Random Musings > Grow Your Own

Just been offered a share of an allotment

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Bledlow:
My next door neighbour has got to the top of the waiting list, looked at the size of the plot, & panicked, so asked me if I'd like to share it.

I was going to look at the plot yesterday, but then my neighbour's partner's mother died & the partner hurried off to Italy for the funeral, so I'll have to wait a bit. Foolishly, I didn't ask about the rent straight away.

Apparently it's gone to grass, having been neglected for months. Not the best time of year to start, I think. Any suggestions on how to start getting something worthwhile out of it ASAP?

I'm tempted to take some cuttings from our blackcurrant bush.

ferret:
salad type stuff would be a start, digging over and applying muck ready for next year, generally getting the plot in to shape repairing paths around the edge, not sure what sort of size your plot is, been a while since I had an allotment, but I know a single plot won't appear that big after a while,

Bledlow:
The one thing we have plenty of growing in our tiny garden (because we eat a lot of it, it's relatively expensive, & it's nice to be able to pick bits when one wants) is salad stuff. We also have window boxes. I'll put some more in, of course, but I'm wondering if there's anything else I might fruitfully plant soon.

Intend to plant winter veg later. Got to find out what's on site & have a look at it ASAP. So far I have only a brief verbal report from someone who is now in Italy & has more important things to worry about. Tool store? How far to water tap? Compost heap/bin? Any perennials? What's the soil like?

Wobbly John:
I'd use roundup on an overgrown allotment at this time of year, and possibly a second dose if stuff grows back. Then start clearing & digging. If it is heavy soil, leaving it roughly dug over winter helps the frost break the soil down to a finer tilth.

I usually do currant bush cutting in the autumn - foot long bits pushed in the slot made by sticking the spade in the ground. They strike pretty easily and can be moved the following spring.

It's not too late o plant french beans & carrots (I planted some yesterday).

Bledlow:
Cool. I have some carrot seeds, & I may still have some beans.

I have strawberry runners which have rooted, & today I put down a couple of small pots for runners overhanging from the strawberry plants in pots, for later transplanting.

Got some radish & chard seeds, too, not planted because of lack of space.

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