allotments

Jody · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 21 Dec 2011 Posts: 1

Helloi all, I'm new to the forum, so I'll jump right in. I'm thinking of starting a allotment in Rathfarnham, South Dublin, and I'm looking for some feedback.

Sive · Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 10:37 am Post subject:

Welcome to the forum Jody, you'll get plenty of help here......though most of us are still semi-hibernating and recovering from Christmas !

Greengage · Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 9:21 pm Post subject:

just ask any question and it will be answered welcome and good luck

emma · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 21

Hi Jodi,

I've just decided to do the exact same thing. i'm on the northside and have just found one that's literally a 5 minute walk from where I live. Am very excited about it but not sure where to start! Roll on the spring so I can get my hands dirty. Best of luck with your allotment!!!

michael brenock · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 5:34 pm Post subject:

welcome jody hope you come up with a few difficult questions to tax our brains and sharpen our wits.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

emma · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 21

Hi Guys,

Michael - I see you're a horticultural advisor. Like Jody, I've just signed up for an allotment and am totally new to this. Its 50m2. I was reading up on allotments for beginners. It seems to me that the best thing to do would be to have 4 raised beds as this is better for the soil drainage, easier to get at etc.

I won't have access to this allotment until 3rd week in Feb. Can you suggest any easy veg that are good for beginners to grow? Also, in relation to allotments, this may sound like a really stupid question but I'll ask it anyway, do you tend to get a lot of slugs in an allotment.. the reason I'm asking this question is because there's no grass or flowering plants on the allotment, so am thinking, maybe slugs won't be quiet as bad. They are the bane of my life in the garden so am dreading your answer!!!!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Emma

michael brenock · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:59 pm Post subject:

yes slugs will be present in allotments as elsewhere. They are part of gardening, they thrive on moisture and humus nice fresh green leaves and decaying plants. Provide conditions which they do not like, good drainage and no weeds. Use slug baits and traps. Part of the thrill of gardening is outsmarting the slugs.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

emma · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 21

Thanks for your reply! Hopefully I'll be able to keep them away!

Alex Newenham · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 06 Sep 2013 Posts: 2

I have had mixed results using old coffee grinds to deter slugs. Mixed, in that my lettuce still got eaten but my hostas were untouched. It does break down fairly quickly so you need to reapply. Just leave a circle of grinds around the plant Smile

Good guy · Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 6:51 pm Post subject:

I got totally fed up when, returning in early July from summer holidays, I found all my young lettuces had vanished. This despite coffee grounds, holly leaves, crushed shells and a pre-holiday campaign of slug-picking (I left flat bits of wood lying in likely places, as traps ).
So I invested in Nemaslug and followed the directions. Result - no slugs!!!! I will apply more before the soil cools and hopefully will have a much reduced problem next year. It doesn't kill snails, though. But then the thrushes need food, too!