houndzrus Posted January 30, 2011 Report Share Posted January 30, 2011 We have just signed up for this 1/2 plot allotment not far from home. It's a blank canvas at the moment, but so far plans are small, just to grow potatoes, onions, carrots, courgettes for a start. We met lots of people up there this morning and someone is going to rotovate half of it for us. We won't be planting all of it, as we don't want to set ourselves up to fail. Dogs are allowed, so Jack and Cherry will be welcome when we're there. I'm busy planning the crops now Now all we need is a shed, a wheelbarrow and some tools What we can't get over is the price, £18 for the whole year! I thought that was very good Any tips anyone? How to avoid mistakes etc. Any ideas/tips gratefully recieved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mags Posted January 30, 2011 Report Share Posted January 30, 2011 How exciting. I look forward to more photos when things progress. We have to get our greenhouses sorted for the new season and there's a gardening club in our local pub which I will be attending when it starts back next month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zico's mum Posted January 30, 2011 Report Share Posted January 30, 2011 How exciting I did half heartedly consider it but as I loathe gardening probably not much point.Great that the Jack and Cherry can accompany you as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houndzrus Posted January 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2011 Thanks I'm busy looking at veg catalogues and keith is planning bits and pieces. The planning side is great, it's the DOING that falls short sometimes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesB Posted January 30, 2011 Report Share Posted January 30, 2011 Ooh Marge, I am mad with envy. There are 59 people in front of me on the waiting list around here and the council's advice to me was 'put your name on the list but don't hold your breath I'm really looking forward to seeing your updates and how you get on with it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houndzrus Posted January 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2011 Ooh Marge, I am mad with envy. There are 59 people in front of me on the waiting list around here and the council's advice to me was 'put your name on the list but don't hold your breath I'm really looking forward to seeing your updates and how you get on with it 59 people! I think we were just lucky with timing as a few people have only just recently given the plots up. No waiting list though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugapup Posted January 31, 2011 Report Share Posted January 31, 2011 My granddad had an allotment for years and we had wonderful times helping him. He had a comfy chair and a little primus stove so he could have a cup of tea and little bed in the corner for penny the old flat coated retriever. My Nan always said he spent more time at the allotment with penny than at home. This was always made the family laugh. It is hard work but rewarding so I hope you will have enjoyable and pleasant times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houndzrus Posted February 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2011 Still very much a work in progress, we have dismantled and moved a shed bought from Ebay and obtained a 1000ltr water butt. Had to have help only for the last move of the container as it was way too heavy for me to lift down the narrow allotment path. (Shed is on the pallets under the plastic sheeting) This weekend's work was a bit more challenging as there has been quite a lot of rainfall Ah well, every little helps! There's quite a bit of glass in the ground too, the green bag and two buckets held a lot of it (Next door allotment has just been told to shift his stuff. There's rather a lot of wood and they've nicknamed him Steptoe The bonfire is getting bigger. almost level now. What we want to do is put weedkiller over the top half (where the bonfire is)and cover with plastic. The other half will be planted up and there will be room for our shed and an area for us to sit with the dogs too. Here's the veg plan, just a guide really. Swede, Rhubarb, potatoes, courgette, shallots, onions, leeks, cabbage, cauliflower and brocolli. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houndzrus Posted February 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2011 today we added two more pests to our list. So far, we have to protect against moles, rabbits, red ants, mice, slugs, bugs and birds. Somehow, I don't think we will become self sufficient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griff Posted February 27, 2011 Report Share Posted February 27, 2011 Looking good a bit boggy then looks like you have both been working very hard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houndzrus Posted February 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2011 Looking good a bit boggy then looks like you have both been working very hard Just a bit! it is hard, but hopefully will be quite rewarding. If not, at least we will be fit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griff Posted February 27, 2011 Report Share Posted February 27, 2011 looks a bit like our back lawn my mum slipped over in the garden yesterday as it is so wet and slimy :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
safneo Posted February 27, 2011 Report Share Posted February 27, 2011 today we added two more pests to our list. So far, we have to protect against moles, rabbits, red ants, mice, slugs, bugs and birds. Somehow, I don't think we will become self sufficient. Not to mention mother nature! Are you allowed bonfires any time? We are only allowed two a year in October and March I think Just a bit! it is hard, but hopefully will be quite rewarding. If not, at least we will be fit Fit for nothing! I am knackered just looking at yours! We didnt get to ours today as got back to late. Went to pop in on way home from MIL but I had forgotten the gate key, despite hubby remembering the tape measure I am waiting for car boots to get off the ground for a spare set of tools to keep on the allotment. We have use of communal wheelbarrows so dont need one of those. Its exciting isnt it. Imagine what it will be like if anything grows! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houndzrus Posted February 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2011 looks a bit like our back lawn my mum slipped over in the garden yesterday as it is so wet and slimy That's what very nearly happened to me too, lots of times. Are you allowed bonfires any time? Fit for nothing! We didnt get to ours today as got back to late. Went to pop in on way home from MIL but I had forgotten the gate key, despite hubby remembering the tape measure We are allowed bonfires when the wind is in the right direction There are a couple of houses bordering one side, so it musn't blow in their direction. A communal wheelbarrow sounds great. We have borrowed one until I can get one from Ebay. Don't get me started on the key thing! Sometimes our gate is open when we get there, but that doesn't mean it will be open when we leave. I wouldn't want to get locked in. it is exciting (I never thought I would say that ) Poundland has some fleeces and other garden stuff and checkout Aldi and Lidl specials. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
safneo Posted February 27, 2011 Report Share Posted February 27, 2011 Thanks for the tips. Will nip into Aldi on Monday. We dont have a Lidl nearby that I know of. We are going to get some pallets too so we can make composting bunkers and some rubbish storage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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