Allotment rental - Absolute beginer

Hi,
this is my first post, I'm hope Ive posted this in the right section.

A local farmer is offering rental of his land for allotments, the land is currently grassland. I can deal with arranging conditions of the rental with him and can learn the basics of gardening as I go along, but have no idea what I should be looking for in the land e.g soil conditions.

I know there is probably a lot of things I should be looking for with the land conditions and it is a big question to ask but any advice would be appreciated, or even a link to a website that has guides.

Thanks

Adam

 

Hi Adam. Welcome to GC. You are certainly starting with a big one. There is not a lot you can do really. I would get hold of a soil testing kit and test the ph. That will tell you if it is excessively alkaline or acid but basically, unless the soil has been polluted with something really horrible, if the price is right just take it I doubt it is too bad if it is grassed at the moment. It obviously is viable for something, in fact if it's been grass for a while it could be excellent.
I suggest that if you are happy with the rental, position etc. just go for it. Very few of us start out with perfect soil You have to improve it.

 

Hi Adam.

Although I'm unable to offer any advice on soil prep. if you can get a plot then go for it. I'm only just starting out growing vegetables in my own garden but have already put my name down for a council plot. I'm figuring that by the time I get one i'll be a vegetable growing guru. :D

Ant.

 

Hi Adam. The one piece of advice I`d give is, think about the watering ! Is there water nearby ? Cheers...freddy.