saracook31 Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 (edited) So I filled in an online application for some extra info, local allotments didn't cost anything like I though they would, so thinking even more seriously about it now... Haven't actually rang about availbility yet though... Say I decided yes and went through with it all this month, I'd probably have to sort all the beds etc out which would take a while..... So wondered what I could plant towards end of summer and for autumn? Want to make sure its worth starting now! Also wondering if I'm slightly crazy and being 21 should I get myself a life HAHA! Sara Edited July 28, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 You can plant crops of perpetual spinach, swiss chard carrots, winter cabbages, faster growing things like turnips, and late salad crops. In the late autumn you can plant broad beans and over wintering onions. The autumn is also a good time to plant fruit trees and bushes. look out for people on the site who have left over plants that you may be able to put to good use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saracook31 Posted July 8, 2009 Author Share Posted July 8, 2009 Thanks! Another thing.. I don't really understand the sizing of allotments. One of our local allotments only has 5 rod plots available.. how big are these? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperman Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 A standard allotment is 10 square rods, with a rod being 5.5 yards in length. So a 5 rod would be a half plot and still a decent sized lump of land 150 sq yards approx. Hope this helps. I hope I got my sums right too. Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy chickens! Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 I just have a half plot and it's more than enough! You're lucky if there is no waiting list - round here there are about 90 on the list! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saracook31 Posted July 8, 2009 Author Share Posted July 8, 2009 Thanks.. I understand now! Think 5 rods would be a good start then, rather than take on too much all in one go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 5 rods is a great size! Mine is about 1 rod Can still get a fair bit on it though And for what it's worth, I think getting an allotment IS getting a life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperman Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 And for what it's worth, I think getting an allotment IS getting a life! Seconded. Well said Snowy It is a cool hip and trendy thing to do, the average age on our site is 27. Ok I made that up but there are a lot of younger people taking on plots mostly thirty somethings like myself I would say. You have never lived until you have had three sackfulls of onions sitting on the kitchen floor and no real idea with what to do with them all Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 (edited) Thanks! Another thing.. I don't really understand the sizing of allotments. One of our local allotments only has 5 rod plots available.. how big are these? Snap it up!!!! I am 27 but went onto our local waiting list when i was 25!!!! they have now closed our waiting list to new applicants. I am still in the que!!! Allotments and GYO is very in my opinion! Edited July 9, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saracook31 Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 Well... Last night I went to have a sneaky look at the two closest allotments, the one which the internet said had only 5 rod available actually has no spaces left and a waiting list of 25 people! Been trying to contact the other allotment secretary since and just got through to his wife (he's out - probably picking his veg!) but she says there are spaces! woohoo! I'm just waiting for my phone call back at the mo, maybe a little excited! The rent is only £34 ish a year so feel I should just go for it as not much too lose! Will update soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saracook31 Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 Ok.. that was quicker than i thought! He rang back to say the plots left would need quite a bit of work which doesn't worry me too much, so we're meeting ther at half nine on saturday to have a look! Sounds quite elderly so just hope he doesn't forget! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 That was quick! But how brilliant that they still have spaces! Don't be put off by the hard work of clearing, but do look out for other potential problems (there may be good reasons why there are still spaces!) Thinking of ongoing problems with vandalism; waterlogged ground etc. Some plots may be better than others ( we only have 30 plots on our site and there are just two that have problems with waterlogged ground as they are in a slight dip) so worth looking at the lie of the land and talking to other plot holders. But as you said, £34 is not a lot to pay and you can give it up again if it's too much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 I agree with Snowy - take a good look at the land and other potential problems. If the problem seems to be just an overgrown site with pernicious weeds than it would still be worth taking but maybe looking at a longer term project? You may need to think about clearing and covering most of it with something to kill the weeds such as black polythene/cardboard sheet, weighted down/old carpet for the rest of the season and over winter. At least you would still have the plot and they will all soon be in short supply. You could still grow a small area of fast growing crops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saracook31 Posted July 10, 2009 Author Share Posted July 10, 2009 Well it is at one end of the local council estate which is probably why its not as popular as the other one. I know they've had vandalism years ago, but when I went to have a sneaky look it all looked pretty nice and kept well. With massive gates to stop intruders! Lots growing so hopefully a sign of good soil and conditions. If it all goes ok I just hope it doesn't take to long to get my key so I can get started! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 ooh, fingers crossed (and paws and wings ) our plot is the best thing we have done in a long time Kev has quite a good tan dinner is usually part if not all our own cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saracook31 Posted July 12, 2009 Author Share Posted July 12, 2009 Had a look around, all looks quite good, plenty growing and set out nicely. The plots available are very overgrown so the council are going to clear them before their open day (26th), the secretary said if we went to open day he should be able to hand a key over! Wahoo! Then we can burn off the old dry grass and weeds and get digging! Think we're borrowing a rotavator to do the worst! I've spent all weekend planning how to set it out and what I can plant first!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 excellent news!! Be careful rotovating if it is full of bindweed - you'll make 100 plants out of 1 and never be rid of it !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 Enjoy - half the fun is planning too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saracook31 Posted July 26, 2009 Author Share Posted July 26, 2009 ITS MINE!!! Been to the open day and he'd sorted and saved a plot for us, it is grassy with a few weeds but nothing to bad and the best they've got! We pick the key up this week and can get started right away, no rent to be paid for a few months either! Now I'm definately going to be busy planning how to set it out and where to start with what first! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 That is great news! I have spent this afternoon weeding my little plot that a friend and I are sharing. It is great fun isn`t it. Tonight is planning night! We should compare notes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saracook31 Posted July 28, 2009 Author Share Posted July 28, 2009 We picked up the gate key this morning and couldn't wait to get started so went down again as soon as I finished work! I'm determined to get some kale, caulis, brocolli and a few other bits in in time! Here are a couple of pics of our new project before any work... And me starting the first dig... Lots of dry grass, a few weeds and quite a few roots! Lets just say I couldn't wait for dinner and a sit down! Now I don't think I can get up again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 It looks fabulous Sara! - a lot of hard work for a while but you'll find it so rewarding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 That looks like a great plot and you're lucky that the grass isn't too high . Our allotment neighbours inherited a plot where the weeds were as tall as me but once the hard work is done, you'll really start to enjoy the benefits of being an allotmenteer . We love having an allotment and it's so wonderful taking home your own produce as there's nothing to beat that! Good luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 Looks great! a nice big plot. I know exactly how you feel about wanting to get started and stuff in! I have now cleared a 2m block so will be planting tomorrow hopefully! Loving the pictures...keep 'em coming! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 wow thats great a blank canvas to plant what YOU want to plant what are you going to plant first????? we got an azada - brilliant for digging, seems to take a lot less effort than a spade/fork too. have a look ****here**** for more information. I think Kev got ours from here I would highly recommend it. cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
