My New BOL/Allotment Diary

[Arzosah]

Great stuff, Danny! Tell you what I always wonder about - when I see the work thats gone into an allotment, I do wonder about keeping all the soil bare - are you not tempted to put down some weed suppressant between the rows, at least? Maybe just membrane, or even several thicknesses of newspaper held down by old bricks? I understand that with the constant use, bark chippings would be a lot more trouble than they're worth. Its just that all that bare soil always makes me think "there must be such a lot of evaporation in the summer, and lots of space for weeds to grow ...

[Hillbilly]

damp places are excellent breeding ground for slugs.

[dannytsg]

Great stuff, Danny! Tell you what I always wonder about - when I see the work thats gone into an allotment, I do wonder about keeping all the soil bare - are you not tempted to put down some weed suppressant between the rows, at least? Maybe just membrane, or even several thicknesses of newspaper held down by old bricks? I understand that with the constant use, bark chippings would be a lot more trouble than they're worth. Its just that all that bare soil always makes me think "there must be such a lot of evaporation in the summer, and lots of space for weeds to grow ...

It is our intention once we have all of the raised beds de-weeded and turned over to cover them with a black tarp to try and surpress any weed growth further until we need the beds for use.

Bearing in mind we took this allotment on in February, in 3 months we have achieved quite a lot but it is still in a sorry state in some places due to the neglect from the previous holders.

I also have a few projects to get on the go in the interim. I am going to build a mini tunnel over the beds with the leeks and sugar snap peas in which will allow me to lay the green netting over it a lot more efficiently, rather than the quick hotch potch I have done with canes and bricks. I am also going to build a tipi on the bottom corner for my daughter/nephew/neice to play in when they are at the allotment.

[Arzosah]

It is our intention once we have all of the raised beds de-weeded and turned over to cover them with a black tarp to try and surpress any weed growth further until we need the beds for use.

Ah! Great minds, that will help in the future!

Bearing in mind we took this allotment on in February, in 3 months we have achieved quite a lot but it is still in a sorry state in some places due to the neglect from the previous holders.

Heavens yes, I hope you didn't think I was trying to imply something - I think you've done wonders with that allotment, the allotment society must be really pleased with you.

I also have a few projects to get on the go in the interim. I am going to build a mini tunnel over the beds with the leeks and sugar snap peas in which will allow me to lay the green netting over it a lot more efficiently, rather than the quick hotch potch I have done with canes and bricks. I am also going to build a tipi on the bottom corner for my daughter/nephew/neice to play in when they are at the allotment.

Having seen one other picture diary (based in a large garden, not an allotment) on another site, I think those sorts of things, that raise efficiency and ease of use, are a huge advantage to the pleasure and the production that you can get from the land. And using some of the land for a play tipi is a brilliant idea make it a happy place for the littl'uns to be and you're half way there to encouraging them to take part when they're older.

[dannytsg]

Just thought I would post a quick mock up photo of one of the projects.

I have some of this 1" blue tubing left over from when the polytunnels were built. I have decided that I am going to build a small tunnel using this tubing to cover my leeks and sugar snap peas. This should afford them plenty of room to grow whilst protecting them from overhead birds and potentially most insects.



As you can see it is my intention to put a peg in the ground on each side of the bed and then secure the 'pipe hoop' to the pegs. This will be done 4 times along the beds length and then covered with the green netting. This should afford a good degree of protection whilst still allowing mother natures goodness to reach them.

I am also picking up some 2.43m long bamboo canes this evening and erecting the tipi frame. I think this tipi is going to be for the adults as well as the kids given the size of it. It's going to be approx 8ft diameter and 8ft high. I am planning on getting my hands on an ex-surplus parachute and using that as the covering, nylon can be waterproofed and it will already be circular in shape and have a hold in the centre.

[featherstick]

It is our intention once we have all of the raised beds de-weeded and turned over to cover them with a black tarp to try and surpress any weed growth further until we need the beds for use.

A packet of fenugreek seed from the local Asian shop will provide the cheapest green manure there is, keep weeds down, boost soil fertility and structure, maintain microbial activity, and make the plot smell nice. I don't cover with tarp any longer.

I also have a few projects to get on the go in the interim. I am going to build a mini tunnel over the beds with the leeks and sugar snap peas in which will allow me to lay the green netting over it a lot more efficiently, rather than the quick hotch potch I have done with canes and bricks. I am also going to build a tipi on the bottom corner for my daughter/nephew/neice to play in when they are at the allotment.

The leeks don't need covering, the peas do though.

[dannytsg]

The Tipi frame is up and a pallet down for a raised floor. Just need to get some material covering now

[Arzosah]

And it's already a hit

[Decaff]

Loving the teepee, brings back happy memories of being in the garden as a young girlie making camps over the washing line with blankets and using the bamboo sticks from the veg plot to hold it open... Happy days!

[raz]

I was walking my dog earlier and went past an allotment normally id just walk past without taking notice but this thread has made me think about getting a plot so i was having a look at peoples set ups and think i saw urs lol