[coolaboola]

I'm so very excited! I've got an allotment (lease to be signed in the next week or so) just 10 mins walk from my house.

The allotments have just been set up and haven't been used as allotments before. I haven't actually seen my plot yet (the plots haven't been assigned to their new tenants yet) but I think it is/was until recently under grass.

So what should I do once I get my mitts on my new plot?

Of course I'm keen to get growing but know it's shockin' late in the growning season to be getting started. Is there anything I could get growning now (beans? carrots?) Or should I focus my energy on preparing my site for Autumn planting (what can I plant in Autumn? Cabbage? Onions? Garlic?)?

What about any tips on laying out my plot (it's 8 x 10 m - not sure of orientation yet)? How many beds? How big? What else should I include - compost bin? Space for a little polytunnel or plastic greenhouse (if they're allowed)? Or helpful permanent plants I should be considering planting e.g. comfrey?

I'm interested in growing food crops and helper crops e.g. those that attract pollinators and incorporating companion planting and crop rotation into my plans.

Can't wait to get started and making use of any pearls of wisdom you have to offer

[Sive]

Congratulations ! Lots of hard work and fun ahead for you, good luck !

[michael brenock]

still time to sow lettuce, Spring onions, white turnips swedes. transplant broccoli. cauliflower, cabbages, savoys, kale. Sow seeds of Spring cabbage in July. Establish size and layouts of beds, paths and area for compost heap. dig out any perennial weeds present. As a guide rows and drills should run North/South. make four plots of the allotment all equal size.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[simonj]

Just as Michael says, dudes advice as always is great.

The only thing I'd add from what I learned this year is start trapping wireworms now, the sooner you get started, the less to worry about next year - this is definatley th case in a fresh grassy plot

Either make a trap or go for a raw spud on a stick

Enjoy the allotment, hope it gives you much joy

[coolaboola]

Thanks so much for your responses folks! Looking forward to getting stuck in soon. And very glad to read that there are plenty of plants (and pitfalls) for me to get stuck into once I get my mucky mitts on my allotment.