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New allotment OMG...

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  • Been at the allotment again today with 2 of my boys, I am loving being at the allotment! Just been doing some more weeding today. Am looking forward to planning what to grow next year

    Had a look at all the plots on the site and actually mine is not bad at all. As its autumn and I am not growing a lot over winter, it is giving me the chance to sort the plot out slowly, ready for next year without any pressure.

  • Zoomer44Zoomer44 Posts: 3,267

    Gg will try e-mailing pics from my phone, I really must try to embrace new technology more. Zoomer goes off to add this to a list of new yrs resolutions...embrace new technology...image

    I sometimes walk along the track to see other peoples plots and talking to other plot holders provides inspiration. You can also get a feel for what works and what doesn't. My old plot is looking very over grown.The new holders have allowed bindweed to flower and the poor plum tree has it growing through it's branches.  

    I've only been able to get down to the plot to clear stuff and feed the soil with muck. I've had a number of long health appointments and return to work on 2nd November so will only be able to go in the afternoons or weekends, weather permitting.

    On a posive note, have a list of winter jobs to do which involve developing the top of the plot. I've dug over and put in paths for 3 narrow veg beds to rotate stuff. I've got so far up the plot thorugh and a huge birch tree is sapping the moisture from  the soil, the jury is still out as to how to develop that areaimage.     

  • GWRSGWRS Posts: 8,478

    Zoomer , yes tree could be problem plus blocking out the sun , however , it must be a nice feature it is how you use it to your advantage image

    Idea could be raised beds with pla sheet with holes under the soil to help keep the moister in 

     

  • Zoomer44Zoomer44 Posts: 3,267

    Raised beds could be a strong contender for the area, wouldn't have thought to line the bottom of them.  I built a two section compost area out of pallets againt the top fence, which is just in front of the tree and have found the tree is causing the compost to dry out.

    I was thinking of planting bluebells under it and have already planted daffs, chives and garlic chives along the boundary fence and by the composting area.

    It is a nice tree and provides dappled shade at the top of the plot. A nesting box was put up at the start of the yr but no resident birds as yet.

    Ordered some seeds today from Kings Seeds through the allotment committee. We are members of The National Allotment Society and Kings do a discount catalogue for members, ever so cheap.

  • GWRSGWRS Posts: 8,478

    Hello, yes we use as well , get my seed potatoes ect from them , last year also got so aprasgus for a new bed , in fact just got new catalogue image

  • Gardengirl..Gardengirl.. Posts: 4,171

    Zoomer how about a bench to sit on , good if can with photos do those phones come with a lead to put pics on computers then you could just upload from my pictures

    kings seeds  - don't know if the allotment orders them in for us - know they have seeds in shop from them on wall  

    Sowed my sweet peas today and moved bits to coldframe

    Hello Stagbeetle pallet shed will be a while off yet clearing ground first having a holiday at mo at home to sort out garden here needs it,  If you making your shed for the kids does that mean you will need another shed for your tools? 

    GWRS I have a Kings catalogue and lots of others, tried the cape gooseberries not sure on them bit like a tomato with a kick  and I don't like tomatoes unless ketch up - will grow the plant again like the look with the flowers and soft leaves  

    Not heard from Roy for a while in Kent

    Hampshire Gardener
  • GWRSGWRS Posts: 8,478

    Hello , trying to get " chick peas " grew them 2 yeas ago and they where great , just not been able to find them

    Hoping to go to allottment tommrow won't to tidy up sprout bed , going to cut some of the leaves off , not done that before image

  • Gardengirl..Gardengirl.. Posts: 4,171

    GWRS  http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/item_1378b_chick_pea_principe_seeds   had a look on web not seen them in shops 

    did they have pretty flowers?

    Hampshire Gardener
  • GWRSGWRS Posts: 8,478

    Gardengirl thanks for info , can't remmber the flower , do remember you only get 1 pea per pod buts lots of them 

    Have been up allottment today just got back , having a beer before shower & dinner 

    main job was to tidy up sprouts , decided this year to cut lower leaves off , have been spraying for white fly but there  must have been thousands , could not believe it ! 

    Burnt the aspragus fronds and few other bits , that's why I need a shower it was a bit smokey 

    also  did a few other jobs and harvested leek , lettuce , beetroot ,turnips and last of runner beans 

    a good day image

    hope your allottment are going well image

  • thanks for all the tips everyone. 6 weeks in and all is going well and managed to get a greenhouse up.

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    I've managed to get a few things ordered from kings seeds through the allotment society too as their prices are reasonable. At the back though i'm looking at planting some grape vines (to the middle of the pic, behind the pile of grass).

    image

    Has anyone ever bought from Agroforesty before and know if they are any good? (https://www.agroforestry.co.uk/product/grape-vitis-lakemont/) the price is so much cheaper than places like victoriana.

    Have any of you grown grape vines before? I''ve got a 3.6m bed for it, and advice is that they should be planted 1.2 - 1.5m apart. Is 1.2 m really enough, as I thought grape vines spread quite a lot? (no-one in our allotments has tried to grow them yet, but being in leicestershire, and having a small vineyard further north nearby, i think they will). Thanks again

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