My New BOL/Allotment Diary

[featherstick]

I have a notebook - what I've sown/grown where, what worked, esp. varieties, what the weather was like and so on.

But seriously, get up there, have a good look around, assess what needs to be done and what time and energy you can commit, and take it steady. Don't buy half the garden centre and then watch it die because you don't have space, fertility etc. Get to know the old boys and girls too - they will be a bit stand-offish at first as they will have seen so many people come and go in short order that they won't bother talking to you until they see you are sticking at it, but it's worth it as they will know the site, the problems, what does well, perhaps even what did well on your plot.

Harrison also has a website/forum with lots of info for beginners too.

Join Garden Organic!

They have stacks of planners, sowing guides, and so on available to members.

Enjoy!

[Brambles]

Yep, once again, I agree with featherstick. I too keep a notebook and write down what I grow where and what varieties. In your first year or two, could I recommend trying as many different varieties of what you want to grow as poss, that way you will find the right one for your plot and one with the flavour and other qualities you want. I had to give up on a favourite winter squash as it simply refused to grow at the allotment, but grew like a weed and produced bountiful harvest in the garden. I trialled several varieties last year and found one that does really well and one that does OK. It's all trial and error. I also found that Autumn sown Broad Beans do better than spring sown ones, and short pea varieties do better than trailing or tall ones. Again it's all down to trialling different varieties. Oh and featherstick is right again, get in with the old boys and girls. They'll have all the answers.

[Decaff]

Excellent advice thank you!

We climbed over the gate yesterday to work out which was our plot, armed with the map sent detailing the plots but it made no sense what so ever it's either for the wrong allotment site or from 30 years ago still, we had a great look around as we were the only ones there and some of the plots are absolutely huge!!! It was so peaceful, just us and some robins in the sunshine.

Been onto freecycle and Craig's list looking for a shed and small greenhouse and the lady downstairs has given me a few bits and pieces like potting trays, seeds, gloves, a trowel and a dibber oh and her key to the gate as she no longer has an allotment since her chap left.

Roll on tomorrow when we can find out exactly what we have! Bargain price of £12 per year with £3 discount as its March already.