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A lot of work to do.......

Discussion in 'Allotments Discussion' started by Webmaster, Dec 26, 2013.

  1. Webmaster

    Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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    So, I went and made an enquiry with the local authority a couple of weeks ago with regards to the availability of allotments, I had a response the next working day, with the contact details of the guy in charge of the allotments nearest to me.

    I gave him a call the next evening and asked him different questions about rules etc asking also if I could grow Japanese Knotweed (as I like the flavour of it, and cannot buy it anywhere :D ). ....... He said No, I couldn't, laughing.

    I finally went down last Saturday to have a look at the available plots (there are a few there), I deally I wanted to put a shed on mine, he had 2 plots with sheds on already, but both 'need some work' (the plots, not the sheds), I chose the plot with the best shed, as both needed the same amount of work, and were almost as far as you could go from the entrance of the allotment, so getting a shed there would be enough work in itself.

    I do though, have to do quite a bit to clear it, it's last tenants had it for 2 years, but did nothing to it.

    The good thing is that it is 'rent free' until the end of March, as it does need work, and there isn't much that can be done with it as it is anyway.

    I'll upload a pic in the next day or two, but suffice to say, I have to clear the patch, and get rid of 2 'cheap' polytunnels that have buckled and fallen apart in the wind, a few tarps, carpet etc, though I did find 2x composters (the black plastic sectional types)....... I just need to muster the enthusiasm to get over there at some point and start clearing a bit.
     
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    • Jenny namaste

      Jenny namaste Total Gardener

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      Wishing you good luck with it - the next few weeks will be challenging to say the least. Looking forward to your piccies,
      Jenny
       
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      • Lolimac

        Lolimac Guest

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        Good luck with the new lottie @Webmaster :dbgrtmb:.....on Countryfile a few months back i saw them making a knotweed and custard tart,looked delish and they say it tastes like rhubarb:dunno: if i had Knotweed on my land i'd be cashing in on that;)....but i can understand their reluctance to grow it:biggrin:.....
        Sounds like you've a lot of work to do but that'll keep you out of mischief,looking forward to seeing your progress:dbgrtmb:
         
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        • Kristen

          Kristen Under gardener

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          All power to your elbow with your new allotment @Webmaster :dbgrtmb:
           
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          • Webmaster

            Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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            Okay peeps, here are a couple of images (taken from about the same spot), the shed you see at the far left, is approx 6x5, so is an ideal size for storing the essentials, and may even leave a small camping gas burner in there, for extended periods of allotment workings :D

            [​IMG]

            [​IMG]

            You can just make out the Blue tarps that need to be removed, there is also buried amongst the undergrowth, the remains of a polytunnel, which will need pulling out, the compost bins which I mentioned earlier are right close to the shed, one beside it on the left of the pic, and one about 4' towards where I took the picture on the left hand side.

            It would be nice to get some 'dryer' conditions, so that I can get over there and get started ......
             
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            • Phil A

              Phil A Guest

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              Nice one Nate :)

              Got any local GC Members to give you a hand? [​IMG]
               
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              • clueless1

                clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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                Phone the yanks, tell them that you've seen Edward Snowden hiding out at the coordinates of your allotment. Stand well back for a bit. They will then send in some heavy ordnance which will churn your allotment over nicely, ready for you to just start planting up in spring:dbgrtmb:
                 
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                • Trunky

                  Trunky ...who nose about gardening

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                  Don't know what you're planning to plant once you've cleared the plot @Webmaster, judging from the photos the soil will probably contain plenty of weed seeds and roots, which will compete with your new crops.

                  In the first year it may be a good idea to plant crops which cover the ground quickly and smother much of the weed growth.

                  My suggestions would be potatoes, or squashes and pumpkins, both of which, once established, will cover the soil and shade out all but the most competitive of weeds. :blue thumb:
                   
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                  • fileyboy

                    fileyboy Gardener

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                    Just a thought for you,could you just clear all rubbish i.e. tarps etc then hire a flame gun and burn of all your top rubbish,then just dig the plot over and leave as rough as you can so that any frost can get to work on any underlying rubbish.
                     
                  • clueless1

                    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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                    Slightly more serious than my previous suggestion, it might be a good idea to try to meet some of the neighbours. Where my dad's allotment is, they all know each other, and all know what kit each other has access to. If there is a local chap with a small tractor, maybe slip him a tenner to come in and turn it all over.
                     
                  • Webmaster

                    Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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                    After an hours work earlier today ...

                    [​IMG]

                    Surprising how good the soil is under the undergrowth :) , I have been pulling quite a few large mallows out, nettle root systems... And it is all coming up so easy at the moment, the soil seems to be right for clearing, and I reckon until the last tenants let it go, it was well tended.
                     
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                    • Freddy

                      Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                      Nice one Nathan:blue thumb:

                      The best bit of advice I can offer is, don't try to do it all at once, better I think to set little targets, otherwise it might become a chore. A good time I think to prepare an area for some cane fruits (if you plan to have some) as canes will be available shortly:blue thumb:
                       
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                      • Webmaster

                        Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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                        I'm trying to make room for a polytunnel, a lot like SteveR and Scrungee have got, so need to make the footprint :)
                         
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                        • Jenny namaste

                          Jenny namaste Total Gardener

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                          Wow,
                          you've started to get it worried . Little and often - listen to your body. Rests and intermittent cuppas,
                          Jenny
                          thanks for piccie update
                           
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                          • Hannah's Rose Garden

                            Hannah's Rose Garden Total Gardener

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                            Your so lucky! That's going to be such a nice Lottie. When we cleared mums we did a bit then set it up /planted
                            Then cleared another bit and sorted it. Breaks up the heavy work :)
                             
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