New allotment owner!

yeyyy, I finally been told I have an allotment (2 years wait!), There are are 5 plots available on the same site and I have put my choices in order of preference, although, apparently I'm not top of the list so may not get my first choice...but to be honest I'm so excited I dont care which I get.
They are all very overgrown so lots of work ahead.
I now need lots of advice.
When I have prepared the plot...do I 1) get some winter/spring veg down quick or 2) keep it weeded throughout winter and wait for spring before planting?
I'm so excited its unbelievable... I had actually forgotten I was on the list, so the phone call yesterday was a lovely surprise.
Once its all signed I shall post some progress piccys.
All advice is so very much appreciated.
Thanks

 

"do I 1) get some winter/spring veg down quick"

I reckon you are getting pretty late.

Keen or not, its a lot of work to get a plot round and make it workable. So I would recommend you concentrate on that over the Winter,and be in Poll Position in the Spring to make a flying start.

You may be interested in the thread on my Crop Planning spreadsheet

 

Kirsten... I know you are right, you sound just like my Husband! he says.....calm down, its not even ours yet, lets see the work to do, lets do the work etc etc. I know they are wise words but i'm sooo excited.
I took the phone call this morning and was dancing round like I had won the lottery....lol

 

I'd be spending from now until next spring just making sure the fence is intact, clearing the weeds, digging it over, deciding where you're going to put paths, sheds, sectioned off bits, compost heap etc. There's plenty to do before you start planting. A bit of preperation will pay off. Remember the old saying (one that I wished I'd listened to on a few occassions): Failing to prepare = preparing to fail.

 

chill out and enjoy, you'll get there in the flippin end, nice one.

 

Thank everyone.
As soon as we 'move in' I'll take some photos.

 

Hi Alison. I'd be inclined clear a patch and to try to get something in, maybe some spring cabbages, although it might not be easy finding some plants. It's always nice to see something 'on the go' Otherwise some very good advice already given.

Cheers...freddy.

 

Well done Alison welcome to the wonderful world of allotmenteers!:D

I tend to agree with Freddy I think if you can clear even just a small patch of ground say 5ft x 10ft that will give you the buzz to stay interested in your plot.

The danger of getting your first allotment is not being able to work it or grow things after a little hard work sadly this is true of some of our Newbie plot holders from earlier this year on our site their plots have goen to pot!

But remember on an unworked plot it's hard work even planning where you're going 2 put things.

It's late for sowing spring cabbage but you should still be able to get them from say Dobbies and Japanese onions are available now too in set form.

I would get you little patch ready & if you do plant some cabbages put netting around them until your plot is sercure from rabbits because those critters will even eat your onions the cheeky devils! Good lucky honey.Hel.xxx

 

Thank you for all your advice...I have a lot of work ahead!

 

Hi all,

I'm in a similar position. I just got my new plot and have cleared a small area to plant something while I decided what I'm doing with the rest. Someone mentioned a green manure, would that be worth doing?

 

Hi JIm78. It's probably too late now for green manure, most things are shutting down for winter imo.
Cheers...freddy.