Yes ! Yes ! Yes ! .... Got an allotment. See pictures

Hi

I have just been to see my new allotment, almost 4 1/2 years since I applied for one.

It's obviously too late to do much now, except for digging etc, trying to get things ready for a good start next year. I didn't bring my camera, but will do tomorrow, so I can upload some pictures.

I wouldn't mind getting some fruit bushes and maybe some rhubarb. Could these go in now ?

I say now, but I really mean in the next few weeks, after I've done a bit of planning. May as well try and come up with a decent sort of layout before planting anything.

If I did want some fruit (black currants, blackberries and raspberries) would I be able to perhaps take cuttings, assuming I find a friendly neighbour, or would it be better just to but plants in pots.

Is it worth digging over the plot and trying to pass the soil through a garden sieve, to get rid of any roots.

The plot is not really overgrown, but there are some crops there, which have been there since the previous holder left a few months ago.

thanks for any advice

 

Well done. I think the time is perfect, you can spend 6 months preparing your soil, marking the ground for which crop where, get loads of preparation in, next spring you will be off to a flying start.
If you were worrying about planting now you would be trying to take too much on.

 

I could even have a beehive too, if I wanted one. The plot next door already has a hive in it.

I did a beekeeping course this year and was ready to start, but decided a single hive is far from ideal. In my garden, the spot I had in my mind would have been OK for a single hive, but no more. Also, it receives the sun late, so I had to put the idea on hold. I developed a small website to match would-be beekeepers with folk with space.

For myself, the allotment could be a great spot .. but I better get the crops up and running. I can think about bees in 6 months or so.

 

Nice one. Congratulations

 

I see that other plots have polytunnels - this time of year can be the cheapest time to purchase one and get it erected for spring sowing/planting.

 

I am starting to dig, removing weeds as I go.

Would it be beneficial if I applied glyphosphate first, then maybe wait a couple of weeks before digging some more.

Does this weedkiller kill systemically, or just he top growth.

Maybe spraying would be best ... in the long run

 

Congratulations on getting your plot, long time to wait.
Glosphate kills down to the roots. I use roundup and spray it on, but don't do it when windy as the other plots will get some aswell. Leave for a couple if weeks and all should be dead and then you can dig it over and get some manure in.

Rusty

 

I would use Glyphosate to clear it, but bear in mind that it only works on plants/weeds that are in growth. Having said that, if the weeds are only annuals, might as well just dig them in as the seed will probably have already fallen. You will probably have a bit of a battle with the weeds next year, but the trick is to keep on top of them with regular hoeing.

 

It will be worth the wait, the hard work is the digging and then getting rid of all the
old weeds and rubbish, but it will all be worthwhile in the end

Just being nosey about the large man made high wall in picture 4 where the Wendy house is
it might the the time of year (sunshine wise) but it does create a shady area on some
of the plot.........and have to agree with Freddy about the hoeing as it makes light
work in removing weeds.