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Allotment Gardening

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  •  @Wilderbeast I don't remember exactly,  but I just followed the advice on the packet,  probably early March  (not very good at keeping exact records). I pricked them on into large plugs to grow on. They do seem to like a loose soil but they need plenty of water too. Some are not huge like the ones in the shops but I'm happy.  
    AB Still learning

  • WilderbeastWilderbeast Posts: 1,415
    @purplerallim I get the 125 Lt bags big and clumpy to move but only 7p per litre, I can't get compost at that price anywhere.

    I was after recommended varieties of chicory and radicchio, I'll definitely survive without them 😀
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Just found out they won't deliver here without ordering far too much for me to use, as well as being in those 125ltr bags @Wilderbeast, will have to see if the local timber guy is able to deliver compost for me again, not as cheap but at least I will get some.
  • GWRSGWRS Posts: 8,478
    Hello all , went to plot yesterday to lay slabs for 3 water butts 
    Today put some guttering up and connected 2 butts together , need to think about how I connect third ?
    Carrots , we & several others at allotments buy carrots 🥕 on a tape from Lidl 
  • celcius_kkwcelcius_kkw Posts: 753
    edited January 2021
    Hey guys, sorry for the late response, thank you all for your advice on the size of the beds.. I have taken your advice on board and stuck to mostly 2m beds so that I could easily access it from all directions. 

    I’ve been doing a little more digging last weekend and I’ve also laid down some weed suppressing membrane over my beds.



    When do you guys sow your carrot seeds? I read that it can be done as early as March? I am thinking of succession sowing every fortnightly from March onwards. 

    Also from what I read.. I should be digging in some sharp sand in prior to sowing.. especially given I am growing them in the ground instead of raised bed (so I won’t be filling the bed with compost). I would be interested to hear what your regimes are. 


  • WilderbeastWilderbeast Posts: 1,415
    @Allotment Boy thanks for the advice, shame there not growing now I have a plentiful supply of the wet stuff
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Up till now have sown carrots in the conservatory in March, and planted out in April ( at that time sown seeds directly for succession)
    I must admit the sown seed ones always come out best.
    As for how the bed gets a dig over ( as the previous year it's been potatoes) with maybe a bit of compost added if it needs it, but I do dibber a hole, fill with compost, and plant the seed on the top. It's supposed to help the carrots get started in soft soil, and worked very well last year.
  • GWRSGWRS Posts: 8,478
    Carrots 🥕 I grow them in pallet collars , sort of raised bed and the seed tapes mean no need to thin out both help stop carrot fly , usually sew out in March and put fleece over collars 
  • celcius_kkwcelcius_kkw Posts: 753
    edited January 2021
    @purplerallim @GWRS Thanks for the top tips! So neither of you dig in sand.. and maybe some compost if needed. I just looked up seed tapes as I didn’t know what they were but they sure sound most interesting. I’ve already purchased my seeds this year so I might just have to space them more meticulously to avoid having to thin them out.. 

    Are carrot seedlings frost hardy? I will be covering them with enviromesh cloche anyway but I’m not sure if that provides sufficient protection from frost especially if I sow direct outside in March... I suppose I could add an extra layer of fleece on top..
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Fleece them @celcius_kkw in March or wait till April is my suggestion, depends on how many you are planning to plant. I only have room for three sets, so don't need to plant too early. The down side of only having a small amount of room.😁
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