No problem in moving Rhubarb , as long as you have " bud " and don't pick any for the first year to let it build its self up again , a bit of compost/mulch around it helps , lots of good advice on GW and RHS web sites
Have not moved fruit bushes so can't help but with a bit of TLC , they should be OK !
Dividing your plot into sensible portions from which you can work from either side is a good idea as you don't compact the soil that you dig. Raspberries can be moved/planted this time of the year but not when the ground is frosty. Cut them right down when planted and don't expect fruit until the following year. Many make the mistake of fruiting in the first year and it weakens any plant for future years.
Congrats - I agree with GWRS about clearing a small bit first to start growing some manageable crops so you can appreciate some veg/salad fairly quickly, all the while planning about where you want beds/paths/sheds etc.
We did this with our allotment for the first year (growing salad crops, spring onions, runner beans and beetroot etc, and only in our second year finished making the beds and also a planting plan of what was going to go where.
Good luck! Just need this weather to improve now, its getting boring!
my advice would be : don't let it become a chore. As others have said, start small. Don't think you have to have it all up and running in one season. If you find it's too much, just use an area you can manage comfortably. If it's a chore, you'll hate it and give up. There's no shame in having part of the plot covered with a weed membrane as others have suggested. Remember ,the most important thing is that you enjoy it.I've known lots of people who are overwhelmed and give up. Start small, see results, and that will spur you on to the next bit. Good luck, AND ENJOY IT!!
Got mine Jan 2012, and I did a serious planning out as to the layout, before I got stuck in! What I wanted regards structures, sheds, greenhouse, polytunnel etc, then set too with a strimmer n brushcutter! cleared the working area first, so afore mentioned buildings could be erected, conciously knoking there was going to be a lot of hard work, I set up 3 temp beds in the growing area n sowed just a few stuff in way of return so as not to get disheartened
The results from them 3 little beds really speared us on!
And here we ar Two years in!
As others have said, a bit at a time, there will be blood, sweat n tears! But It's been "Bloody Good Fun" and the rewards we reap now are second to none! So "Go Break a Leg" All the very best to you with it Zoomer!
Thanks again, lots of good advise providing lots of idea's...starting work on the plot doesn't seem so overwelming now...
Deano, those pictures are truely inspiring. Will take some before, during and after pictures...
The plot hasn't been worked for several years and it's on a slope.I'm thinking, tiered beds. There is no fencing or compost bins, and there are rabbits and squirels which frequent the allotments so I'm searching for pallets for a fence and big brother has just donated a wheel barrow to the cause.
I'm gonna go for it with the fruit bushes, I can prepare a site for them and will aim to transplant at the end of February, they will be the initial inspiration to keep going.
Was going to start clearing the bottom of the plot for a shed, placed on a bed of levelled stones and boulders, it will be a place to shelter from the rain and store tools instead of bringing them each time.
I haven't got any wellies yet but Rome wasn't built in a day.
I'm currently hoping it doesn't rain this weekend and searching online for a shed, wellies and how to prune a fruit tree...
Posts
Invite all the fit young things in your family. Lay on food and a few bottles, and tools and Bob's your uncle.
No problem in moving Rhubarb , as long as you have " bud " and don't pick any for the first year to let it build its self up again , a bit of compost/mulch around it helps , lots of good advice on GW and RHS web sites
Have not moved fruit bushes so can't help but with a bit of TLC , they should be OK !
Wow, this place changes quicker than the summer garden
that's fantastic news Zoomer44 and so quick.
Most importantly now you have your allotment, enjoy it and good luck.
Congrats - I agree with GWRS about clearing a small bit first to start growing some manageable crops so you can appreciate some veg/salad fairly quickly, all the while planning about where you want beds/paths/sheds etc.
We did this with our allotment for the first year (growing salad crops, spring onions, runner beans and beetroot etc, and only in our second year finished making the beds and also a planting plan of what was going to go where.
Good luck! Just need this weather to improve now, its getting boring!
my advice would be : don't let it become a chore. As others have said, start small. Don't think you have to have it all up and running in one season. If you find it's too much, just use an area you can manage comfortably. If it's a chore, you'll hate it and give up. There's no shame in having part of the plot covered with a weed membrane as others have suggested. Remember ,the most important thing is that you enjoy it.I've known lots of people who are overwhelmed and give up. Start small, see results, and that will spur you on to the next bit. Good luck, AND ENJOY IT!!
Got mine Jan 2012, and I did a serious planning out as to the layout, before I got stuck in! What I wanted regards structures, sheds, greenhouse, polytunnel etc, then set too with a strimmer n brushcutter! cleared the working area first, so afore mentioned buildings could be erected, conciously knoking there was going to be a lot of hard work, I set up 3 temp beds in the growing area n sowed just a few stuff in way of return so as not to get disheartened
The results from them 3 little beds really speared us on!
And here we ar Two years in!
As others have said, a bit at a time, there will be blood, sweat n tears! But It's been "Bloody Good Fun" and the rewards we reap now are second to none! So "Go Break a Leg" All the very best to you with it Zoomer!
Well done Deano. I've rarely seen a better looking plot.
Thanks again, lots of good advise providing lots of idea's...starting work on the plot doesn't seem so overwelming now...
Deano, those pictures are truely inspiring. Will take some before, during and after pictures...
The plot hasn't been worked for several years and it's on a slope.I'm thinking, tiered beds. There is no fencing or compost bins, and there are rabbits and squirels which frequent the allotments so I'm searching for pallets for a fence and big brother has just donated a wheel barrow to the cause.
I'm gonna go for it with the fruit bushes, I can prepare a site for them and will aim to transplant at the end of February, they will be the initial inspiration to keep going.
Was going to start clearing the bottom of the plot for a shed, placed on a bed of levelled stones and boulders, it will be a place to shelter from the rain and store tools instead of bringing them each time
.
I haven't got any wellies yet but Rome wasn't built in a day.
I'm currently hoping it doesn't rain this weekend and searching online for a shed, wellies and how to prune a fruit tree...
Don't forget you need some seats for Tea Breaks , not just for a rest but also to admire your handy work
Best of luck