When I took my first plot on last year, the couch grass was taller than me, and I'm not exactly tiny! I worked on the basis of cutting it all down to a manageable level first, then clear a section, plant, clear another, plant and so on. I did have to use glyphosphate on the bottom half of it but I never planted there last year.
Its worth asking the council if you can get a reduced first years rent because of the overgrown-ness of it. My council do that but apparently mine didn't qualify, even with 6 ft high weeds!
It it will be hard work, but it will be so worth it. keep taking pics as you go along because there will be times when you don't feel as though you are making any progress. It's a blank canvas if you want it to be.
You are the only person who can decide whether to take it or not. How long would it take for another plot to come up? There isn't any guarantee that the next plot would be in any better nick. There's no shame in waiting but how long fOr?
Feel free to shout with any questions. There are no silly questions, only silly answers lol
Great news Gardengirl yours looks like mine did: a rough field but mine had been cleared of rubbish and had one area dug.
Took all the good advice from here, thanks again everyone and digging, manuring bit at a time. Only gooseberry and raspberry canes in as yet and they ard in roughly dug-over ground.
Meanwhile working on fencing (hear from the old boys 'there be rabbits') Sowing seeds, beans, pea, mange tout, fennel and sweet corn so far.
As long as there is sixty percent cultivation on our plots the site manager is happy, so that takes the pressure off trying to do all at once.
Hope you feel you can take your plot on. Good luck!
Wow GG, at last a plot!! Looks no worse than mine did last year, its very daunting to start with a "field" but as all of us have learnt, do a bit at a time. Does it have a shed? if so get a good padlock and dont leave expensive tools if there is a break- in issue. Re wind and exposed area to footpath: you could plant some fruit bushes/hedging etc, check with the council if you can have the plot rent free until its cleared (thats what they offered me)
(just tried to upload photo of my "Field" before and after!
Hi, hope all are well. I haven't been on for a while, was rushed into hospstal with meningitus a few weeks ago.
Haven't read all the postings... but it's good to read everyone is beavering away with their plots and the chucks have moved into their new residence. Good luck with your new plot Gg, hope you've decided to keep it.
Feeling a lot better now although the slightest exersion is leaving me exhausted, came out of hospital yesterday and in need of inspiration, all my seedlings and everything in the GH has died. I can't drive due to double vision and am walking with a stick.
Plan A is to spend the afternoon sat in the backgarden sowing a few seeds. I haven't got a plan B.
Posts
Yay gardengirl
When I took my first plot on last year, the couch grass was taller than me, and I'm not exactly tiny! I worked on the basis of cutting it all down to a manageable level first, then clear a section, plant, clear another, plant and so on. I did have to use glyphosphate on the bottom half of it but I never planted there last year.
Its worth asking the council if you can get a reduced first years rent because of the overgrown-ness of it. My council do that but apparently mine didn't qualify, even with 6 ft high weeds!
It it will be hard work, but it will be so worth it. keep taking pics as you go along because there will be times when you don't feel as though you are making any progress. It's a blank canvas if you want it to be.
You are the only person who can decide whether to take it or not. How long would it take for another plot to come up? There isn't any guarantee that the next plot would be in any better nick. There's no shame in waiting but how long fOr?
Feel free to shout with any questions. There are no silly questions, only silly answers lol
Great news Gardengirl
yours looks like mine did: a rough field but mine had been cleared of rubbish and had one area dug.
Took all the good advice from here, thanks again everyone
and digging, manuring bit at a time. Only gooseberry and raspberry canes in as yet and they ard in roughly dug-over ground.
Meanwhile working on fencing (hear from the old boys 'there be rabbits') Sowing seeds, beans, pea, mange tout, fennel and sweet corn so far.
As long as there is sixty percent cultivation on our plots the site manager is happy, so that takes the pressure off trying to do all at once.
Hope you feel you can take your plot on. Good luck!
Wow GG, at last a plot!!
Looks no worse than mine did last year, its very daunting to start with a "field" but as all of us have learnt, do a bit at a time. Does it have a shed? if so get a good padlock and dont leave expensive tools if there is a break- in issue. Re wind and exposed area to footpath: you could plant some fruit bushes/hedging etc, check with the council if you can have the plot rent free until its cleared (thats what they offered me)
(just tried to upload photo of my "Field" before and after!
Thanks all, Does not have a shed
Hi, hope all are well. I haven't been on for a while, was rushed into hospstal with meningitus a few weeks ago.
Haven't read all the postings... but it's good to read everyone is beavering away with their plots and the chucks have moved into their new residence. Good luck with your new plot Gg, hope you've decided to keep it.
Feeling a lot better now although the slightest exersion is leaving me exhausted, came out of hospital yesterday
and in need of inspiration, all my seedlings and everything in the GH has died. I can't drive due to double vision and am walking with a stick.
Plan A is to spend the afternoon sat in the backgarden sowing a few seeds. I haven't got a plan B.
Oh you poor thing Zoomer, that's awful, hope you make a speedy recovery
Plan B might be to get some plug plants from the garden centre, not as much fun .
Oh no Zoomer ((hugs)) hope you get better soon, plugs sound like a good idea.
yay GGirl, you have a plot!
Went to the plot today with 2 of my boys and did some more digging and feeling really pleased with it.
Hey Garden Girl, have you decided yet, your keeping us on tender hooks
Sorry to hear that Zoomer, how awful for you and family. Take things steady
Plug plants sound a good idea, not as exciting as seeds but will
give a head start when its time to plant out.
Sorry to hear you've been so poorly Zoomer, my bestest wishes for a mega speedy recovery