what you really want to and only expand the varieties or space if you have enough time/energy to. It's far better to keep a smaller area well than extend yourself to much and get disheartened.

 

I've been quite shy with my neighbours so this is probably my sign to just go for it because that sounds like a great idea. So amazing that you have such a helpful community!

I will definitely keep this in mind, thank you!